HousingLab

HousingLab is an association founded in 2014 with the aim of promoting new ways of living in cities and sustainable lifestyles through the dissemination of collaborative housing. The organization conducts outreach activities, coaching, and training for public operators and industry professionals, as well as experimentation and co-design activities with groups of future cohabitants or organizations interested in promoting collaborative housing projects. Their projects involve collaborations with various entities, ranging from public institutions to third-sector organizations, real estate companies, and community groups, to develop and promote collaborative living arrangements. One of the key initiatives of HousingLab is the mapping of cohousing projects in Italy. This mapping project, developed in collaboration with Homers Lab, aims to geolocate and provide information on various cohousing projects nationwide. The purpose is to offer an overview of cohousing distribution in Italy, making existing initiatives known to those new to this innovative way of living and facilitating networking between projects. Those interested in adding their cohousing project to the map can reach out to HousingLab for inclusion. Community Toolkit is another project by HousingLab focused on designing and testing tools to activate, prototype, nurture, and manage communities. These tools aim to cater to the evolving needs of individuals who seek urban living without compromising social relationships and a communal lifestyle. The organization also engages in projects like Green Opificio, HabitAbilis, and Milano 2035 that explore various aspects of collaborative living and community building to create more accessible and solidarity-based living environments. Overall, HousingLab serves as a crucial hub for promoting collaborative housing initiatives in Italy. Through their diverse projects, including mapping cohousing locations, developing community toolkits, and implementing community-building programs, the organization plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community, sustainability, and shared living experiences among residents in urban environments.