"Organization type ": Organización sin fines de lucro

Maison Biloba Huis - Housing for senior citizens

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Maison Biloba Huis - Housing for senior citizens

Mismatches Cultural suitability Diversity Vulnerable groups New family structures
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships Cooperatives

Main objectives of the project

The Biloba House in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to providing a shared, solidarity-based living environment that fosters multiculturalism and intergenerational connections within the local community. Designed primarily for independent older individuals from diverse backgrounds, the house offers approximately 15 individual living spaces equipped with private kitchens, living areas, and bathrooms, along with shared facilities for communal activities, cooking, and relaxation, complemented by a small garden. Additionally, the Biloba project extends its services beyond accommodation, encompassing a range of offerings such as care center for seniors experiencing isolation and seeking companionship, open to residents of all ages. Alongside accommodation, the project provides support services including midday meals, household assistance, and various leisure activities, enriching the overall living experience and promoting a sense of belonging and community engagement. A center open to the community and for the community.

Date

  • 2016: Construction

Stakeholders

  • SLRB
  • Constructor: E.MM.A
  • Promotor: Le Foyer Schaerbeek

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Belgium, Brussels

Description

In pursuit of diversifying the social housing landscape, the Brussels government tasked SLRB, the overseeing body of the Brussels social housing sector, with fostering innovative projects that address specific housing needs. This directive led to the creation of the Biloba House, a unique initiative situated in the heart of a vibrant Brussels neighborhood. Biloba House stands as a pioneering model of community housing tailored specifically for the elderly demographic.

The genesis of the Biloba project stemmed from a poignant observation: many senior citizens, often immigrants with decades-long ties to the neighborhood, were grappling with unmet housing needs. In response, Biloba was conceived with the objective of galvanizing active participation from seniors, their families, and the broader community to enhance overall quality of life and housing standards, enabling seniors to age in place within their familiar surroundings.

Comprising 15 senior housing units, alongside a communal space and day care center on the ground floor open to all residents, Biloba House serves as a hub where neighborhood seniors assume active roles as integral members of the community. It is a sanctuary where social connections flourish, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among inhabitants. Functioning as both a meeting point and a sanctuary, Biloba ensures that its residents, whether residing within its walls or within their own homes, age gracefully and with dignity.

Central to the ethos of Biloba House are deeply ingrained values of autonomy, freedom, respect, benevolence, self-sufficiency, and solidarity, as outlined in the residents' charter. The local social housing entity, Le Foyer Schaerbeek, oversees housing management and construction, while the E.MM.A. association manages the day care center and communal space.

Perhaps most notably, Biloba's integrated approach succeeds in retaining the aging population within their familiar environs, avoiding displacement from places where they have established enduring roots. This preservation of community ties underscores the project's significance in ensuring dignified aging for its residents.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Ospitalità Solidale

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Ospitalità Solidale

Mismatches Price Services New family structures
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Rental and temporary tenure

Main objectives of the project

In 2014, the DAR=CASA cooperative, in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan, Comunità progetto cooperative, and the association ARCI Milano, initiated the 'Ospitalità Solidale' project aimed at supporting young individuals aged 18-30 who are either studying or engaged in temporary employment.

Date

  • 2014: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: DAR=CASA
  • Constructor: Municipality of Milan
  • Comunita progetto cooperative
  • Association ARCI Milano

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Italy, Milan

Description

Between 2009 and 2014, Milan experienced a notable surge in its young population. University data corroborates this trend, revealing that out of a total of 200,000 students, 50,000 hail from regions beyond Milan. Despite this influx, the city's five largest universities can only accommodate one student from outside the region for every 17 who arrive. The elevated cost of living in Milan, surpassing the national average, poses a significant hurdle for young individuals relocating to the city. This obstacle extends beyond students to encompass young professionals who must contend with the escalating expenses of the private rental market.

The "Ospitalità Solidale" project, initiated by the Municipality of Milan and executed by DAR=CASA Società Cooperativa in collaboration with Comunità Progetto and Arci Milano, focuses on the revitalization of residential units in two suburban social housing neighborhoods in Milan. Its aim is to tackle the emergency in housing of young students and temporary workers in Milan. Thus, the primary objective of this initiative is to cater to the housing needs of young individuals seeking independence while fostering collaborative community lifestyles.

Under this project, 24 young people aged 18 to 30, comprising students or those in precarious employment, are accommodated in renovated and furnished studio apartments owned by the city. Funding from the Department of Youth facilitates the renovation and furnishing process. In exchange for subsidized housing at €380 per month, inclusive of expenses, participants commit to contributing a minimum of 10 hours per month towards solidarity activities within the neighborhood. These activities, tailored to address the needs of various demographics, encompass both individual and group engagements.

Eligibility criteria for project participation include being aged between 18 and 30, holding Italian citizenship or citizenship of a European Union member state, or possessing a valid residence permit for another state. Participants must not own or have legal rights to suitable housing within the Lombardy region, and they should be either students, researchers, student-workers, job-seekers, or employed individuals with a net monthly income not exceeding €1,500 as per the latest tax return.

Beyond the individual studio spaces, residents also benefit from access to two communal areas. These spaces, utilized for various activities, predominantly serve to foster social cohesion and mutual aid. Activities range from combating elderly loneliness to providing play/work spaces for children, organizing shared meals, cineforums, parties, and neighborhood care initiatives.

The project commenced its first allocations in November 2014 through a public notice, with a total of 78 young individuals having participated to date. Integrated into the QuBì program in both areas, the Solidarity Hospitality project serves as a hub for fostering cohesion and promoting mutual support among families with minors facing poverty.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Cenni di cambiamento

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Cenni di cambiamento

Mismatches Price Functional adequacy Services Diversity New family structures
Policies and regulations Public-private initiatives
Financing
Urban Design Services and infrastructure Environments Quality Public-private initiative
Promotion and production Self-management Self-promotion Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Rental and temporary tenure

Main objectives of the project

Cenni di Cambiamento stands as a notable social housing development in Milan, distinguished as Europe's larges residential architecture project featuring a self-supporting wooden structure. This innovative housing complex embodies a vibrant community ethos, incorporating self-management initiatives, a variety of housing unit types, and pioneering energy-efficient buildings.

Date

  • 2017: Ganador
  • 2013: Construction
  • 2009: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Studio Rossi Prodi
  • Promotor: Fundazione Housing Sociale
  • Redo

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Italy, Milan

Description

In 2009, the FIL1 Fund secured three areas owned by the municipality of Milan for the development of experimental residential buildings for rent, including the site on via Cenni. This international competition aimed to explore architectural excellence, rethink residential construction forms, and introduce innovation and social elements. Among over 140 submissions, Studio Rossi Prodi Associati's project was selected by the jury. The construction was made in 2013.

The Cenni di Cambiamento complex, featuring four 9-storey towers, represents one of Europe's pioneering residential projects constructed with wooden load-bearing structures. Recognized for its energy efficiency, the groundbreaking structure received the Legambiente award in January 2014 for its environmentally friendly innovation. Additionally, it was honored at the Gyproc Italia Trophy in Saint Gobain in 2014 and nominated for the Mies Van der Rohe Award in 2015. Despite the extensive use of wood, the visible finishes both internally and externally resemble those of conventional buildings, owing to the advantages of the X-Lam construction technology.

Central to Cenni di Cambiamento is the active involvement of residents in organizing neighborhood activities and managing communal spaces. The Fondazione Housing Sociale spearheaded the community engagement process, culminating in the establishment of the Officina Gabetti 15 (OG15) association in 2015. This association aims to foster various activities and community gatherings, including solidarity purchasing groups, creative workshops, sports, recreational, educational, and cultural events for members and the wider community.

Located on the ground floor, Cenni di Cambiamento hosts a plethora of amenities, including a cafeteria, physiopilates center, diner, art therapy space, multifunctional areas for art, music, and theater, a neuropsychiatry clinic, a socio-educational center for individuals with disabilities, a day center for minors in challenging situations, a playroom, a music school, and a coworking space. Moreover, it facilitates neighborhood trading activities to support small entrepreneurs, artisans, and traders, fostering collaborative business development in a quality and affordable space.

A significant portion of cultural activities also takes place at Cascina Torrette di Trenno (via Giuseppe Gabetti 15), an old building integrated within the complex. Acting as an urban cultural hub, it hosts various events and activities such as concerts, cinema screenings, festivals, and children's programs throughout the year.

Furthermore, Cenni di Cambiamento offers a diverse range of housing typologies, including foyers managed by a cooperative. This residence model, widespread at an international and European level, provides young people with temporary shared housing solutions at sustainable costs. The foyer project, developed by the Social Housing Foundation and managed by DAR=casa, accommodates 27 young individuals aged 18 to 30, offering not just cohabitation but also guidance towards personal and professional autonomy through orientation services and training opportunities.

Cenni di Cambiamento is a project promoted by the Lombardy Real Estate Fund managed by Redo, a benefit company dedicated to creating quality and economically sustainable living spaces. Guided by principles of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and functionality, Redo's interventions range from affordable housing projects to urban regeneration initiatives. The Social Housing Foundation serves as the social technical advisor, overseeing the structuring phase and collaborative placemaking of the project.

To be a tenant, income requirements are established, following the rules for social housing in Milan. Moreover, one has to be resident in the city or its surroundings.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Foyer di cenni - Cohousing for young people

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Foyer di cenni - Cohousing for young people

Mismatches Price Vulnerable groups
Promotion and production Self-management
Ownership and tenure Rental and temporary tenure

Main objectives of the project

"Foyer di Cenni" is a co-housing initiative aimed at providing affordable accommodation and fostering collaborative living among young individuals such as students or temporary workers. Situated within the innovative social housing complex known as Cenni di Cambiamento, which boasts the largest employment of wooden frames for housing in Europe and achieves A energy efficiency ratings, the project comprises five spacious apartments accommodating a total of 27 beds. These flats were constructed in 2013 by the Real Estate Fund "InvestiRe" and are currently administered by a cooperative.

Date

  • 2017: Ganador
  • 2013: Construction

Stakeholders

  • DAR Cooperative
  • InvestiRe

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Italy, Milan

Description

Between 2009 and 2014, Milan experienced a notable surge in its young population, evident from data provided by universities indicating that out of 200,000 total residents, 50,000 were students originating from outside the region. Despite this influx, only one out of every 17 students from beyond the region found accommodation in the city's five largest universities. Milan's higher-than-average cost of living poses a significant hurdle for both students and young workers, compelling them to rely on an increasingly expensive private rental market.

The Foyer di Cenni project, initially promoted by the DAR Cesare Scarponi Onlus Foundation and subsequently acquired by the DAR Cooperative in late 2017, addresses these challenges. Foyers, a widely adopted residential model internationally and in Europe, offer young individuals a temporary shared housing solution at an affordable cost. Foyer di Cenni caters to twenty-seven individuals aged 18 to 30, providing them with an immersive training and co-housing experience. Situated at 15 Gabetti St. within the Cenni di Cambiamento social housing complex, each Foyer house accommodates 5 or 7 residents and features communal spaces such as kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms. Residents benefit from numerous shared amenities within the complex and engage in various social activities fostering communication and collaboration.

Recognizing the prevalence of job insecurity and geographic mobility among young people, Foyer di Cenni offers temporary housing solutions. Residents are invited to enter into a "social contract," entailing a monthly fee, typically less than €350, based on the chosen room type.

DAR, embracing values of sharing, exchange, and reciprocity, views cohabitation and communal management of spaces as opportunities for social innovation. The Foyer di Cenni project aligns with Milano 2035, a coalition aiming to create youth-friendly cities conducive to collaborative living, fostering community engagement and neighborhood interaction.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Circle House

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Circle House

Mismatches Climate change
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

Circle House represents Denmark's pioneering venture into circular housing, aiming to disseminate knowledge and expertise on circularity principles throughout the construction sector. Positioned as a scalable lighthouse project, it offers a blueprint for sustainable construction within market parameters. Situated in the Lisbjerg Bakke district on the outskirts of Aarhus, Denmark, the project comprises 60 social housing units scheduled for completion in 2023. In 2018, a pilot program was already built on the site.

Date

  • 2018: En proceso
  • 2023: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: Realdania’s Innovation Program in Construction
  • Promotor: Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Program
  • Architect: Vandkunsten Architects
  • Architect: Lendager Group
  • Architect: 3XN/GXN

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Denmark

Description

Beyond its primary function of providing housing, Circle House serves as a showcase for innovative approaches to circular architecture and construction, with the overarching objective of ensuring that 90% of its materials can be reused without any loss of value, thereby advancing sustainability within the industry. The project's buildings are designed to be dismantlable, allowing their structural components to be reused with minimal loss of value. Circle House comprises a variety of building systems that can be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled into other structures while retaining their economic and aesthetic value. It encompasses three typologies: a mix of two- and three-storey terraced houses and 5-storey tower blocks, including approximately 100 m2 of communal facilities. The building density on site ranges from 65% to 80%.

The project is focused on addressing the challenges associated with circular construction, including the renewal of traditional business models and the development of legislation that supports recycling. As a result, Circle House examines value chains, business models, business cases, and regulatory frameworks. The project disseminates its findings and achievements through extensive discussions about circular construction across the industry.

Funding for the project was provided by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the philanthropic association Realdania. Additionally, over 30 enterprises from the Danish construction sector, spanning the entire value chain, are involved in the project. The architectural design of the building was conceived by a Collaboration Studio consisting of 3XN/GXN, Lendager Group, and Vandkunsten Architects.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Nettelbeckplatz renovation

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Nettelbeckplatz renovation

Mismatches Diversity Vulnerable groups
Promotion and production Cooperatives

Main objectives of the project

The Housing Cooperative Berliner Bau- und Wohnungsgenossenschaft von 1892 eG (referred to as 1892) embarked on an experimental and forward-thinking revitalization of a housing complex dating back to the 1970s. This renovation was guided by an award-winning collaborative process, engaging a broad coalition of architects, social and healthcare organizations, and research teams from the EU-funded DREEAM project, alongside residents, neighborhood committees, and 1892 staff. The approach adopted encompassed both conventional and innovative technological solutions, including the implementation of PV energy storage. Additionally, the initiative aimed to diversify the social composition of the neighborhood by inviting various groups to reside within the estate, such as singles, families, retirees, students, artists, couples, or occupants of shared flats. To address diverse needs, the architectural strategy incorporated adaptable housing sizes and layouts, as well as the transformation of existing units into communal and public spaces, fostering a heightened sense of community and belonging. The rent increased by 1.05€/m2, but this was outweighed by energy savings. The total costs were reduced.

Date

  • 2019: Rehabilitación

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Housing Cooperative 1892
  • Architect: tafkaoo architects

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Berlin
Country/Region: Berlin, Germany

Description

The cooperative housing estate "Nettelbeckplatz" traces its origins to the era of stringent refurbishment strategies of the 1970s, which aimed to replace the so-called "Mietskaserne" (tenants' barracks) characterized by dimly lit rear courtyards and inhospitable living conditions. During that time, an official renewal program mandated the complete demolition of these old building areas to construct "modern" social housing structures. In 1973, the housing cooperative "1892" participated in this program, erecting a building complex reaching up to seven levels high, situated in the traditional workers' quarter of Berlin-Wedding. The original 175 apartments were arranged around a verdant courtyard featuring playgrounds and recreational spaces. The cooperative served as the cornerstone for fostering a robust local community grounded in self-help, solidarity, and self-organization.

Four decades later, the effects of demographic shifts are evident, with over 40% of the residents surpassing the age of 65. Many inhabitants now require barrier-free accommodations or assisted living options. The once-vibrant community has seen a decline in vitality and influence within the neighborhood. Moreover, the state of the building structure has deteriorated, necessitating renovation. In addition to inadequate energy standards, certain entrance areas and floor plans no longer meet contemporary needs. Compounded by social issues in the surrounding disadvantaged area, an atmosphere of insecurity and social decline has emerged.

The renovation project focused on upgrading the thermal and technical conditions of the existing building. Measures included roof insulation, window replacement, and the installation of solar panels. Furthermore, to enhance comfort and reduce heating energy consumption, windows were substituted. Renewable energy production, utilizing photovoltaic panels on the roof for common areas, was augmented with a battery storage system (Tesla PowerWall) for optimal community utilization of generated energy. Elevators were also refurbished.

The open ground floor area, where security concerns such as drug consumption were prevalent, was closed off. However, the section connecting two courtyards remained open. New dwellings were constructed in these remaining ground floor spaces to accommodate student and elderly residents, alongside the addition of communal areas, fostering a more diverse and interconnected community.

Residents actively participated in the project, engaging in a study within the DREEAM project to monitor energy consumption trends in the neighborhood. A trained group of residents exhibited 30-50% lower energy consumption compared to the control group, showcasing significant energy savings. The reduction in energy consumption, as demonstrated by the DREEAM project, was as high as 50% compared to pre-renovation measurements.

This project serves as a blueprint not only within the housing cooperative "1892" but also for other community-oriented investors. In the context of increasing urbanization, particularly in Berlin, and to counteract speculation, interdisciplinary approaches are essential to synthesize quantified growth, intelligent building design, affordability, and social values into sustainable developments. This innovative project integrates various aspects, including the renewal and further development of housing estates through multi-building strategies and integration into the surrounding neighborhood area. Insights gleaned from this project could inform the development of similar urban strategies in the future. Additionally, the project underscores the value of employee motivation stemming from involvement in a European project, providing opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and learning from counterparts in other countries.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Gairloch Community Housing Trust

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Gairloch Community Housing Trust

Mismatches Price Services Diversity
Policies and regulations Land Governance
Financing
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

Communities throughout the Highlands have experienced depopulation, diminishing services, and the complexities arising from growing tourism and housing prices. Consequently, there has been a depletion of existing housing options and heightened strain on remaining businesses and services. This situation has led to reduced accessibility to housing, land, and assets. However, the Gairloch initiative, through its Local Plan and Community Housing Trust, has initiated a transformation in housing policies within depopulated regions in Scotland.

Date

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Gairloch CHT

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: United Kingdom

Description

Situated on the coast of Wester Ross, in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, the village of Gairloch boasts a relatively small population of around 750 residents. Despite its size, Gairloch serves as the primary hub for the region, offering essential amenities such as shops, services, and a high school. Positioned within an Area of Outstanding Beauty (AOB), Gairloch has long been a destination favored by tourists.

The rise in second homes and holiday lets has contributed to a scarcity of available housing, driving prices beyond the means of local inhabitants. Consequently, the local school enrollment has declined, as families struggle to secure suitable and affordable accommodation. Additionally, young people facing similar housing obstacles, coupled with reliance on a low-wage seasonal tourism economy, are contributing to demographic shifts that could jeopardize the village's long-term viability.

Recognizing the pressing need for regeneration and addressing these issues, there was widespread community support for revitalizing the area. The Community Housing Trust (CHT) spearheaded a collaborative effort, convening a steering group comprising over 50 representatives from local organizations, landowners, and the public sector. Their goal was to maximize the potential of a derelict site and adjacent land to meet the multifaceted needs of the community.

The Achtercairn development emerged as a mixed-use project, combining affordable housing with various tenures and facilities catering to social, commercial, educational, and training needs. Notably, CHT introduced an innovative legal concept known as the Rural Housing Burden title condition, which offers a percentage discount from the market value while granting full ownership to the property owner. This mechanism ensures long-term affordability, yet CHT retains the right to repurchase homes and prioritize locals in allocation policies.

Collaborating with local, regional, and national partners, the development delivered 25 highly energy-efficient homes across two phases, facilitated by CHT, Albyn Housing Association, and the Highland Council. These homes offer a mix of social rent, low-cost homeownership, and rent-to-buy options. The success of the Achtercairn project has paved the way for similar community-led initiatives, such as the ongoing work in the crofting community of Staffin in Skye. Here, a mixed-use development is underway, providing affordable housing alongside commercial opportunities and essential services, demonstrating a scalable model to address rural inequality and combat the climate crisis.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Milano 2035 –The Youth Housing Coalition In Milano

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Milano 2035 –The Youth Housing Coalition In Milano

Mismatches Price
Promotion and production Public promotion

Main objectives of the project

In a global city as Milan, young people struggle to find a housing option that suits them. Yet, a city, to thrive, needs to retain young professionals and students. For this reason, Milano 2035 was born. Consisting of a network of institution, private entities and foundations, Milano 2035 offers alternative housing options (social housing, cohousing, intergenerational housing…) to young people in the Italian city, building a coalition and an innovative governance scheme to guarantee the right to the city.

Date

Stakeholders

  • Milan City Hall
  • Cariplo Foundation

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Italy, Milan

Description

The Milanese metropolitan area offers abundant work and training opportunities, but these advantages are counterbalanced by an insufficient and exclusionary housing system, especially in terms of affordable options. As young individuals embark on their careers, they often find themselves relying on the private rental sector due to its flexibility and their limited financial resources. Unfortunately, social rent options are scarce for young people in Italy, leading them to face high rental prices, particularly in major cities like Milan where rents can soar to around 750 euros for a room in a shared household, despite relatively modest salaries. This disparity in housing affordability often means that their prospects are heavily influenced by the level of financial support they receive from their families.

Recognizing this challenge, "Milano 2035 – The Youth Housing Coalition" was established to address the housing needs of young people in the Milanese metropolitan area. This coalition, comprising 30 public and private entities such as associations, foundations, cooperatives, businesses, and local institutions, operates under the umbrella of the Cariplo Foundation's Welfare in Action program and receives sponsorship from the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Milan. It encompasses 22 housing projects, ranging from individual residences or buildings to dispersed arrangements, providing a total of 300 housing units. These projects encompass various models including youth cohousing, residences accommodating both young people and those with specific needs, intergenerational shared housing, and apartments within public housing.

In addition to housing provision, Milano 2035 offers additional services such as a "repair café" for refurbishing furniture and household appliances, support for volunteering and active citizenship, and guidance services for both prospective landlords and young tenants. By fostering collaboration and synergy among existing youth residences, supporting practitioners in developing new projects, and facilitating spaces for idea exchange between young people, practitioners, and institutions, the coalition aims to amplify the impact of individual initiatives and advocate for youth housing issues on the political agenda.

The creation of this coalition aims to consolidate isolated projects, share best practices, and establish a critical mass to advocate for youth housing needs. By nurturing this extensive network, stakeholders feel empowered and gain access to vital resources. For young people, this translates into increased availability of affordable housing, reduced living costs (e.g., through furniture reuse), and enhanced relationships and community engagement opportunities.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Care and Living in Community (CALICO)

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Care and Living in Community (CALICO)

Policies and regulations Land Public-private initiatives Participatory processes
Promotion and production Self-management Self-promotion Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership

Main objectives of the project

The core activity of CALICO is the construction of 34 housing units and the establishment of a Community Land Trust (CLT) in Brussels, which provides an innovative model of community-managed housing. Moreover, CALICO is also an experiment in creating a ‘Community Care Model’, in which people interact at different liminal stages of life – birth, old age and the end of life. This addresses the ‘hyper-specialisation’ and ‘hyper-sectoralisation’ of care in Belgium and is directed towards organising care provided within neighbourhoods by its members, instead of institutions.

Date

  • 2021: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Community Land Trust Bruxelles
  • Promotor: CALICO

Location

Country/Region: Belgium, Brussels

Description

The Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) is currently facing a set of challenges regarding housing. Its dwellings have a low quality standard and there is a lack of social housing availability. These issues need to be added to an increase in rent due to speculative practices. Undeniably, all these challenges have a greater impact on vulnerable groups such as aging population or women. For them, the housing crisis is an addition to how an exclusion in the decision-making process, an institutionalized care system and at-risk situations due to poverty or isolation. For these reasons, there was a need to install a non-speculative model of housing that could provide the needed care for vulnerable groups from the community of neighbors.

Thus, 34 housing units were built following a Community Land Trust (CLT) scheme. This model ensures the financial accessibility of housing by separating ownership of land from ownership of buildings and providing measures to limit the speculative resale of assets. Historically, CLTs have been used in the United States and the United Kingdom, but they are an innovative practice in continental Europe, including Belgium. Importantly, CALICO focuses not only on the organizational and legal foundations of the CLT, but also on the community dimension of its inhabitants’ lives. This is obtained by including inhabitants in estate management and providing tools for deliberation and physical spaces for interaction (common and service areas).

How does a CLT work? Basically, the CLT in Brussels is a non-profit organisation, that share three basic principles: separation of ownership of land and buildings, permanent affordability of housing for low-income households via a formula that limits the increase in value of the property, and joint governance between owner, inhabitants, and local government. The land is considered to be collective property, while households individually acquire buildings for a lower price than in a standard real estate transaction. The Brussels CLT is made up of two organisations: the Brussels CLT Public Utility Foundation, which owns the land on which the housing units will be built, and the ASBL Brussels CLT, which is in charge of the daily management of the foundation’s assets. The ASBL Board of Directors has tripartite representation: building residents, people from the surrounding community (inhabitants and associations) and appointed representatives from the Brussels-Capital Region each having one-third of the seats. Apart from CLTB, CALICO includes two cooperative schemes (Pass-ages and Angela.D) in the project that manage some of the housing units, one focusing on women and the other on elderly people. The three organisation are now part of the CALICO association, that is in charge of the communal spaces and the development of the community.

Yet, CALICO is also an experiment in creating a ‘Community Care Model’, in which people interact at different liminal stages of life – birth, old age and the end of life. It will target certain social groups in particular, single mothers, the elderly and low-income families. The development of this new housing is founded on a participatory and inclusive approach. The CALICO project will offer services from birth to the end of life, as well as mutual support by the residents. By bringing different population groups and different functions together in the same project, and by strengthening social cohesion, both within the project and within the neighbourhood, CALICO opens a new model of housing policy.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Startblok - a social living project for integration

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Startblok - a social living project for integration

Mismatches Cultural suitability Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Governance
Promotion and production Self-management

Main objectives of the project

Startblok is a housing project for young refugees who have recently received their residence permit (status-holders) and for young persons from the Netherlands. Pursuing a diverse community, a self-management governance and an affordability scheme opens the door to an innovative integration project in Amsterdam. A former sports-grounds next to the A10 highway in Amsterdam New West has been transformed into this pioneer housing project, aiming for a better understanding of social housing, mixture and community.

Date

  • 2015: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Key
  • Constructor: Municipality of Amsterdam

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Amsterdam
Country/Region: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Description

Startblok Riekerhaven is a collaborative housing initiative established by de Key in partnership with the municipality of Amsterdam and Socius Wonen. On July 1, 2016, the inaugural residents received keys to their new homes at Startblok Riekerhaven. Since its inception, fostering a sense of community has been paramount within this project. Residents are empowered to manage their own living spaces, with every aspect of Startblok designed to encourage effort and initiative from its inhabitants. Comprising 405 living spaces across 22 corridors, most of which feature communal living rooms, Startblok caters to young refugees with permanent residence permits as well as other Dutch youth, facilitating integration and interaction among them. Applicants must be between 18 and 27 years old, with all status holders engaged in language courses and either internships or vocational training, alongside access to on-site psychological services.

Of the more than 400 living spaces, 303 are private studios equipped with individual facilities, while 102 are private rooms within apartments with shared amenities. Studios, averaging 23m2, boast personal kitchens and bathrooms and are clustered with 16 to 31 other residents, fostering socialization in communal areas. Meanwhile, the apartments include 42 units for two persons and six for three persons, with private bedrooms spanning approximately 12m2 or 14m2 and shared living rooms around 25m2. Rent prices, ranging from 350 to 430 Euros per month, significantly undercut the Amsterdam average.

Outdoor facilities at Startblok encompass sports fields and a clubhouse, with residents actively involved in creating BBQ areas, a swimming pool, and tending to vegetable gardens. Additionally, communal spaces are designed to facilitate socializing and organizing activities, with residents able to seek budgetary and organizational support from the Startblok Actief! foundation, managed by residents themselves.

Central to Startblok's ethos is its self-management governance model. Each corridor is overseen by one or two Hallway Managers responsible for maintaining communal areas and organizing activities, serving as the primary point of contact for residents in need. Five Social Managers ensure active engagement among residents and uphold standards of hygiene, safety, and livability. A general management team, composed of residents, handles accountability and day-to-day operations.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España