Cohousing Bijgaardehof

Cohousing Bijgaardehof, located in the former Malmarsite industrial site in Sint-Amandsberg, Ghent, represents a collaborative living initiative that integrates sustainable living, community engagement, and health services. Developed in partnership with the architects Bogdan & Van Broeck and overseen by the urban development company Sogent, the project includes three distinct cohousing groups: De Spore, Wijgaard, and Biotope, along with a neighborhood health center. Together, they have transformed the space into 58 residence units and shared community facilities designed to foster social interaction while respecting privacy. Residents of Bijgaardehof enjoy private living spaces with personal amenities, complemented by shared areas that encourage community life. Each cohousing group operates its own communal facilities, which include large kitchens, meeting rooms, and recreational spaces. The overarching design also incorporates universally accessible spaces such as parking lots, gardens, and workrooms, emphasizing the values of ecological living, resource sharing, and strong interpersonal connections among residents. The project aims to support sustainable lifestyles with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact and promoting well-being through shared experiences. Each of the three groups at Bijgaardehof offers a unique perspective on communal living. Wijgaard features a diverse demographic with communal areas that foster creativity and collaboration, including libraries and rooftops designed for social gatherings. BioTope focuses on inclusivity and ecological construction, providing affordable housing options for a range of family sizes and needs, and offers one of its units specifically for recognized refugees. De Spore, while the smallest group, promotes a vibrant community atmosphere with frequent group activities, having designed their living space to blend green outdoor spaces with residential comfort. Overall, Cohousing Bijgaardehof exemplifies a forward-thinking model of urban living that fosters community, environmental consciousness, and social resilience. By merging individual privacy with communal resources, Bijgaardehof serves as a blueprint for future urban developments that prioritize community engagement while addressing modern ecological and social challenges.