What is Community Living?
A 'nuclear family' is generally thought of as a mother and father living with their children; in Western society it's often referred to as 'traditional family'.
We support anyone who chooses this lifestyle, however, we question it as a 'universal' or 'default' way to live, especially with the breakdown of village life, the distance between relatives and the erosion of religion; all of which used to create community outside of the household.
We are also aware it is characterised by white, heterosexual, monogamous, and legally married couples which does not reflect the rich diversity of the society we now live in.
When we adapt a building to meet the needs of a community, we take the following set-ups into consideration so we can sensitively design spaces around the needs that are in demand in the area as well as being sympathetic to the property.
Community Minded Individuals
Whether partnered or not, child-free or empty nesters, some people have the means to live alone but prefer to live with others.
Considerations: Might desire a smaller space than those traditionally offered by nuclear family homes, yet wish to live in larger groups.
Single Parents
People who are raising kids alone, or who see their children part time and require the extra space.
Considerations: The right sized bedroom for a single adult with enough dedicated bedrooms for children to visit on a temporary basis.
Nuclear Families
The vast majority of Westernised populations with children under 18,currently live in a two-parent, multiple children housing setup. Many would like to explore living differently.
Considerations: All spaces must allow for a balance between family privacy and communality with other individuals and families inside or beyond the immediate community.
Community Minded Couples
Many couples look to move in together alone to get out of unsuitable house-shares, however some couples want to live in larger groups in an intentional way.
Considerations: Larger bedrooms, shared living spaces that allow couples to enjoy each others company alone but also as part of the wider community.
Multi-Partnered People
People with multiple partnerships have different considerations on how they share a home to support their relationship dynamic. These can be as varied as the people involved.
Considerations: Enough bedrooms and guest rooms to accommodate different relationship structures and communal spaces which allow relationship dynamics to thrive.
The Financially Limited
The dreaded house-share. Often based on proximity to work, price and the inability to rent alone or with a partner, this set up is centred on convenience where who you live with becomes a tertiary priority. This is the largest need we see for intentional community living.
Considerations: Enough bathrooms for the number of adults. Large enough or multiple communal spaces for group enjoyment. Large enough bedrooms for the number of adults sharing. Large enough or multiple kitchen space for separate meals to be cooked if not cooking communally.
Blended Families
Also known as step-families, where people with children from separate partnerships, bring their families together.
Considerations: The right size and number of bedrooms for partnered people with the right combination of shared or separate rooms to allow children who haven't lived together before to get along nicely.
Intergenerational Living
Families who choose to live with elders/grandchildren in larger family units.
Considerations: Large enough or multiple communal spaces which allow people to have their private space with rooms suiting the access and partnership needs of aging adults.
Extended Families
Those who live with aunts, uncles, cousins and other relations outside the direct nuclear unit.
Considerations: Large enough or multiple communal spaces which allow people to have their private space as well as the right combination and proximity of bedrooms to support the family's structure.
Co-Parenting
People who choose to parent children outside of a romantic relationship. Whether that's multiple adults coming together to raise multiple children, or people who decide to be parents without a romantic relationship to begin with.
Considerations: Large enough or multiple communal spaces which allow people to have their private space as well as the right number of bedrooms for the adults involved with the proximity of bedrooms to support the family structure.
Extra Support Needs
Some people require greater levels of care and support which require professional carers and adapted home spaces.
Considerations: Accessibly designed space with additional bedrooms for professional caring staff.