Context and source
“Mapping social innovation and collaboration in housing – Co-Lab Mapping” is a Europe-focused research project published by Co-Lab Mapping. The page describes work developed in collaboration with Urbamonde, with support from the Dutch architecture firm Inbo. The authors are not named on the page, and the resource is presented as a research paper about collaborative housing and how to map and compare it across countries.
Why collaborative housing data needs mapping
The resource explains that research on collaborative housing has largely relied on qualitative case studies. While umbrella organisations collect data on certain forms of collaborative housing at regional and national levels, the information is described as scattered. A further problem highlighted is the lack of standard definitions, which limits comparative understanding of both the challenges and the opportunities associated with collaborative housing. The project argues that comparable, structured data is needed to enable mutual learning and communication among users across different countries and regions.
Conceptual framework and what the project adds
Co-Lab Mapping builds on a conceptualisation of collaborative housing proposed by Lang, Carriou & Czischke (2020). The project is described as an initial scientific step to create a validated categorisation of different collaborative housing forms in Europe. In addition to developing categories, it begins aggregating data supplied by national umbrella organisations, using a set of pre-established filters. The stated goal is to create a basis for comparing and analysing the most salient characteristics of collaborative housing, supporting both scientific and applied debates. 🇪🇺 Geographic coverage and institutional actors The mapping work focuses on nine European countries where collaborative housing forms are presented as well established and represented by national umbrella organisations: Belgium, Denmark, England and Wales, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These national umbrella organisations are positioned as key contributors to the aggregated dataset and cross-country comparability.
Research design and methods used
The resource outlines an iterative data collection approach combining multiple techniques. These include interviews with key informants, a literature review, and a Delphi panel carried out in two rounds to gather insights from academic and practitioner experts from the selected countries. It also mentions reviewing several national databases and conducting a validation workshop with research partners. The page includes a figure illustrating the research process.
Funding and support
According to the page, the project received a grant from the Creative Industry – KIEM programme, an NWO programme intended to encourage and facilitate fundamental and industrial research. It also notes earlier funding for the project’s initial phases through a Delft Technology Fellowship awarded to Dr. Czischke in 2014, supporting work from January 2018 to December 2019.
Intended contribution for sustainable housing discussions
Overall, the resource positions Co-Lab Mapping as a way to strengthen European-level understanding of collaborative housing by validating categories and aggregating cross-national data. By standardising filters and drawing on umbrella organisations, expert input, and validation activities, it aims to improve the evidence base for comparing collaborative housing models and for communication and learning across countries and regions.