Info

I am a multidisciplinary independent working at the intersections of common good and collective ownership in the urban lab known as Berlin.
My projects begin with the theory and practice of social ecology, emphasizing dialogue, self-organization and local urban initiatives.
Important to me are strategies of community development and conviviality.
I coordinate a range of educational services, networking events and publications exploring Cooperatives and CoHousing as well as related fields like Community Land Trusts and Community Gardening in the context of a post-growth, democratic urban development. Projects include the new interactive eBook SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL COOPERATIVE HOUSING, CoHousing Cultures, EXPERIMENTDAYS, CoHousing-Berlin, CoHousing Inclusive, Creative Sustainability Tours, etc.
Personally active for decades with Community-Led Housing and for years with the Stadtbodenstiftung, Berlin's CLT - a nonprofit, urban land foundation. Since 2011 involved in the development of the Spreefeld Housing Cooperative as well as the Spreeacker initiative with its edible landscapes and food forests. Happily at home in the Spreefeld’s Spree WG 1 shared-living group.

Contact

  • Dr Michael LaFond
  • id22: Project Space. Spreeacker. Spreefeld
  • Wilhelmine-Gemberg-Weg 12
    10179 Berlin
    Germany
  • Tel: + 49 (0) 179 8921 045
  • Mail: michael@id22.net
  • instagram

Publications

Social-Ecological Cooperative Housing – eBook

SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL COOPERATIVE HOUSING
Community-based, transformative building and living

From land speculation and exploding rents to climate change and social inequality, we find ourselves in an age of overlapping crises. As such, it is more important than ever that we rethink the ways we live and share, as well as our systems of land and property ownership. 

CoHousing Inclusive

Self-organized, community-led housing for all. Experimental dwelling forms—CoHousing Cultures—are entering the mainstream. But to what extent are they accessible and affordable for all, including people with more or less money, with or without refugee experience, with or without disabilities? Collaborative, social housing initiatives are already developing such diversifying, sustainable neighborhoods, and are not only supported by civil society, but also increasingly by apartment providers such as cooperatives. This book contains critical reviews of model projects representing a colorful, European movement, complemented with photos and drawings. Short texts argue how political and financial conditions can be improved to better realize collaborative housing. Finally, a range of voices offer unconventional and promising strategies.