Typologies adapted to new ways of living

At a time when the traditional heteronormative nuclear family is no longer the only model of cohousing and relationship networks are taking on new forms, architecture and housing infrastructure must respond to new needs. Moreover, with a feminist perspective on the concept of dwelling, and the de-hierarchisation of the parts of the home by taking into account the whole, we can begin to imagine ‘disjointed houses’ and understand that housing is the whole building, such that the boundaries between rooms, dwellings and the building dissolve.

Shared flats

Some projects include shared flats, not in line with our current idea of flats usually shared by young people on a temporary basis, but as a path to residential emancipation. In this case, private rooms are larger, and residents can enjoy common areas when they want to socialize with others.

Cluster typology

The term cluster describes a type of housing design and distribution implemented in community projects over the past 10 years, especially in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. It is a housing model in which a small set of complete individual dwellings—with a bathroom and kitchen—are grouped around shareduse spaces (kitchen, dining room, living rooms, etc.) to encourage community life. The cluster functions as a small community and is autonomous when it comes to organising its daily operations concerning the rest of the cooperative.

Satellite rooms

Satellite rooms are physically disconnected from the house but belong to it. They are a way of facilitating flexibility over time in our way of living and represent temporary rooms for young members of the family who will soon be emancipated, or a work space separated from domesticity. Since they do not form part of the home it is easier to transfer their use to another unit without having to do any construction.