Back in the 1960s, communes emerged as a countercultural movement in response to the capitalist and consumerist lifestyle that dominated American society. The idea was to create a new kind of living space where people could share resources, ideas, and even emotions. Communal living emphasized cooperation, creativity, and collaboration. But as the decades passed, communes became less popular, and many of them dissolved due to internal conflicts or external pressures. However, the ethos of communal living never disappeared entirely, and today we witness a resurgence of interest in collaborative living spaces.
Commune design is about creating environments that facilitate human connections, foster creativity, and promote sustainable living. Communes can take various forms, from intentional communities to co-living spaces, co-housing communities, eco-villages, and more. What unites them is the focus on communal living and the desire to build meaningful relationships with others.
Communal living offers numerous benefits, both on an individual and communal level. Living in a community can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, enhance social support networks, and increase feelings of belonging and connection. The sharing of resources, such as common spaces, tools, and food, can also reduce the environmental impact of individual consumption, and promote sustainability. Furthermore, living in a community can foster creativity, collaboration, and learning, as people from diverse backgrounds and skillsets come together and share their knowledge and experiences. Finally, communal living can offer economic advantages, such as lower rent, shared utilities, and affordable healthcare.
Commune design is about creating physical spaces that reflect the values and principles of communal living. Such spaces should be designed to meet the needs of the community, while also providing individual privacy and comfort. The following design principles are essential in creating effective communal living spaces:
Communes should allow for flexibility in the use of space, as the needs of the community may change over time. Furniture, partitions, and storage should be easily moveable, and common areas should be able to accommodate a range of activities, from socializing to working, cooking, and hosting events.
Communal living spaces should be designed to accommodate people with diverse physical abilities. This may include ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. However, accessibility should also extend to cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs, such as noise reduction, natural light, and spaces for contemplation or meditation.
Communal living spaces should be designed with the community in mind. This means that spaces are configured to maximize interaction and collaboration, while also respecting the need for privacy and personal space. Common spaces should be comfortable, inviting, and designed to encourage socializing and sharing. Private spaces should be cozy, tranquil, and designed to promote rest and relaxation.
Sustainability is a key principle of communal living, and communal living spaces should reflect this by using environmentally friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and sustainable practices. Communal living spaces should also promote sustainable behaviors among community members, such as composting, recycling, and reducing waste.
There are many examples of communal living spaces around the world, each with its unique design and style. Here are some examples of innovative communal living spaces:
The Roam Co-Living is a network of co-living spaces situated in cities around the world. The Roam provides a membership-based living experience that allows members to roam from one location to another while still having a sense of community. The Roam's communal spaces are designed to meet the needs of digital nomads and entrepreneurs who value flexibility, community, and access to resources.
The ReGen Village is a future-oriented eco-village that aims to be fully self-sufficient in energy, food, and waste. The ReGen Village is designed as a living laboratory for regenerative technologies, such as vertical farming, aquaponics, and renewable energy. The ReGen Village also promotes community involvement and social cohesion by providing shared spaces for recreation, learning, and cultural activities.
The Lighthouse is a co-housing community in Seattle that focuses on community building and environmental sustainability. The Lighthouse is designed as an intergenerational community, where residents of all ages and backgrounds can share resources and support each other. The Lighthouse's communal spaces include a shared kitchen, garden, and cultural center, as well as private apartments that provide residents with personal space and privacy.
The resurgence of interest in communal living spaces reflects a broader shift in societal values towards collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement. As urbanization, environmental degradation, and economic inequality continue to shape our world, communal living may provide an alternative vision of how we can live and thrive together. Moreover, the design principles of communal living spaces can inform the design of other types of social spaces, such as schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities, which can benefit from a more community-oriented, sustainable, and accessible approach. Commune design is, therefore, not just a response to the challenges of our time, but also a seed of hope for a more connected, creative, and equitable future.
