TOGETHER IS BETTER: BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SUBURBAN MODIFICATION

Abstract

Conventional methods of single-family housing development have contributed to suburban residential spaces which are increasingly unaffordable, socially isolating, and car-dependent. Studies suggest that alternative residential models such as cohousing have the potential to address these issues when paired with densification, collaborative spaces, and convenient access to amenities. Prior scholarship provides insight into best practices for designing new residential communities, but there is a lack of information describing what can be done to improve the existing suburbs which are ubiquitous across the United States. This thesis synthesizes sociological perspectives and architectural case studies to propose a new framework for successful cohousing development through the transformation of existing single-family homes.