Creating Structure
The spaces we inhabit provide the physical context in which our communities develop.
And to create communities that work, we need to create structures that speak specifically to the vision, values, and culture that we seek to collectively embody.
In addition to creating structures that hold the space for the relational environment, many communities are committed to building the shared and personal spaces that reflect larger values.
Sustainability can impact every element of construction and development when the desire, skill, and resources are there to make it happen. Placing an emphasis on permaculture informs an entire project by taking the earth, people, and fairness into account and can build a foundation for incredible co-creative projects to evolve over time.
Join our email list for news, events, and updates:upda
You’re in! Watch your inbox for community news!
A community that chooses to live together can manifest itself in different structural forms depending on what members want to co-create. Some of the most common approaches are found below.
Click Here to See a Full List of Our Services
Do-it-yourself (with consult option)
- Introduction to Community Living
- Introduction to Community Development
- Introduction to Nurturing a Cooperative Culture
- Project planning tools
- Vision, Mission, Aim, Values
- Canvas strategizers
- Marketing planner
- Marketing packet templates
- BoWe intro
- Sales flyer
- Culture
- Explore path
- Website
Project Consultation and/or Management
- Real estate search
- Due diligence
- Site design
- Permitting process
- Land development
- House design
- Permitting process
- Home construction
- Financial / Investor package
- Legal structures / documents
- Website design
- Social media
- Email marketing
- Local promotion
- Sales process
- Blueprint of We
- Decision making
- Community Building
Training
- Exploring Community Living
- Preparation
- Essentials
- Aging / Wellness
- Community Development Process
- Vision / People
- Place / Plan / Build
- Nurturing Cooperative Culture
- Heart / Foundation
- Circles / Practices / Tools
- Relational Tools
Shared Housing
The need for alternative housing for many segments of our population is great and will only get more dramatic in the coming years. At the same time, an increasing number of people from all walks of life are attracted to shared housing for the baked in benefits of simply sharing space with different types of people.
Affordability is an important factor impacting the need for shared housing. As you know, lots of great people just can’t find good, stable homes on their own in many markets. But there is also a need for homes that address those with special needs and assisted living that can and are being met through shared housing solutions.
Intentional Neighborhood
Many others are attracted to living in more intentional spaces where they can enjoy living with others in an authentic and engaging environment.
The purpose behind these types of structures can run the gambit from full out intentional communities to less intense cohousing projects and pocket neighborhoods where people lead their own lives while enjoying a higher level of connection with their neighbors when they so choose.
Ecovillage
We have a special place in our hearts for the intentions, challenges, and incredible outcomes that come with successful ecovillage projects.
Rural ecovillages enjoy a large degree of independence and self-sufficiency as they evolve with permaculture and sustainability baked into sometimes every element of the design.
Urban ecovillages are on the rise, allowing developers and communitarians to bring something new and impactful into being right in the heart of often dense urban areas.
Neighborhood Retrofit
Sometimes the most impactful and appropriate opportunities for community structures exist right outside our front doors. Some of the types of neighborhood retrofits we can help clients with include:
- Asset-Based Community Development
- Mutual Aid societies
- Village Services
- Community Commons / Gardens
Well-designed structures can bring people together in intentional ways outside of residential homes, too.
Click Here to See a Full List of Our Services
Do-it-yourself (with consult option)
- Introduction to Community Living
- Introduction to Community Development
- Introduction to Nurturing a Cooperative Culture
- Project planning tools
- Vision, Mission, Aim, Values
- Canvas strategizers
- Marketing planner
- Marketing packet templates
- BoWe intro
- Sales flyer
- Culture
- Explore path
- Website
Project Consultation and/or Management
- Real estate search
- Due diligence
- Site design
- Permitting process
- Land development
- House design
- Permitting process
- Home construction
- Financial / Investor package
- Legal structures / documents
- Website design
- Social media
- Email marketing
- Local promotion
- Sales process
- Blueprint of We
- Decision making
- Community Building
Training
- Exploring Community Living
- Preparation
- Essentials
- Aging / Wellness
- Community Development Process
- Vision / People
- Place / Plan / Build
- Nurturing Cooperative Culture
- Heart / Foundation
- Circles / Practices / Tools
- Relational Tools
Community Building Options
In addition to creating residential structures, community can be designed into other spaces in a way that nurtures the culture and impacts how people engage in ways only structures can. Some examples of projects that we can help with include the creation or retrofit of structures for:
-
- Your workplace
- Your organization
- Your family
- Your friends
Coworking Options
Recent economic have led to more and more of us working remotely or being self-employed. While this has been empowering and positive for lots of us in many ways, it comes with downsides like isolation too. Structures designed for coworking can engender thriving spaces for all sorts of coworking opportunities, such as:
- Social Enterprise
- Worker Cooperatives
- Coworking Collaboratives
Spiritual Communities
Physical spaces have had a profound and meaningful impact on the shared spiritual experience since man learned to rise and work stone.
Great intention can be put into to the design and construction of spaces that can create a spiritual home for people now and for generations to come.
We are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with clients creating structures for conventional spaces like churches and sanghas, as well as gathering places for modern tribes.
Step #1
Initial Consultation: Getting to know you and where you are at, particularly what’s working and what’s not with building community.
Step #2
Self-Exploration: Getting clear on who you are and what you want so you can look for and communicate about it.
Step #3
Resources & Tools: Guidance and recommendations on trusted sources and proven tools for getting out of your head and into community.
Step #4
Action Plan: Coaching and follow up for realistic and appropriate steps for exploring and co-creating a community that’s right for you.
Community Explorers
New to community? Maybe you're looking for the right one of you. Find the resources, tools, and direction you need.
Community Organizers
Do you have something of your own that you are building? Whether you're doing it on your own or with a group, the process can be daunting.
Community Developers
For developing residential properties into thriving, stable communities, get advice, resources, and coaching from people who have been there before.