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Learn moreContext of the Research
The academic paper titled "Beyond collective property: a typology of collaborative housing in Europe" was published in September 2022 in the International Journal of Housing Policy. This journal is known for addressing pressing issues in housing policy and promoting scholarly research in the field. The study was authored by Emma Jo Griffith, Mirte Jepma, and Federico Savini, who are affiliated with the University of Amsterdam. Their research aims to explore the diversity of collaborative housing models across Europe, moving beyond traditional private or public ownership frameworks.
Key Findings
The authors conducted an extensive analysis of 100 collaborative housing cases across several European countries, including Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany. This research led to the establishment of a typology framework consisting of three main dimensions: architecture, institutional setup, and organization.
Typology Framework
- Architecture: This dimension considers factors such as estate size and the design of shared spaces. The projects analyzed range from small communities with fewer than 10 members to large-scale developments with over 100 residents. The research identified two main sharing regimes among the projects: - Sharing only extra spaces like gardens and parking. - Sharing both functional and essential spaces, such as kitchens and laundry facilities.
- Institutional Setup: This aspect examines the legal status and distribution of property rights within collaborative housing. The findings indicate that projects may operate under formal legal recognition or exist in a trans-legal status. Property rights can be either dispersed among multiple entities or concentrated within a single group. Additionally, management styles vary, with some projects being self-managed while others are professionally managed.
- Organization: The study highlights five main value orientations that guide collaborative housing initiatives: - Eco-communitarian values - Intergenerational approaches - Identity-based frameworks - Affordability-focused models - Service provision priorities
Research Context
The study arose from a need to comprehend the diversity of collaborative housing forms in greater detail. The researchers conducted a content analysis of project websites and social media, engaged with ten experts through interviews, and performed an in-depth case study of the 4Stelle Hotel in Rome. This multi-faceted approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of how collaborative housing can operate across different contexts.
Significance of the Research
The research provides the first comprehensive typology for comparing collaborative housing projects across various European contexts. It challenges oversimplified assumptions about collaborative housing, showcasing that successful initiatives can exist at different scales and feature diverse combinations of characteristics. The typology serves as a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers seeking to analyze the complexity of these housing initiatives.
In conclusion, the study illustrates that collaborative housing is more diverse and intricate than previously recognized. Projects exhibit various combinations of architectural, institutional, and organizational features, laying a solid foundation for further nuanced international comparative research in the field of collaborative housing. This work contributes significantly to the understanding of sustainable housing solutions in Europe, making it a relevant resource for stakeholders interested in this area.