Be a part of something greater than yourself
Living in a Cooperative Village
For most of us, the most cooperative we have been within our living circumstances has been over the Christmas holiday period or in our flatting years. Going from the ubiquitous concept of our own patch of paradise requires a desire to grow in oneself and for life to become richer in meaningful connections. Cooperative living is the freedom to choose how much interaction you want in any given moment. And was so beautifully described as having the help of people we know, there when you need them, and the knowledge that we all need help.
Village life is designed so that each household has their own home and outdoor space, layed out to your own specifications as the size of our homes makes them relocatable. The Common/ shared space will be designed to link households to a central Meeting house and to the car park at the front via a network of green walkways. Providing shelter, beauty, and the environmental regeneration that vegetation provides for us all from the stick insect to the human senses.
Cooperative living is made up of 4 levels of engagement. The legal/ financial entity of the Not for Profit company that ensures our land is owned freehold and our investment in our future home is held firm. The Body Corporate that governs the maintenance and upgrading of our shared resources. The Village residence as homeowners who govern and shape the village on the consensus model, which is designed for alignment and shared outcome. And the individual and the natural human bonding that comes from living near and growing dear.
Connection
“The value of the cohousing model in respect of social and environmental sustainability is its recognition of, and attempt to address, some of the failings of the late twentieth century society...; the breakdown of community, alienation of the individual, and the neglect of disadvantaged groups such as single parents, the elderly and the young. It does so via the hardware of site layout, building design and shared resources as well as, and perhaps more importantly, the software of participatory process, shared decision-making and a rich social agenda.
Graham Meltzer. ‘ESD and “Sense of Community” ‘ in Birkeland, Janis, Design for Sustainability: a sourcebook of integrated eco-logical solutions.London: Earthscan Publications, 2002.
Sustainability requires us to look beyond ourselves as discreet and independent lives and acknowledge our interdependence with each other and with the other life forms on earth. Knowing and cooperating with your neighbours builds connections that facilitate a greater sense of responsibility to each other, and ultimately to the global community. An awareness of and concern for other people and the natural environment is a key element in learning to live more sustainably.
Robin Allison on behalf of Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood, Submission for World Habitat Awards 2008
Photos are not actual Eco villages or communities, just inspiring visuals
Bringing the Living Elements together
Our village design affords you your own solitude, to be wrapt in a peaceful environment and warmed by the presence of others
Nelson Off Grid Tiny House Village
Consider the possibilities…
Create positive change
If, like us you feel the need to act now and live more of your values. And you see your values reflected in our words, then please introduce yourself, we would love to hear from you
Email us at zola@commonground.net.nz
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A place to create your own home,
to tread lightly
and be a part of something greater than yourself
© 2021 ROGTHV
