Co-housing : an opportunity for sustainable urban development in rural areas ? : the case of Kelmis
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- This Master's thesis examines the potential of architecture to address and mitigate current sustainability challenges, with a particular focus on rural and semi-rural areas. It proposes that new architectural approaches necessitate innovative practices and highlights the pivotal role of spatiality in the acceptance and development of sustainable concepts. The research considers co-housing schemes, demonstrating how spatial design can enhance community cohesion by balancing communal spaces with the need for privacy. The objective of this analysis is to ascertain the potential of this concept to address intergenerational social isolation, immigrant integration, and the political drive for mixed neighbourhoods to avoid ghettos, in line with East Belgium's Vision 2040. The thesis illustrates that co-housing can promote social cohesion, prevent urban sprawl, and create active community spaces. However, it also highlights the complexity of achieving sustainability in rural areas. Methodologically, the thesis employs a process-oriented approach, integrating stakeholder discussions, surveys and field work to develop and test new concepts. This adaptive framework is validated through stakeholder feedback and iterative refinement. The research highlights the need for ongoing analysis and adaptation to ensure practical applicability and inclusivity across social groups. The findings suggest that while co-housing can contribute to sustainability, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis is required to address the multiple challenges. The thesis concludes by advocating for further research to refine architectural methodologies, emphasising the key role of architecture in enhancing sustainability and community life in rural areas.