Genossenschaftliche Projektentwicklung von Wohnraum-Commons

This document presents a master's thesis titled "Genossenschaftliche Projektentwicklung von Wohnraum-Commons" by André Sacharow, submitted at TU Berlin on May 21, 2023. The thesis explores the development of communal living spaces through cooperative project development, emphasizing the socio-economic relationships created in the urban environment amidst various societal crises. The research advocates for understanding Commons as a means to foster self-organized solutions to housing challenges.

The study investigates the scalable development of housing Commons through cooperative project development. It highlights the intersections between self-organized Commons and professional project development, framing Commons as both a daily practice of sharing spaces and an institutional arrangement for solving communal issues. The research methodology includes case studies of three types of cooperatives in Berlin: traditional cooperatives, young cooperatives, and umbrella cooperatives, analyzed through expert interviews and document analysis.

The thesis reveals that Commons, defined as shared resources managed by communities, are inherently linked to the concept of cooperatives. It identifies various models of "commoning" at different levels, from institutionalized cooperatives to specific housing developments and communal spaces. The findings indicate a significant overlap between cooperative theory and Commons research, suggesting that practices of commoning can be structured and analyzed effectively through cooperatives.

Three case studies exemplify the project's objectives: 1. Beamten-Wohnungs-Verein zu Köpenick eG - Established in 1908, it manages over 5,400 apartments and has a member base of about 12,235. The cooperative's expansion strategies include acquiring land for long-term development and implementing sustainable practices to maintain affordability. 2. WBG „Am Ostseeplatz“ eG - Founded in 2000, it has aimed for an ambitious expansion with a focus on community living. This cooperative manages around 630 apartments and actively engages in social integration through specific housing projects. 3. TRNSFRM eG - A newer cooperative from 2016, it operates as a "non-profit developer" and manages projects with a focus on social impact and communal well-being. Its approach integrates cooperative principles into urban development, emphasizing accessibility and community-building.

The research underscores the potential for cooperative structures to address housing crises in urban areas through sustainable and community-oriented practices. By leveraging local knowledge and engagement, the study advocates for a transition towards housing models that prioritize collective ownership and the well-being of residents over profit maximization. This approach aligns with ongoing discussions in Europe about finding sustainable solutions to the pressing housing issues faced by many cities today.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the full thesis is publicly available at the following link: Genossenschaftliche Projektentwicklung von Wohnraum-Commons.