Vielleben eG is a German cooperative that focuses on creating sustainable and community-driven living spaces in rural areas. Founded in 2018 by a group of 11 individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, the organization has since grown to include around 250 members from several European countries.
Vielleben's mission is to develop projects that combine the benefits of natural living with modern infrastructure. Their flagship project, KoDorf Wiesenburg, located in Brandenburg, Germany, exemplifies this approach. The project includes 40 permanent homes and 20 additional units for temporary living, all designed with sustainability and aesthetic appeal in mind. The site is strategically located near a train station, offering easy access to Berlin and Potsdam.
The cooperative operates on a model where at least 40% of project financing comes from member contributions, with the remaining amount sourced from external investors who share the organization's values of sustainable and community-based development. Vielleben offers various participation options, including loans, guarantees, donations, and sponsorship memberships.
Led by a board consisting of Patric F.C. Meier and Nina Nisar, and overseen by an advisory board including Vera Fröhlich, Johannes Liess, and Tobias Veit, Vielleben eG aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support among its members. The organization's approach to community development has garnered attention, including a feature in a special edition of Geo magazine dedicated to cooperatives. With its focus on sustainable living and community engagement, Vielleben eG represents a unique model for cooperative living in Europe.