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Can70 senior cooperative housing: Aging in community

Created on 12-09-2024 | Updated on 16-10-2024

Can70 is the first senior co-housing project in the city of Barcelona, and the first to be constructed on public land in Spain, under the grant-of-use regime. It forms part of the umbrella cooperative, or cooperative of projects, Sostre Civic. Can70 pioneers a new way of living in the third age, where mutual support and collective living empower its members to take an active role in shaping their future. The project also reflects a public-community partnership, with the city council providing public land, reinforcing the project’s non-speculative and community-driven approach. The initiative began in 2015 when a group of friends started discussing their options as they grew older. It took many years for the group to solidify their project, develop their vision, navigate challenges, such as securing public support, finding land and financing, and building a strong community. In 2021, they achieved a milestone by securing a 99-year lease on a public plot from the city council, with construction set to begin soon. The project introduces several innovations in housing provision, design, management, and community-building. From the very beginning, the residents have been fully involved in making decisions, collaborating closely with architects and other experts. Their model emphasizes mutual support at the core of daily life, with a careful balance between communal and private spaces. The project also includes spaces for public use, further strengthening ties with the wider neighborhood. Can70 aims not only to create a strong, supportive community but also to serve as a replicable model for future senior co-housing projects.

Architect(s)
Peris+Torral

Location
Barcelona, Spain

Project (year)
2018-ongoing

Construction (year)
2024-2026

Housing type
Senior co-housing

Urban context
urban context

Construction system
Compressed earth blocks

Status
Unbuilt

Description

 

Community-led housing projects

The Can70 project exemplifies the significance of community-led housing initiatives, where residents actively participate in the decision making from initiation and planning to development. By engaging in the initial design and subsequent development stages, residents gain a profound sense of ownership. This involvement ensures that the project aligns with the values and aspirations of the dwellers. The community has established a governance structure to facilitate their participation, emphasizing consensus within the general assembly. This structure is composed of five commissions -community, governance, economy, architecture, and external affairs- which play pivotal roles in ensuring effective project management and community engagement. While residents take the lead, they still require resources, public support, and technical assistance to bring the project to fruition. The cooperative Sostre Civic has guided them in navigating legal, economic, and communication aspects with the public sector. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of synergy between community-driven initiatives and external expertise.

Care and mutual support

The community has recognized the importance of incorporating care and mutual support into their co-living model. Their goal is to live in an environment where their members actively support one another, creating a safety net that enhances well-being and quality of life. Through organized activities, informal interactions, and shared responsibilities, care will become an integral part of their daily lives. This way of living together contrasts with the institutionalization of senior care in nursing homes, which the members of Can70 aimed to avoid. Maintaining their autonomy while being part of a supportive community was a key motivation for the group. A significant aid in researching the connection between housing and care was the two-year effort to write the "Guide of Care in the Coliving of Elderly People." This project was supported by a grant from the Department of Elderly People of the City Council of Barcelona. Initially awarded for one year, the grant was extended for a second year. The group systematically explored what care means to them, and the resulting guide is available for everyone to consult, aiding new groups in similar endeavors.

Innovative living forms

The project integrates innovative architectural design and spatial distributions. The building features a spectrum of spaces ranging from private to public, enabling residents to utilize them in diverse ways. The publicly accessible areas of the building connect it with the neighbourhood, communal spaces foster socialization among the building’s inhabitants, and semi-private spaces act as thresholds between public and private realms, giving rise to a smaller nuclei of cohabitation within the building. Since residents plan to live there for the rest of their lives, an important decision was to have single-person units, even for couples. In that way, the person who loses a partner will not have to change their living unit and can continue living in their familiar environment. The group incorporated many apartments using the cluster typology, 4-5 private units of 30m² —each with a bathroom, bedroom, and small kitchenette— around a shared space of 50m², equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and small living room. This layout facilitates easier mutual care within smaller groups. It was also decided to include some conventional 45m² apartments for those who prefer less shared living arrangements. Finally, the building includes various communal spaces, including a shared kitchen, a reading area, and a day centre. An important feature is a semi-open communal space on every floor next to the vertical communication areas, enabling residents to socialise on each floor and seamlessly integrating communal spaces throughout the building.

Relationship to urban environment

The objective of the community has been to create a housing project integrated within the neighbourhood. Since the project is being developed on public land, one requirement of the city council for granting the land to the cooperative was to include public spaces on the ground floor. The group embraced this condition, having already envisioned areas open to the community. The building's ground floor will feature spaces accessible to the public during specific hours, including facilities for physiotherapy, potentially hydrotherapy, a day centre, and care services. Additionally, there will be activities open to the neighbourhood, such as discussions and presentations on well-being and elderly care, as well as storytelling sessions for young children. This approach ensures that the project's social impact extends beyond its residents, fostering social bonds and connections within the local community.

Environmental and social sustainability

From the outset, the group prioritized the project's environmental sustainability, which was evident in the decisions concerning the building's bioclimatic design, construction system, energy efficiency, and shared resources among residents. In collaboration with the architects, Peris+Toral, they chose compressed earth blocks for construction, a material that maintains a stable internal temperature and minimises the need for mechanical cooling or heating systems, thus reducing the environmental footprint of the building. Initially, the group considered using a wooden construction system (CLT), inspired by projects like La Borda in Barcelona. However, rising material cost of wood necessitated a plan change showcasing the group’s flexibility and commitment to find a sustainable solution. Sustainability is also reflected in the project’s various shared resources. The community plans to share daily meals in the communal dining area on the ground floor. Additionally, the clusters of the housing units will include a shared kitchen for four to five residents living together, allowing them to share groceries and take turns cooking. Furthermore, residents will also share laundry facilities. These decisions collectively enhance the project's overall sustainability and foster a strong sense of community.

Societal impact

Can70 will achieve a significant societal impact by envisioning and materializing an alternative model for ageing in the community. The group has created a co-housing project based on autonomy and mutual support among residents, demonstrating the crucial role of community participation in all project phases. This innovative approach highlights the benefits of co-living arrangements for the elderly, where shared responsibilities and collective decision-making contribute to a higher quality of life and increased well-being. In addition to providing a successful model for communal living, the project has also contributed to transform the current legal framework. Can70 has been the first senior project to be incorporated under the grant-of-use scheme, setting a precedent for future initiatives of older communities. This legal recognition paves the way for developing similar projects, allowing the scaling up of senior co-housing.

Alignment with project research areas

The Can70 project intersects with the three research areas outlined in the RE-DWELL program in the domains of design, planning, building, community participation, and policy and financing:

Design, Planning, and Building

Can70 exemplifies sustainable planning by integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions into its housing design. The project's emphasis on community involvement ensures that sustainability considerations are addressed at various scales, from the building to the neighbourhood level. It incorporates methods and tools to support environmental sustainability in its design, planning, and operation. Choices such as using compressed earth blocks and shared resources enhance the building's sustainability while promoting community engagement.

Community Participation

Can70 represents a community-led housing project with a very high degree of participation from its members. From its initiation to the construction phase, the group has been actively engaged, fostering a robust community, and collaboratively achieving their housing objectives. Can70 embodies collaborative principles by fostering sustainable dwellings through co-creation and resident participation.

Policy and Financing

Can70 explores policy innovations and regulatory instruments to support community-led social housing for older populations, such as the grant-of-use cooperative housing model. The project demonstrates a sustainable approach to housing provision by leveraging public-community partnerships and innovative procurement strategies. Can70 contributes to the discourse on social housing policies by advocating for collective infrastructures managed by the residents. The project's engagement with local governance frameworks highlights the importance of policy interventions and access to public land in promoting sustainable and inclusive housing solutions.

Design, planning and building

Community participation

Policy and financing

* This diagram is for illustrative purposes only based on the author’s interpretation of the above case study

Alignment with SDGs

Can70's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflects its multifaceted impact on social, economic, and environmental aspects, contributing to several of these goals directly and indirectly.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The project directly contributes to SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban development through community-led housing initiatives. By integrating environmental considerations, shared resources, facilities and spaces, Can70 fosters a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment. The project's emphasis on community participation and social integration also enhances the resilience and liveability of urban communities, aligning with SDG 11's objectives.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The initiative’s focus on care and mutual support promotes good health and well-being among its residents. By fostering a supportive environment, it enhances the quality of life of its older population. The project's emphasis on mutual support and access to care services further contributes to SDG 3 by ensuring that older populations and people with disabilities, have access to adequate housing and healthcare facilities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: It addresses inequalities by providing affordable and sustainable housing options for older adults, thereby reducing disparities in access to housing and social support services. Through its community-led approach, it empowers groups to participate in decision-making processes and shape their living environments, promoting social inclusion within the community.

SDG 13: Climate Action: The emphasis on environmental sustainability, such as its bioclimatic design and use of renewable resources, contributes to SDG 13 by mitigating the environmental impact of housing construction and operation. By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the project helps combat climate change and promotes climate-resilient communities.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaborative approach, involving partnerships with the public sector, community organizations, and technical experts, exemplifies SDG 17's call for multi-stakeholder synergies to achieve sustainable development objectives. By leveraging external expertise and resources, the project strengthens its capacity to address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, fostering sustainable partnerships for achieving common goals.

Related vocabulary

Community-led Housing

Financial Wellbeing

Grant-of-use cooperative housing

Area: Community participation

Community-led housing involves residents, often organised into community groups, actively participating in planning, designing, financing and managing housing projects to meet their specific needs and preferences. This active involvement nurtures a sense of community ownership and control. This sense of community encompasses  feelings of belonging, shared identity, and mutual support among the residents of a community-led housing initiatives. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "collaborative housing". Collaborative housing also refers to a participatory approach to housing development; however, the focus is on collaboration with the different stakeholders and encompasses various non-profit housing delivery models. While self-organised collective housing efforts are nothing new, a new wave of such initiatives has emerged in Europe since the 2000s (Lang et al., 2018; Tummers, 2016). In recent decades, market-provided housing has been the predominant model in Europe, often prioritising economic gain over the right to adequate shelter. The primary housing options from a tenure perspective are home ownership and rent, which are not always affordable for low-income groups (OECD, 2020, 2020). As a result, many communities are coming together to create secure and affordable housing solutions (Jarvis, 2015). However, the motivations behind these initiatives can vary among the involved groups and may reflect economic, ideological, social or ecological ideals (Caldenby et al., 2020). Some of these motivations include creating affordable homes, exploring more sustainable living practices, and fostering a sense of community and social cohesion. In contrast to other forms of collective housing, community-led housing schemes do not merely emphasize resource or living space sharing: they empower the community to play a proactive role in shaping their built and living environment. According to the Co-operative Councils Innovative Network (2018), community-led housing are developments that meet the following criteria: There is meaningful community engagement throughout the process, even if they did not initiate or build the scheme. The community has a long-term formal role in the ownership or management of the homes. The benefits of the scheme to the local area and/or specified community group are clearly defined and legally protected in perpetuity. Community-led housing can take diverse forms, contingent upon the extent of involvement from the participating communities and the specific type of development. These manifestations range from grassroots groups independently initiating projects to meet their housing needs, to community organizations spearheading housing initiatives. Additionally, developers, such as local authorities or housing associations, can initiate partnerships to provide housing solutions with a community-led component (Lang et al., 2020). Furthermore, concerning the development model, community-led housing can encompass constructing new homes, repurposing vacant homes and managing existing housing units. Each of these approaches has the potential to significantly influence the broader neighbourhood context (Fromm, 2012). The forms of community-led housing include: Housing cooperatives: These are groups of people who provide and collectively manage, homes for themselves as tenants or shared owners, based on democratic membership principles. Cohousing: These consist of like-minded people who come together to provide self-contained private homes for themselves while collectively managing their scheme and often sharing activities, including communal spaces. Cohousing can be developer-led, so it is important to examine whether cases meet the broad definition given above, rather than simply use the term cohousing as a marketing device. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): These are not-for-profit corporations that hold land as a community asset and serve as long-term providers of rental housing or shared ownership. Self-help housing: Small, community-based organisations bringing empty properties back into use, often without mainstream funding and with a strong emphasis on construction skills training and support. Tenant-Managed Organisations: They provide social housing tenants with collective responsibility for managing and maintaining the homes through an agreement with their council or housing association.   These models are adaptable and not mutually exclusive; for example, a co-housing group could choose to establish either a cooperative or a Community Land Trust (CLT). It is important to note that there are variations in how these models are applied in different contexts and countries. For local authorities, community-led housing offers several advantages. It improves the housing supply and the availability of affordable homes, diversifying the housing market while ensuring the long-term affordability of housing units. Additionally, community-led housing supports urban regeneration efforts and repurposes vacant homes. It has the potential to empower communities so that they become more self-sufficient. By involving residents in addressing their housing needs, these initiatives provide opportunities for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, mono-parental families, etc., to live in supportive communities. Such housing schemes can be developed in various contexts, offering solutions for different housing challenges, including informal settlements, former refugee camps, and the heavily owner-occupied housing markets of South and Eastern Europe.

Created on 05-10-2023

Author: Z.Tzika (ESR10)

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Area: Design, planning and building

Financial wellbeing is an emerging concept with valyrious definitions, many of which focus on the financial capabilities of individuals. A household's financial wellbeing encompasses its capacity to comfortably meet current and ongoing financial responsibilities, fostering a sense of security about future obligations while enjoying the ability to make life choices (Aubrey et al., 2022). Riitsalu et al. (2023) describe it as "feeling good about one's personal financial situation and being able to afford a desirable lifestyle both now and in the future" (p.2). Brüggen et al. (2017:229) frame it as "the perception of being able to sustain current and anticipated desired living standards and financial freedom." This perception highlights the robust link of financial wellbeing influencing human wellbeing, which is a combination of "feeling good and functioning well" (Ruggeri et al., 2020:1). Other terminologies are used interchangeably to describe financial wellbeing, including financial health, financial resilience, and financial freedom (Riitsalu et al., 2023).     In the UK, the public health sector cares to raise awareness of financial wellbeing due to its impact on households' health and populations' productivity. On their official website page on Financial Wellbeing, they used the definition by The Money and Pension Service (Gov.UK, 2022: online) as follows:   "Feeling secure and in control of your finances, both now and in the future. It's knowing that you can pay the bills today, can deal with the unexpected, and are on track for a healthy financial future."   These explanations and the terminology used, including "afford" and "sustain," underscore the interconnections between financial wellbeing and the vital components of household life. These components encompass mental health, productivity, and pursuing economic sustainability in the present and future. Therefore, a household's financial wellbeing is pressured by various housing-related factors, including the costs of renting or buying and non-housing costs like utility bills and repairs, all of which can affect the household's income.   The issue of rising housing costs directly undermines financial wellbeing. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including increased construction costs, labour shortages, and rising material prices (Brysch & Czischke, 2021). Furthermore, there is a notable shortage in affordable and social housing supply (Emekci, 2021; Gov.UK, 2022). This scarcity is partly due to decreased public investment in new dwellings (Housing Europe, 2021; OECD, 2020). This issue further burdens low-income households who face high private rental costs and a gradual reduction in housing benefits (Tinson & Clair, 2020).   This issue also leads many households to cut back on essential needs. For instance, interviews with social housing residents in Scotland with low to modest incomes revealed a tendency to prioritize rent payments over other necessities, such as food and heating (Garnham et al., 2022). Similarly, Adabre and Chan (2019), , citing Salvi del Pero et al. (2016), warned that:   "Households who are overburdened by housing cost may cut back on other important needs such as health care and diet. Besides, in the medium term, households may trade-off costs for lower quality housing such as smaller size of rooms and housing in poorer locations which lack better access to education and other social amenities. The latter has often been cited as the cause of residential segregation."   Another financial burden is non-housing costs involving energy costs for heating (AHC, 2019; Stone et al., 2011). According to Lee et al. (2022), this issue persists, contributing to financial strain and even excess winter deaths in the UK. Poor housing quality raises energy bills (AHC, 2019; Lameira et al., 2022). It presents the risk of considering dwellings as affordable due to local authority support focusing on housing costs alone (Granath Hansson & Lundgren, 2019), regardless of its quality impacting energy bills (OECD, 2020). Social housing residents, particularly the ageing population and those living in poverty are at increased risk of fuel poverty (Tu et al., 2022). Fuel poverty occurs when more than 10% of a household's income goes towards energy consumption for heating (Howden-Chapman et al., 2012).   Looking forward, two factors could continue burdening households’ financial wellbeing. One factor is the fluctuating energy prices that are often increasing, such as the case in the UK (Bolton, 2024). Another factor is the impact of climate change, leading to colder winters and the potential for overheating, increasing energy demand during extreme weather conditions, as warned by the Committee of Climate Change in the UK (Holmes et al., 2019).   Non-housing costs associated with extensive housing repairs can also impact household financial wellbeing, which may arise from several factors. For instance, selecting low-quality construction materials, workforce or equipment to reduce construction costs might lead to increased repair costs over time (Emekci, 2021). Hopkin et al. (2017) highlighted a related issue in England, where new housing defects were believed to be partly attributed to the building industry's prioritization of profitability over customer satisfaction. Another factor could be improper periodic maintenance, potentially accelerating the physical deterioration of the dwelling (Kwon et al., 2020). Additionally, dwellings may fall into disrepair due to unresponsive maintenance services from housing providers, and residents may lack the financial means to cover repair costs themselves (Garnham et al., 2022).     Financial wellbeing is closely tied to household income. Low-income households are particularly vulnerable to being burdened by rising housing costs (Housing Europe, 2021; OECD, 2020), leading to financial insecurity (Hick et al., 2022). In addition, they might suffer housing deprivation due to the increasing housing and non-housing expenses coupled with their declining incomes (Emekci, 2021; Wilson & Barton, 2018). The financial pressure due to low income is further exacerbated if a household member has a disability or severe illness, potentially consuming up to 35% of their income (AHC, 2019). Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic period highlighted households' financial wellbeing vulnerability to housing-related financial challenges (Brandily et al., 2020; Hick et al., 2022; National Housing Federation, 2020). During this period, job losses led to difficulties covering housing and non-housing costs, with a third of low-income social housing residents burdened by housing costs (OECD, 2020).   The issues discussed above on dwellings being of poor quality or unaffordable harm financial wellbeing, leading to residential segregation (Adabre & Chan, 2019; Salvi del Pero et al., 2016) as well as intensifying gaps of social injustice, health injustice, poverty, and fuel poverty (Barker, 2020; Garnham et al., 2022). Without addressing those housing-related issues, many households' financial wellbeing would remain vulnerable to economic insecurity even if they live in housing considered to be "affordable" in terms of rent-to-income ratio.

Created on 14-10-2024

Author: A.Elghandour (ESR4), K.Hadjri (Supervisor)

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Area: Design, planning and building

Grant-of-use housing cooperatives represent a specific type of cooperative housing, which is a distinct category of community-led or collaborative housing (Czischke et al., 2020). Cooperative housing is a legal form where members collectively provide, own or manage the property. In the grant-of-use type, members rather than owning individual units outright, hold shares or memberships that grant them the right to occupy specific dwellings within the building or the complex. Since occupancy rights are tied to membership rather than ownership of physical property, the aim is the creation of non-speculative housing options (Sostre Civic, 2017), as residents cannot sell their units. By discouraging speculative behaviour, the model promotes long-term residency and stable housing conditions. Such shared equity cooperatives have appeared under various names in different countries, such as: - ‘Andelsbolig’ in Denmark - ‘Cooperativas de vivienda por ayuda mutua’ in Uruguay - ‘Cooperativas de cesión de uso’ in Spain - 'Wohnbau Genossenschaft’ in Germany At its core, a grant-of-use housing cooperative operates on principles of democratic governance and collective decision-making. Members typically have equal voting rights regardless of the size of their dwelling or the number of shares they hold, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Decisions regarding maintenance, renovations, financial matters, and communal living are made through democratic processes such as general assemblies and commissions (Girbés-Peco et al., 2020). In some cases, the grant-of-use model is publicly supported by local administrations.  For example, in Catalonia, grant-of-use cooperative housing falls under the agenda of social housing. This legal framework imposes certain restrictions and guidelines on the one hand and access to resources on the other, to ensure affordability and equitable access. Budget constraints, floor area limits, eligibility criteria based on income thresholds, as well as long-term public ownership contribute to maintaining the cooperative’s mission (Avilla-Royo et al., 2021). The financial structure of grant-of-use cooperatives can vary depending on factors such as location, size, and public support or subsidies. In some cooperatives, members may pay monthly charges, similar to a rent, to cover operating expenses, property taxes, and mortgage payments if applicable. These charges are typically determined based on the cooperative's budget and may be adjusted periodically through democratic decision-making processes. Additionally, members may be required to make an initial contribution in the form of share purchases or membership fees, which contribute to the cooperative's capital reserves and may be refundable upon leaving the cooperative. One of the primary advantages of grant-of-use cooperatives is their potential to provide affordable and stable housing for its members. By pooling resources and sharing expenses, cooperatives can offer housing options at lower costs than traditional homeownership or rental markets. Moreover, the democratic governance structure of cooperatives empowers members to have a say and prioritize the needs of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. Grant-of-use cooperatives can also promote sustainable and community-oriented living. Shared spaces and services, such as communal spaces, or shared amenities, reduce the environmental impact and enhancing social connections within the cooperative. Additionally, the emphasis on democratic decision-making and collective ownership fosters a sense of accountability and mutual support among members, contributing to a stronger sense of community and social cohesion. However, grant-of-use cooperatives also face challenges and limitations. The success of a cooperative depends heavily on the active participation and cooperation of its members, and conflicts or disagreements can arise. As these processes are usually long, effective communication, conflict resolution mechanisms, and ongoing member engagement are essential. Furthermore, grant-of-use cooperatives may encounter obstacles related to legal and regulatory frameworks, financing options, and access to land. Grant-of-use housing cooperatives challenge conventional notions of property ownership, housing provision and individualistic ways of living. By combining collective ownership with individual usage rights, they offer an alternative path toward sustainable, community-oriented housing. As cities grapple with housing affordability, grant-of-use cooperatives provide one -among others- promising solutions that prioritizes people over profit.

Created on 14-10-2024

Author: Z.Tzika (ESR10)

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Sostre Civic: Social Transformation through the Grant-of-use housing model

Posted on 25-11-2024

The housing crisis in Catalonia, as in much of Europe, has left many people struggling to access stable and affordable homes, as recently evidenced by the recent massive housing demonstrations. This reflects growing public frustration with raising rents and a speculative housing market that prioritizes profit over people. In this context, Sostre Civic has emerged as a key advocate for alternative housing models, challenging the dominance of speculative and profit-driven approaches. During my secondment with Sostre Civic, I had the opportunity to visit several projects, engage with residents, participate in activities organized by the cooperative and its various groups, and deepen my understanding of this alternative housing model.   A Democratic Approach to Housing Founded in 2004, Sostre Civic is a non-profit cooperative that serves as an umbrella organization to support housing cooperative groups. Over the past decade, the organization has significantly scaled up, creating and supporting a diverse range of housing projects. These initiatives offer varied typologies, tenure models, group compositions, and approaches to accessing land, achieving the diversification of the housing landscape. Membership in Sostre Cívic is open to everyone, allowing individuals to contribute to the collective governance of the organization and shape its mission. Decisions are made collectively, ensuring that the cooperative remains grounded in the values and needs of its members. Cooperative housing projects are not independent initiatives within Sostre Civic; they are integral to the organization as a whole. This means that residents are members of Sostre Cívic and must meet social housing criteria. Currently Sostre Civic has: 25 housing projects, spanning urban and rural contexts. A growing membership of over 1500 members. Numerous groups in the process of forming new housing initiatives. Projects have spread from the city of Barcelona to the rest of Catalonia This expansion reflects the increasing demand for non-speculative, people-centered housing solutions.   Housing Through the Right-of-Use Model Central to Sostre Cívic’s mission is the right-of-use model, which moves away from traditional ownership and rental systems. This model operates based on key principles: Collective Ownership: The property is either retained by the cooperative or held publicly, ensuring it remains permanently outside speculative markets and serves as a long-term resource for affordable housing. Residents manage their project collectively and enjoy indefinite rights to live in the building. Affordability: Members pay an initial entry fee and a monthly fee, both of which are designed to be significantly lower than market rates. These fees are directly tied to the costs of the project and are not influenced by real estate market fluctuations. In this direction, Sostre Civic has created the first cooperative construction company in Catalonia. Stability and Flexibility: Residents have long-term housing security while retaining the option to transfer their right of use if they choose to leave, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for new members. This model not only provides housing security but also safeguards affordability for future generations, creating a sustainable alternative to speculative property markets.   Advocacy for Systemic Change In addition to developing and supporting housing projects, Sostre Cívic is also advocating for systemic change in housing policy. The organization tries to address structural barriers and promote cooperative housing as a viable solution to the housing crisis. Their advocacy efforts include: Promoting access to public land for cooperative housing projects, ensuring land serves social purposes rather than speculative interests. Simplifying bureaucratic processes to facilitate the creation and expansion of non-speculative housing. Developing financing mechanisms to access private land and support new projects, making cooperative housing accessible to a wider and more diverse population. Raising public awareness of cooperative housing as a scalable and effective solution to the housing crisis. Through these efforts, Sostre Civic works to embed cooperative housing into broader housing policies, ensuring the long-term viability and growth of this model.   By studying the cases of Sostre Civic, I had the opportunity to witness that alternative approaches to housing provision and ways of dwelling are possible. While challenges remain, the grant-of-use model has been evolving, providing valuable experimentation and insights into creating more equitable and sustainable ways to address housing needs.

Author: Z.Tzika (ESR10)

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Cooperative housing in Barcelona

Posted on 01-02-2023

Cooperative, community-led, or collaborative forms of housing appear as collective responses to the way we inhabit. At times they are perceived as experimentations in a certain socio-spatial context that seek to push the limits, question or re-interpret existing practices of inhabiting. As a phenomenon tends to reappear and grow in periods where the mechanisms in place for the provision and distribution of housing are not providing solutions (or adequate solutions) for all households. The main values that have been identified as drivers of such initiatives are: fostering a communal way of living, seeking affordable solutions through collective action, rethinking the ecological impact of housing, and addressing gender equality, as well as aging issues. The difference between cooperative housing and market or state-provided housing is that it attempts to overlap three aspects of housing that are usually separated: property, development of housing, and participation in decision-making (Lacol et al., 2018).   In the last months, I have been conducting my case study research in Barcelona, as part of my secondment, where there is a renewed interest in this form of housing. Since its initiation, starting from bottom-up collectives, and neighborhood movements, and growing towards more parts of society, the groups manifest for the right to housing, stressing the importance of the engagement of the inhabitants and the creation of non-speculative and long-term affordable housing. Currently, there is a collective effort in place, from the groups and the support organisations, to promote the model and make it more inclusive. A platform was created at the regional level, where all the cooperatives participate to discuss the evolution of the model. The values that the platform is highlighting as the core of the model, and the ones to reinforce and improve are (XES, 2019):   Non-profit and collective property The cooperatives use collective tenure forms, through long-term and secure access to housing but without the possibility of owning the property and making a profit out of it.   Community engagement and self-management The participation of the inhabitants in the decision-making is at the core of this model. As each group is different, with different priorities, resources, and skills, community engagement can take different forms.   Affordable and inclusive housing One of the key stakes of the model is affordability. The main mechanism for that was initially the grant of use of land, instead of buying it. However, as the model is evolving more mechanisms are being tested and implemented to include more people.   Replicability Collaboration and exchange of knowledge are being promoted among the groups. As practices are being shared and knowledge is being slowly generated, we can look at the lessons learned and understand the critical points.   Sustainability Most of the cases are opting for sustainable housing solutions, by focusing on low-carbon materials, the passive design of the building, and renewable energies. As we are in a moment, when energy and material prices are increasing because of inflation, we see how the trends of the material choices of the initial projects are changing towards locally produced ones.   References: Lacol, la Ciutat Invisible, & la Dinamo Fundación. (2018). Habitar en comunidad : la vivienda cooperativa en cesión de uso. Catarata. XES. (2019). Regulatory principles of cooperative housing in grant of use by the sector for cooperative and transformative housing of the social and solidarity economy network of Catalonia. https://decidim.xes.cat/assemblies/habitatge

Author: Z.Tzika (ESR10)

Secondments

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