Towards a “Freiburg Model” of Housing for the Common Good? Fostering Collaborative Housing in Urban Development

This comprehensive research article examines an innovative housing development project called "Kleineschholz" in Freiburg, Germany. The study was conducted by Benedikt Schmid and Cathrin Zengerling from the University of Freiburg, alongside Carola Fricke from Saarland University. It was published in the Urban Planning journal and focuses on fostering collaborative housing in urban development.

The Kleineschholz development represents a pioneering attempt to create a housing district entirely oriented toward the common good. Situated in Freiburg's Stühlinger district, the project aims to develop approximately 500 residential units on a 77,500m² site. Notably, the construction is being carried out exclusively through collaborative housing organizations rather than profit-oriented developers, marking a significant shift in the approach to urban housing.

Implementation Process

The project employs concept-based tendering as its primary method for allocating land to collaborative housing groups. This strategic approach facilitates ongoing dialogue between the municipality and housing organizations through regular meetings and workshops, fostering collaboration and community engagement. Additionally, a community meeting space known as the "Pavilion for All" serves as an important networking hub for various housing initiatives, promoting interaction and cooperation among stakeholders.

A key aspect of the Kleineschholz project is its commitment to sustainable and equitable housing solutions. Land is primarily offered through leasehold models to prevent speculation, ensuring long-term affordability. Furthermore, at least 50% of the residential space is required to be subsidized rental apartments, promoting access to housing for a broader demographic. The city also provides substantial financial support, including €6 million allocated for subsidized housing construction, demonstrating a strong commitment to the common good.

Despite its innovative approach, the project faces several challenges. High construction costs and rising interest rates are significant financial constraints that may impact the project's viability. Additionally, some housing groups have expressed concerns that municipal regulations are too restrictive, limiting their ability to operate effectively. The need for public land ownership and the high resource requirements further complicate the transferability of this model to other contexts.

The Kleineschholz project is regarded as an experimental lighthouse project rather than a universally applicable model for housing development. It represents a notable departure from profit-oriented housing initiatives, providing valuable insights into transformative urban planning. However, its success is heavily dependent on Freiburg's unique context, which includes a wealthy, academic-alternative oriented milieu and a strong tradition in collaborative housing.

The study contributes to broader discussions on transformative planning practices and the role of municipalities in enabling collaborative housing developments. While the project showcases innovative approaches to common-good oriented housing, its exceptional nature underscores both the possibilities and limitations of scaling up such initiatives in different contexts across Europe.