Badalona cohousing gets a boost as a group of seniors over 65 are launching an innovative housing alternative. Badalona Cohousing: A New Model Located on Carrer Progrés, 144, in Badalona, the ‘La Constel·lació’ cooperative plans to construct the first co-housing building in the city.
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This model, common in Northern Europe, involves a cooperative owning the building. Therefore, residents aren’t owners but cooperative members with usage rights.
The Badalona Cohousing Model
Members themselves make key decisions, including sustainable construction materials for energy efficiency. They also decide on the building’s layout, incorporating shared community spaces.
Combating Loneliness The ‘La Constel·lació’ project is specifically designed for individuals aged 65 and over, or those with mobility issues. It aims to foster mutual support and diminish social isolation. However, elsa Bottini initiated the project in 2017, initially for those with multiple sclerosis.
Bottini drew inspiration from the co-housing model she discovered online. After attending a conference, she registered the cooperative and secured the Progrés street site. The pandemic, however, caused delays, and some members withdrew. But legislative changes broadened the scope to include all individuals over 65, defining them as a vulnerable group.
Project Challenges and Future Outlook
Manuela and Pere, members of the cooperative, bring experience in associative methods. But they find the project demanding. However, sunsi, another member, noted the urgency due to the group’s age.
Currently, Badalona City Council is awaiting final approval from the Generalitat on revisions to the special plan. This plan allocates the use of accommodation and volumetric organisation to the space. Council sources claim they have been supporting the partners throughout the entire process. However, the cooperative voiced concerns about administrative delays. They also stated that the city council took roughly a year to implement the changes. However, upon approval, the council will then issue the building permit.
Sustainable Design Col·lab, an architectural collective, designed the building. Elsa connected with them at the initial co-housing conference. The building includes sustainable materials such as wood and promotes energy efficiency. It will also feature community spaces, including a laundry room, garden, solarium, and activity spaces.
Daniel, one of the architects from Col·lab, named the cooperative ‘La Constel·lació’. The name reflects the idea of individuals shining together. However, the cooperative’s logo features 12 stars, representing the 12 homes in the building.
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