Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Ensemble Co-op
‘Ensemble Co-op’, the Panteion Student Housing Cooperative
Our award winning proposal regards the repurposing of a seven-story building in Athens creating a safe, affordable, and inclusive living space for students. Establishing the Panteion Student Housing Cooperative we intend to provide affordable housing through democratic self-governance system and sustainable financial mechanisms. To promote sustainability beyond adaptive reuse we implement circular practices and we encourage social justice and inclusion through multi-level community engagement.
Greece
Local
Athens
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As an individual partnership with other persons/organisation(s)
Athens is facing a severe housing crisis, driven by a combination of economic, social, and political factors. In response to this escalating polycrisis [EEA, Report, 10/2023], we propose the creation of “Ensemble Co-op”, the Panteion Student Housing Cooperative. Already awarded in the Co-habiting Vacancies collaborative competition hosted by CoHab Athens, our project envisions establishing a sustainable, affordable, and inclusive place for young people, who are increasingly vulnerable.
We aim to develop a pioneering cohousing model built on three main objectives:
-First, to foster collaboration and set a pioneering example for the promotion of affordable housing solutions for young people and students, by establishing the first student housing co-op in South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
-Second, to promote sustainable urban development and minimise the effects of the current polycrisis, through the reuse and repurposing of a vacant building.
-Third, to reinforce social justice and youth inclusion in urban development through multi-level community engagement.
“Ensemble Co-op” will operate under a self-organized system with two cure structures: a student association, managing internal affairs through working groups and the General Assembly and second the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab, fostering collaboration and inclusion between multi-level stakeholders for affordable housing solutions for the youth.
Our proposal envisions transforming a seven-story vacant building at the intersection of Lagoumitzi and Kallirrois streets in Athens into a vibrant cooperative living space. The design ensures user friendly, inclusive and sustainable solutions, integrating innovative practices that efficiently adapt to the existing structure.
By repurposing an existing building into an extrovert student housing community, this initiative addresses the urgent need for affordable housing and sets a model for sustainable and inclusive practices benefiting the whole society.
We aim to develop a pioneering cohousing model built on three main objectives:
-First, to foster collaboration and set a pioneering example for the promotion of affordable housing solutions for young people and students, by establishing the first student housing co-op in South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
-Second, to promote sustainable urban development and minimise the effects of the current polycrisis, through the reuse and repurposing of a vacant building.
-Third, to reinforce social justice and youth inclusion in urban development through multi-level community engagement.
“Ensemble Co-op” will operate under a self-organized system with two cure structures: a student association, managing internal affairs through working groups and the General Assembly and second the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab, fostering collaboration and inclusion between multi-level stakeholders for affordable housing solutions for the youth.
Our proposal envisions transforming a seven-story vacant building at the intersection of Lagoumitzi and Kallirrois streets in Athens into a vibrant cooperative living space. The design ensures user friendly, inclusive and sustainable solutions, integrating innovative practices that efficiently adapt to the existing structure.
By repurposing an existing building into an extrovert student housing community, this initiative addresses the urgent need for affordable housing and sets a model for sustainable and inclusive practices benefiting the whole society.
Affordable housing solutions
Adaptive reuse
Self-organized governance systems
Participatory processes
Sustainable urban development
The Ensemble Co-op is designed as a model for sustainable and affordable urban living, addressing both economic and environmental challenges. By repurposing an unfinished seven-story building, the project minimizes construction waste and promotes adaptive reuse.
A key sustainability strategy is the use of reclaimed materials, reducing environmental impact while ensuring efficient adaptation to the existing structure. Reused sanitary ware and salvaged elements like window frames and tiles will contribute to waste reduction and cost efficiency. Additionally, the proposed prefabricated modular bathrooms will provide a less wasteful and cost-effective alternative to on-site construction. Another important part of the sustainability strategy will be the creation of material passports for new elements to allow future reuse.
Water conservation will also be integral, with on-site systems collecting rainwater and greywater from laundry and showers for irrigation and toilet flushing. Low-flow toilets and smart water management will enhance conservation efforts.
Beyond water efficiency the cooperative model fosters sustainability through shared resources. Common amenities such as laundry rooms, kitchens, workspaces, and recreational areas will reduce individual consumption and energy use.
Also solar PV-s will be installed at the roof top and solar water heaters that will provide hot water, utilizing solar energy. Balcony gardens will insulate interiors, reduce noise from nearby highways and enhance biodiversity. A rooftop community garden will promote social interaction and urban agriculture, providing fresh fruit and vegetables.
In addition to sustainable living solutions, the project integrates education and community outreach. The ground floor will host sustainability workshops for residents and neighbours, including composting. Composting bins will reduce organic waste, benefiting the community gardens, with any surplus donated to other urban gardens in Athens.
A key sustainability strategy is the use of reclaimed materials, reducing environmental impact while ensuring efficient adaptation to the existing structure. Reused sanitary ware and salvaged elements like window frames and tiles will contribute to waste reduction and cost efficiency. Additionally, the proposed prefabricated modular bathrooms will provide a less wasteful and cost-effective alternative to on-site construction. Another important part of the sustainability strategy will be the creation of material passports for new elements to allow future reuse.
Water conservation will also be integral, with on-site systems collecting rainwater and greywater from laundry and showers for irrigation and toilet flushing. Low-flow toilets and smart water management will enhance conservation efforts.
Beyond water efficiency the cooperative model fosters sustainability through shared resources. Common amenities such as laundry rooms, kitchens, workspaces, and recreational areas will reduce individual consumption and energy use.
Also solar PV-s will be installed at the roof top and solar water heaters that will provide hot water, utilizing solar energy. Balcony gardens will insulate interiors, reduce noise from nearby highways and enhance biodiversity. A rooftop community garden will promote social interaction and urban agriculture, providing fresh fruit and vegetables.
In addition to sustainable living solutions, the project integrates education and community outreach. The ground floor will host sustainability workshops for residents and neighbours, including composting. Composting bins will reduce organic waste, benefiting the community gardens, with any surplus donated to other urban gardens in Athens.
The wider region in which our building is located, serves as a buffer between the historical centre of Athens (Koukaki) and the southern districts leading to the Athenian Riviera. With major roads like Syngrou and Kallirrois nearby, the location experiences heavy traffic and noise pollution as well as lack of green spaces. Consequently, the relationship between the site and the neighbourhood is contradictory at the moment. In this setting, the proposed facade aims to reinterpret the classic morphology of the Greek polykatoikia, reviving the architectural identity of Greek neighbourhoods with an innovative touch through mixed reused tent cloth. In addition, we aim to create a community building that is connected to an exterior urban space that will act as a hotspot for the neighborhood. Annual events, workshops, and various activities taking place in this building will link the residency with the local community, fostering engagement, interaction, and mutual understanding.
Upon arrival, students will receive a “starter pack” with the ingredients needed to arrange their room as they wish. The starter pack will include wooden boards and boxes, a pegboard, a mattress and sanitary ware. So students will gain a sense of belonging and ownership by being able to create their own space. The use of affordable and reused materials creates informal living spaces and encourages residents to feel at home. This approach moves away from uninspired imitations in modern development, prioritizing instead the creation of thoughtfully designed, purposeful structures that avoid unwelcoming or impersonal aesthetics.
The balcony gardens in the building will enhance the overall quality of life, as plants are known to have psychologically beneficial effects on individuals.
Upon arrival, students will receive a “starter pack” with the ingredients needed to arrange their room as they wish. The starter pack will include wooden boards and boxes, a pegboard, a mattress and sanitary ware. So students will gain a sense of belonging and ownership by being able to create their own space. The use of affordable and reused materials creates informal living spaces and encourages residents to feel at home. This approach moves away from uninspired imitations in modern development, prioritizing instead the creation of thoughtfully designed, purposeful structures that avoid unwelcoming or impersonal aesthetics.
The balcony gardens in the building will enhance the overall quality of life, as plants are known to have psychologically beneficial effects on individuals.
The project will ensure equal access to affordable and safer housing while empowering residents to shape their living spaces. To ensure inclusivity, the building will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities, with specially designed rooms. A new ramp will be installed at the entrance, and two elevators will be added to enhance accessibility.
Students from all backgrounds are welcomed, provided they embrace the cooperative housing lifestyle. The primary goal of the project is to provide physical spaces for individuals and initiatives that are in greatest need. To support this, rents for students will be formed based on income criteria. A students association will ensure that internal affairs of the collective will be managed based on inclusive processes and democratic decision making. The General assembly in which all residents will equally participate wil decide on general issues creating working groups to confront more special ones. Moreover, smaller assemblies will be established on every residential floor for everyday issues.
To reinforce social justice and inclusion, we will establish the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab, engaging residents, university institutions, and broader stakeholders. The Lab will foster participation, self-organization, and social networking while developing inclusive governance mechanisms
In particular this group will be responsible for managing the adapted building’s ground floor, establishing it as a community hub for the neighbourhood, hosting workshops, lectures, and other community activities. For instance residents will collaborate with NGOs such as Metadrasi hosting young refugees in order to help them socialize and integrate into Greek reality.
Our project sets a new standard for inclusive and cooperative housing, demonstrating that affordable, self-managed living can foster social equity, sustainability, and stronger community engagement.
Students from all backgrounds are welcomed, provided they embrace the cooperative housing lifestyle. The primary goal of the project is to provide physical spaces for individuals and initiatives that are in greatest need. To support this, rents for students will be formed based on income criteria. A students association will ensure that internal affairs of the collective will be managed based on inclusive processes and democratic decision making. The General assembly in which all residents will equally participate wil decide on general issues creating working groups to confront more special ones. Moreover, smaller assemblies will be established on every residential floor for everyday issues.
To reinforce social justice and inclusion, we will establish the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab, engaging residents, university institutions, and broader stakeholders. The Lab will foster participation, self-organization, and social networking while developing inclusive governance mechanisms
In particular this group will be responsible for managing the adapted building’s ground floor, establishing it as a community hub for the neighbourhood, hosting workshops, lectures, and other community activities. For instance residents will collaborate with NGOs such as Metadrasi hosting young refugees in order to help them socialize and integrate into Greek reality.
Our project sets a new standard for inclusive and cooperative housing, demonstrating that affordable, self-managed living can foster social equity, sustainability, and stronger community engagement.
The project is still in its development stages, with target group involvement gradually beginning to take shape. Citizens and the civil society have started to participate in the project even at this early stage.
Throughout the design process, we engaged with local communities, students, and cultural groups to understand their needs and aspirations. Additionally, conversations with housing cooperative networks across Europe provided valuable insights into self-governance models and good practices.
Partnerships with Panteion University, CoHab Athens, and national organizations like the Technical Chamber of Greece have been established, laying the foundation for legal, financial, and operational support. This collaboration has helped promote collective housing and persuade multilevel stakeholders of its value.
During the last stage of the design process participatory planning workshops will be held. Participants will have the ability to design their own spaces following their needs and desires. We envision to normalise such participatory processes through increasing citizens participation.
After the collective’s establishment and the creation of Panteion Cooperative Open Lab diverse groups can be benefited. Firstly, students facing the lack of affordable housing being vulnerable in front of the polycrisis will definitely benefit from having access to an affordable alternative. Additionally, we envision the project as a community center. Citizens of all ages and backgrounds will have the opportunity to interact, and contribute to the initiative through open participatory decision making circles and cultural events. They can be introduced to self organization and collective living, learnings that can empower them for the rest of their life.
Finally by repurposing an empty building and applying circular methods the project aims to reclaim the sense of belonging in the city and promote a sustainable collective way of living to various groups.
Throughout the design process, we engaged with local communities, students, and cultural groups to understand their needs and aspirations. Additionally, conversations with housing cooperative networks across Europe provided valuable insights into self-governance models and good practices.
Partnerships with Panteion University, CoHab Athens, and national organizations like the Technical Chamber of Greece have been established, laying the foundation for legal, financial, and operational support. This collaboration has helped promote collective housing and persuade multilevel stakeholders of its value.
During the last stage of the design process participatory planning workshops will be held. Participants will have the ability to design their own spaces following their needs and desires. We envision to normalise such participatory processes through increasing citizens participation.
After the collective’s establishment and the creation of Panteion Cooperative Open Lab diverse groups can be benefited. Firstly, students facing the lack of affordable housing being vulnerable in front of the polycrisis will definitely benefit from having access to an affordable alternative. Additionally, we envision the project as a community center. Citizens of all ages and backgrounds will have the opportunity to interact, and contribute to the initiative through open participatory decision making circles and cultural events. They can be introduced to self organization and collective living, learnings that can empower them for the rest of their life.
Finally by repurposing an empty building and applying circular methods the project aims to reclaim the sense of belonging in the city and promote a sustainable collective way of living to various groups.
The project's design and execution involved active participation of diverse stakeholders at different stages, ensuring a structured and contextually relevant development approach.
Local level: The municipality of Athens, which is working on housing strategies, was asked to collaborate with us, contributing financially and legally and helping us navigate bureaucracy.
Panteion University, as the building’s owner, is already part of the initiative. We will coordinate with the institutes’ Housing Service to secure the building’s transfer to the student cooperative and ensure financial and advisory support.
Local developers will be involved, having already made some contacts, participating they could learn the proposed innovative sustainable building practices and by involving them we are supporting the local economy.
Regional: After the cooperative’s establishment, its social programme will be activated through the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab. Specifically, we plan to collaborate with NGOs working with young people such as Praxis, Arsis, Klimaka, Metadrasi and the regional services of the Ministry of Justice regarding social reintegration to run programs for reconnecting young people through collective activities and public events.
Energy communities such as Atticas’ Energy Collective acting in the region can participate in the initiative contributing with their expertise and benefiting from the energy efficient and passive systems of our proposal.
National-European: Cohab Athens, apart from organizing the competition we participated in, has supported us during the design process, providing solutions and connecting us to their network. As the project advances we will continue this collaboration as part of their broader effort to promote cooperative housing in Greece.
Technical Chamber of Greece, Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving and Greek Architects Association were contacted to play an advisory role during the development of the project.
Local level: The municipality of Athens, which is working on housing strategies, was asked to collaborate with us, contributing financially and legally and helping us navigate bureaucracy.
Panteion University, as the building’s owner, is already part of the initiative. We will coordinate with the institutes’ Housing Service to secure the building’s transfer to the student cooperative and ensure financial and advisory support.
Local developers will be involved, having already made some contacts, participating they could learn the proposed innovative sustainable building practices and by involving them we are supporting the local economy.
Regional: After the cooperative’s establishment, its social programme will be activated through the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab. Specifically, we plan to collaborate with NGOs working with young people such as Praxis, Arsis, Klimaka, Metadrasi and the regional services of the Ministry of Justice regarding social reintegration to run programs for reconnecting young people through collective activities and public events.
Energy communities such as Atticas’ Energy Collective acting in the region can participate in the initiative contributing with their expertise and benefiting from the energy efficient and passive systems of our proposal.
National-European: Cohab Athens, apart from organizing the competition we participated in, has supported us during the design process, providing solutions and connecting us to their network. As the project advances we will continue this collaboration as part of their broader effort to promote cooperative housing in Greece.
Technical Chamber of Greece, Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving and Greek Architects Association were contacted to play an advisory role during the development of the project.
Throughout the design process, various disciplines and knowledge fields were combined to ensure sustainable, aesthetic pleasant and feasible results.
A key objective was to establish a democratic governance model. Cohab Athens manual for the foundation of housing cooperatives contributed to determining the main features of the collective. This manual consolidates knowledge from effords founding housing cooperatives in Greece providing legal and organization solutions. Additionally, knowledge gathered from collective housing dwellers all around Europe like Kraftwerk (Zurich), Potsdamer Hausprojekt Mietshäuser(Berlin) or Sanford housing co-op (London) empowered us to imagine a functional and realistic governance model. La Ciguë, a student housing cooperative in Geneva, was particularly valuable in tailoring solutions for student-focused collective living.
The Development Agency of Karditsa SA experts on economics contributed to the creation of the economic framework of the cooperative and to the determination of financial sources for the project.
The architectural design emphasized sustainability and adaptability MOR architectural studio (Netherlands) specialists in sustainable design and adaptive reuse contributed to solutions such as prefabricated components, water management and flexible, user-friendly spaces.
Moreover, Recual a Greek architectural collective focusing on ecological and circular design reinforced our commitment of using reused materials and finding zero waste solutions.
Beyond professional expertise, during our on-site visits we engaged with everyday users of the neighborhood. These interactions helped refine our approach to public spaces, accessibility, and community integration.
This interdisciplinary collaboration proved its value during the design process and will be extended during the implementation of the project. A participatory process will be maintained ensuring a pluralistic and community driven realization of the project.
A key objective was to establish a democratic governance model. Cohab Athens manual for the foundation of housing cooperatives contributed to determining the main features of the collective. This manual consolidates knowledge from effords founding housing cooperatives in Greece providing legal and organization solutions. Additionally, knowledge gathered from collective housing dwellers all around Europe like Kraftwerk (Zurich), Potsdamer Hausprojekt Mietshäuser(Berlin) or Sanford housing co-op (London) empowered us to imagine a functional and realistic governance model. La Ciguë, a student housing cooperative in Geneva, was particularly valuable in tailoring solutions for student-focused collective living.
The Development Agency of Karditsa SA experts on economics contributed to the creation of the economic framework of the cooperative and to the determination of financial sources for the project.
The architectural design emphasized sustainability and adaptability MOR architectural studio (Netherlands) specialists in sustainable design and adaptive reuse contributed to solutions such as prefabricated components, water management and flexible, user-friendly spaces.
Moreover, Recual a Greek architectural collective focusing on ecological and circular design reinforced our commitment of using reused materials and finding zero waste solutions.
Beyond professional expertise, during our on-site visits we engaged with everyday users of the neighborhood. These interactions helped refine our approach to public spaces, accessibility, and community integration.
This interdisciplinary collaboration proved its value during the design process and will be extended during the implementation of the project. A participatory process will be maintained ensuring a pluralistic and community driven realization of the project.
In the context of Western Balkans where housing cooperatives are significantly restrained due to absent legal and structural policy frameworks, the establishment of the first ever student housing cooperative in the region can act as a pioneering example in terms of affordable housing and collective governance models bringing in the region a model widely spread in the rest of Europe.
In contrast to mainstream policies for access to housing, our project is not based solely on external funding and profit-oriented practices. We propose sustainable financing mechanisms that can simultaneously ensure long-term resilience and low rents.
Another innovative feature of our proposal is the collective organization model. Through participatory and democratic decision-making processes, community members are empowered to shape collectively their living environment.
Beyond internal governance, we envision the cooperative as a community that extends its impact and provides solutions for society as a whole. In contrast to mainstream housing practices, public spaces open to the neighborhood can host various events that advance creativity and collaboration, strengthening social networks.
Challenging the mainstream Greek building industry, our approach introduces circular and sustainable building practices. Adaptive reuse of an existing building, use of reclaimed materials, prefabricated components, energy-efficient practices and waste management are all innovative aspects of our proposal.
Additionally, we redefine dormitory design by prioritizing adaptive common spaces that actively promote collective living. Easily transformable boundaries, prefabricated structures, and user-friendly, adjustable private spaces, enhance both flexibility and comfort.
Finally, in Athens’ dense, car-dominated urban landscape, we propose a pedestrian-friendly environment, introducing a new public square and corridor, essential for a more livable city.
In contrast to mainstream policies for access to housing, our project is not based solely on external funding and profit-oriented practices. We propose sustainable financing mechanisms that can simultaneously ensure long-term resilience and low rents.
Another innovative feature of our proposal is the collective organization model. Through participatory and democratic decision-making processes, community members are empowered to shape collectively their living environment.
Beyond internal governance, we envision the cooperative as a community that extends its impact and provides solutions for society as a whole. In contrast to mainstream housing practices, public spaces open to the neighborhood can host various events that advance creativity and collaboration, strengthening social networks.
Challenging the mainstream Greek building industry, our approach introduces circular and sustainable building practices. Adaptive reuse of an existing building, use of reclaimed materials, prefabricated components, energy-efficient practices and waste management are all innovative aspects of our proposal.
Additionally, we redefine dormitory design by prioritizing adaptive common spaces that actively promote collective living. Easily transformable boundaries, prefabricated structures, and user-friendly, adjustable private spaces, enhance both flexibility and comfort.
Finally, in Athens’ dense, car-dominated urban landscape, we propose a pedestrian-friendly environment, introducing a new public square and corridor, essential for a more livable city.
Our methodology is divided into three phases: 1. Research & Analysis, 2. Design. 3. Implementation and governance through the Open Lab.
Research & Analysis
Aiming to repurpose a vacant building into a housing cooperative we researched for relative groups in Greece leading us to CoHab Athens, a multidisciplinary group specialized on collective housing. We participated in the “Diekdikite” action to map empty buildings across Greek cities for potential repurposing, gaining an overview of vacant spaces in the region.
Seeking to expand our project we joined Cohab’s competition for housing cooperatives. During participating we engaged with experts in economics, cooperative members, designers, sociologists and everyday people. Through this, we deepened our knowledge of cooperative housing models.
Aiming to provide for vulnerable groups and in particular to cover students' needs, we identified a vacant building near Panteion University as a suitable candidate for adaptation.
Before designing, to promote inclusion we visited the site to analyse the area. We organized several meetings with university students and residents to incorporate their needs into our approach.
Design
The design phase focused on three key objectives: 1. determining the organization model for the cooperative, 2. defining the financial mechanisms and 3. the designing of the adaptation of the building. Clarifying the first two objectives we acquired a clearer vision of the design.
Implementation
The Open Lab will oversee the project’s realization. Running primarily processes and incorporating multi-level stakeholder the Lab will ensure that all actions for the establishment of Ensemble Co-op will be taken aligned with our key objectives.
This collaborative and inclusive methodology strengthened both the architectural design and the economic and organizational feasibility of the cooperative, making it a realistic and sustainable proposal.
Research & Analysis
Aiming to repurpose a vacant building into a housing cooperative we researched for relative groups in Greece leading us to CoHab Athens, a multidisciplinary group specialized on collective housing. We participated in the “Diekdikite” action to map empty buildings across Greek cities for potential repurposing, gaining an overview of vacant spaces in the region.
Seeking to expand our project we joined Cohab’s competition for housing cooperatives. During participating we engaged with experts in economics, cooperative members, designers, sociologists and everyday people. Through this, we deepened our knowledge of cooperative housing models.
Aiming to provide for vulnerable groups and in particular to cover students' needs, we identified a vacant building near Panteion University as a suitable candidate for adaptation.
Before designing, to promote inclusion we visited the site to analyse the area. We organized several meetings with university students and residents to incorporate their needs into our approach.
Design
The design phase focused on three key objectives: 1. determining the organization model for the cooperative, 2. defining the financial mechanisms and 3. the designing of the adaptation of the building. Clarifying the first two objectives we acquired a clearer vision of the design.
Implementation
The Open Lab will oversee the project’s realization. Running primarily processes and incorporating multi-level stakeholder the Lab will ensure that all actions for the establishment of Ensemble Co-op will be taken aligned with our key objectives.
This collaborative and inclusive methodology strengthened both the architectural design and the economic and organizational feasibility of the cooperative, making it a realistic and sustainable proposal.
Rehabilitation of existing buildings is at the center of our proposal. More specifically, our proposal for prefabricated components that can easily be introduced in empty structures creating the necessary infrastructures is a practice that can be replicated and transferred in existing domino system buildings worldwide. Moreover, our flexible plan design with light structures easily detached and transformed not only can be transferred to other structures to cover various needs but it can also be transformed to cover future needs of the structure that were initially installed. The ‘starter pack’ for example gives transformability to the rooms introducing a user friendly and adaptive system. Common spaces furnished with curtains or light structures have an open space logic and can be easily transformed covering various events and workshops.
The proposal of living collectively can be a solution to the increasing housing and social crisis. Even though we give a local solution to the growing housing crisis in Greece, collective housing is a solution that can be replicated all around the world even in places with lack of legal mechanisms. General assemblies, in which community members gather under the same terms, or community teams that are created ad-hoc to confront specific subjects that came up, are dynamic mechanisms that can easily resolve issues at lower levels empowering communities and self-organization.
Moreover, our proposal regards the connection between the housing collective and the people of the neighborhood as a crucial step for promoting sustainable and viable dwelling solutions everywhere. Public spaces in combination with open events and the creation of the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab are the main tools of our proposal in this direction. These proposals can be easily transformed and transferred in various densely-built and individualized urban environments, changing the quality of everyday life of urban dwellers.
The proposal of living collectively can be a solution to the increasing housing and social crisis. Even though we give a local solution to the growing housing crisis in Greece, collective housing is a solution that can be replicated all around the world even in places with lack of legal mechanisms. General assemblies, in which community members gather under the same terms, or community teams that are created ad-hoc to confront specific subjects that came up, are dynamic mechanisms that can easily resolve issues at lower levels empowering communities and self-organization.
Moreover, our proposal regards the connection between the housing collective and the people of the neighborhood as a crucial step for promoting sustainable and viable dwelling solutions everywhere. Public spaces in combination with open events and the creation of the Panteion Cooperative Open Lab are the main tools of our proposal in this direction. These proposals can be easily transformed and transferred in various densely-built and individualized urban environments, changing the quality of everyday life of urban dwellers.
In the face of today’s polycrisis cooperative housing especially for young people is a multilevel solution.
Affordable housing is becoming less available worldwide. In this context collective housing is an affordable and effective solution confronting the housing crisis. This collective practice not only provides access to housing for low-income households, but also reconnects people creating communities and social networks of care.
Focusing on young people, the danger of marginalisation today is growing due to their increased vulnerability. Opportunities given to them through access to student cooperative housing for studying, networking, gaining hands-on experience in management, finance and governance processes can reduce the risk of marginalization and strengthen their skills for the future.
Climate crisis and more specific emissions reduction are global issues that must be addressed. Having that in mind, design solutions and the building industry as a whole must become more and more sustainable embracing circular economy and energy efficient practices. Rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings can at the same time benefit from their embedded energy and reduce the energy and materials needed for the creation of new structures. Main parts of our proposal like reusing materials, introducing energy efficient solutions or using prefabricated components address the issue of the climate crisis.
In a rapidly urbanized world, densely built environments, car centric design and the lack of green spaces are global issues that need our attention. We address the problem of urban environments at various levels. At the city level we propose new public spaces to promote people-friendly design and collective life. At a building level green roofs and gardens are a central solution of our proposal in order to introduce parts of nature inside urban environments, reconnecting as much as we can urban dwellers with nature in the city.
Affordable housing is becoming less available worldwide. In this context collective housing is an affordable and effective solution confronting the housing crisis. This collective practice not only provides access to housing for low-income households, but also reconnects people creating communities and social networks of care.
Focusing on young people, the danger of marginalisation today is growing due to their increased vulnerability. Opportunities given to them through access to student cooperative housing for studying, networking, gaining hands-on experience in management, finance and governance processes can reduce the risk of marginalization and strengthen their skills for the future.
Climate crisis and more specific emissions reduction are global issues that must be addressed. Having that in mind, design solutions and the building industry as a whole must become more and more sustainable embracing circular economy and energy efficient practices. Rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings can at the same time benefit from their embedded energy and reduce the energy and materials needed for the creation of new structures. Main parts of our proposal like reusing materials, introducing energy efficient solutions or using prefabricated components address the issue of the climate crisis.
In a rapidly urbanized world, densely built environments, car centric design and the lack of green spaces are global issues that need our attention. We address the problem of urban environments at various levels. At the city level we propose new public spaces to promote people-friendly design and collective life. At a building level green roofs and gardens are a central solution of our proposal in order to introduce parts of nature inside urban environments, reconnecting as much as we can urban dwellers with nature in the city.
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