Michael LaFond - CoHousing expert Berlin

Info

I am a multidisciplinary independent working at the intersections of common good and collective ownership, DIY and DIT, in the urban lab known as Berlin.
My projects begin with the theory and practice of social ecology and creative sustainability, 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 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 CoHousing Cultures, EXPERIMENTDAYS, CoHousing-Berlin, CoHousing Inclusive, Creative Sustainability Tours, etc.
Personally active for decades with Community-Led Housing. 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

Currently teaching

  • Berlin Housing Survey . TU Urban Management

    17/08/2020 - 17/08/2021

    Develop an understanding of the current, dynamic Berlin housing situation, as well as the recent history of housing in this region. Learn about and exchange ideas and information regarding a variety of Berlin housing production and development strategies. These include cooperative, non-profit, self-organized, municipal, community-oriented, sustainable, mixed-use, participatory and integrative housing for refugees and others. Compare approaches and experiences among different Berlin actors and initiatives. Experts will present their experiences and there will be visits to a number of housing projects as well as discussions on current policies, concepts and texts. Through documenting, studying, comparing and evaluating, students will develop...

  • CIEE Design + Sustainability Seminar

    17/08/2020 - 17/08/2021 / Global Institute Berlin

    The course investigates a series of interrelated themes of fundamental importance to urban development: local and international movements are further developing around ideas of direct participation, self-organization and urban democracy. urban, architectural and developmental theories are fragmenting and competing for attention, such as the Common Good, New Municipalism, Right to the City and Circular Economy strategies. political will and political failure in the determination of urban policy demands attention. What combination of top-down and bottom-up is appropriate? coordinated city-making including co-housing, community gardening, shared economy, etc. demographic challenges including ageing and diversifying populations. conflicting patterns of gentrification, segregation, displacement, wealth...

Publications

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.

CoHousing Cultures Handbuch und Ausstellung

CoHousing Cultures are self-organized, community-oriented and sustainable forms of housing. At the international level CoHousing projects are enjoying a growing popularity and are representative of the diversity of regional housing cultures. Interest in self-determination and cooperation as well as the passionate engagement of an increasing number of people in communities and cities is fueling this unique movement with life and energy. Innovative CoHousing is integrating and non-speculative, open to the neighborhood and motivated by a search for ecological, affordable and socially designed homes.

Stadtlabor Berlin

Die Themen des selbstorganisierten Wohnens und der partizipativen Stadtentwicklung in Berlin sind von unterschiedlichsten Seiten beleuchtet werden. Zu Wort kommen (Wohn)Experten und Engagierte, Stadtentwickler und Politik. Vergangenheit und Gegenwart werden diskutiert, bereits bestehende Netzwerkstrukturen wie z.B. das Wohnportal (inzwischen CoHousing) Berlin und das Bundesportal vorgestellt.
Es wird in die Zukunft geschaut. Trotz der im Jahr 2013 plötzlich abgesagten IBA 2020 vernetzen sich ungehindert Akteure des selbstorganisierten Wohnens und gründen Strukturen – partizipativ und aufbauend auf vielen Jahren Erfahrungen und einer Vielzahl von selbstverwalteten Wohnprojekten. Nicht die einzelnen Wohnhäuser sind in den Vordergrund gestellt, sondern im Sinne einer DIY-IBA die Bündelung von Kräften und die nachhaltige Entwicklung eines Modellquartiers. Mit dieser Jubiläumsausgabe des wohnbund Magazins wünschen wir allen Lesern, den vielen Studenten sowie Experten, Politikern und natürlich auch den Aktivisten, eine Fülle von Ideen und das Glück, selbst beteiligt zu sein am eigenen Wohntraumprojekt!