To redesign ownership, we need a map.

The document titled "To redesign ownership, we need a map" was published by Open Systems Lab, authored by Alastair Parvin in May 2023. It discusses the urgent need for a new framework to understand property ownership, which stands at the center of various societal crises, including housing shortages, poverty, and environmental degradation. The article argues that the existing property systems are outdated, likening them to 19th-century software being used to address 21st-century challenges.

The piece outlines a multitude of crises facing modern society—ranging from climate change and economic stagnation to rising loneliness and failing public services. The author suggests that these issues are not due to a lack of resources or technology but stem from outdated organizational systems, particularly the property system that defines land ownership. The text emphasizes that property ownership, often taken for granted, is fundamentally a legal construct that confers specific rights and obligations, which significantly shape individual lives and societal structures.

Ownership is portrayed as a powerful force that dictates personal and communal well-being. The text explains that property rights are the largest form of wealth globally, dwarfing other assets. Yet, despite its significance, there is a lack of accessible language to discuss property rights in society. This obscurity prevents meaningful conversations about ownership models and their implications for sustainable living.

To address this issue, the authors have initiated the creation of the "Atlas of Ownership," an open-source map that aims to document various property rights and obligations. The Atlas seeks to “unbundle” property agreements into simpler terms, categorized into eight classes such as eligibility, security of tenure, and stewardship. By doing so, the Atlas intends to facilitate a broader understanding of ownership models, making it easier for people to engage in discussions about property rights.

The document highlights that alternative forms of ownership already exist, citing successful examples from Community Land Trusts and indigenous practices. These models demonstrate that equitable land stewardship and community ownership are viable solutions to the prevailing crises. By learning from these diverse ownership frameworks, the Atlas aims to provide a library of solutions that can potentially reshape the economy and promote sustainable housing.

The authors invite contributions from individuals and organizations interested in redefining ownership and stewardship models. They seek entries for the Atlas, which can range from comprehensive descriptions of property rights to simple patterns observed in existing agreements. The collaboration aims to democratize knowledge about property systems, enabling communities to develop fairer, more sustainable models of ownership.

Ultimately, the article posits that redesigning property systems is crucial for the flourishing of communities in the 21st century. It stresses the importance of sharing knowledge and examples of successful land stewardship to inspire a collective movement toward more equitable housing solutions. The authors assert that the tools and ideas needed to implement these changes are already available; it is simply a matter of redistributing this knowledge effectively.