Abstract

Does small mean less? Not necessarily. In an era of housing crises, environmental unsustainability and social fragmentation, the need for more sociable, affordable and sustainable housing is vital. The answer? Shared living - from joint households to land-sharing, cohousing and ecovillages.

Using successful examples from a range of countries, Anitra Nelson shows how 'eco-collaborative housing' - resident-driven low impact living with shared facilities and activities - can address the great social, economic and sustainability challenges that householders and capitalist societies face today. Sharing living spaces and facilities results in householders having more amenities and opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

Small is Necessary places contemporary models of 'alternative' housing and living at centre stage arguing that they are outward-looking, culturally rich, with low ecological footprints and offer governance techniques for a more equitable and sustainable future.
'This is a timely report and a critical and informed exploration of an important and growing housing sector in which ideas of equity, sharing, and ecological responsibility are essential parts of real, successful communities'
Paul Downton — Ecopolis urbanist and cofounder of Christie Walk cohousing (Adelaide, Australia)
'With great insight, Anitra Nelson shows how collaborative housing is emerging across the world to re-ignite the 'Small is Beautiful' spirit of E.F. Schumacher. This is a wonderful guide featuring inspiring examples for those who want to use shared eco-housing to tackle the challenges ahead'
Paul Chatterton, Professor of Urban Futures, University of Leeds, and co-founder of the Lilac cohousing co-operative
'An extensive chronology of housing which shows that sharing land and resources can help … address the broader sustainability challenges we face … packaged like a novel, it can be used as a pocket guide to read in segments … There are hundreds of references and case studies of local and international developments which are used to explain the ins and outs, successes and pitfalls of small housing and shared housing arrangements'
Sanctuary Magazine
'This book ranges widely and interrogates deeply. It imaginatively opens new and challenging horizons on the need to find forms of housing that are communal, affordable and sustainable'
Peadar Kirby, Emeritus Professor of International Politics and Public Policy, and director of the Institute for the Study of Knowledge in Society, at the University of Limerick and resident of Cloughjordan Ecovillage in Ireland
'[This] book takes you on a journey that peels away layer after layer of traditional housing models to show the reader more and more eco-collaborative possibilities. You are left with a whole new menu of how things could be, and an appealing and inspiring vision at the end'
Bronwen Morgan, Professor of Law at the University of New South Wales
'Recommended'
CHOICE