From Strangers to Neighbors
The Challenges of Forming Collaborative Housing Communities
U. Koelewijn (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.S.C.M. Hoekstra – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
G.A. van Bortel – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
Collaborative housing offers an engaging alternative to traditional housing models by allowing residents to actively shape their living environment. Over the past decades, we see an increase in top-down initiated collaborative housing projects, initiated by housing associations, municipalities or developers. However, the process of forming a collaborative housing group in a top-down initiated project can be challenging, as individuals who start as strangers must form a group that is capable of making collective decisions without pre-existing relationships. This Master thesis answers the question: ‘Which factors influence the group formation process in top-down collaborative housing projects, and how can these insights inform the development of strategies that foster more successful group formation?’ through a case study of two Dutch projects, using qualitative methods such as archival research, observations at group meetings and semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in the early stages of collaborative housing projects.
The findings show that group formation in top-down collaborative housing projects is a dynamic and iterative process shaped by evolving roles, decision-making practices, co-creation procedures, and the interaction between drivers and barriers. The process is influenced by structural tensions or “contrapositions”, between resident autonomy and institutional responsibility, participation and efficiency, and collective and individual thinking. Successful group formation depends on early establishment of clear frameworks for roles and responsibilities, structured and well-facilitated co-creation, sustained professional commitment, and strong group cohesion.
The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of group formation in top-down collaborative housing projects and provide practical insights for residents, housing associations and other professionals on how to better support the early development stages of collaborative housing projects.