Habitat et Participation is a Belgian non-profit organisation founded in 1982 by the Faculties of Architecture at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain). The organisation's primary objective is to promote participatory decision-making processes in housing and urban development, focusing on sustainable and inclusive living environments.
Over the years, Habitat et Participation has evolved to include a range of activities, from research and publications to practical support for individuals and groups seeking to develop collective housing projects. The organisation operates in both the Wallonia and Brussels regions, offering services such as technical and methodological assistance, training, and advocacy for policy changes that support participatory housing initiatives.
Key areas of focus include habitat groupé (collective housing), habitat solidaire (solidarity housing), and habitat léger (light housing), which aim to foster community living, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. The organisation also engages in educational activities, lobbying, and plaidoyers to empower residents and promote participatory processes in housing development.
Habitat et Participation's work is grounded in a commitment to democratic participation and the belief that housing should be a collective endeavour that benefits both individuals and communities. Through its various initiatives, the organisation seeks to make housing more accessible, affordable, and sustainable, reflecting a broader vision for inclusive and resilient urban environments.