A conference in Murcia claims the support of the Administration to promote the new residential model
Although it may sound Chinese to many, ‘cohousing’ is “an emerging need”, according to Victoria Martínez Puente, president of the Murcia Cohousing association. And what is hidden behind the umpteenth concept that ends in the three acronyms of a well-known bank? A model of collaborative coexistence in which “the important thing is the affinity of the people” that make it up. In short: a group of citizens who share tastes and needs and decide to live in community to defray the cost that these entail, making them more accessible. «What unites us is that we want more interaction; we assume the opposite of the individualism that reigns in society, ”explains Martínez.
It is an initiative that has been relatively successful in other countries and even in some autonomies, such as Madrid or Catalonia. But it has not yet been established in the Region. To publicize this residential project, the first open days on ‘cohousing’ in the Region are being held in Murcia to this day. Experts from various fields and representatives of some models that have triumphed in Spain take part in them. The goal is to “take our first steps”.
soil in the garden
“More collaborative culture is needed,” says Victoria Martínez, who gives Barcelona as an example. In her opinion, the neighborhoods of Vistalegre or Carmen represent an exception in a territory little given to this type of coexistence. Although there are still no models in operation in the Region, the association is giving “all the necessary support” to the 16 ‘seed groups’ that have already shown interest in ‘cohousing’. A process that involves learning and training that, in many cases, comes through Juan Palomo, according to Victoria: “We have had to train ourselves in sociocracy” for decision-making in these groups.
Some groups that, according to their calculations, must remain between 25 and 30 members. This generates the “fundamental” problem faced by ‘cohousing’ in the Region: the land. “Most of it is in the hands of large owners who do not give it up,” laments the president of Murcia Cohousing, “and without the help of the administrations, it is not possible to face the cost” of the space necessary to build a home for so many families. . “We don’t want a piece of land next to the Cathedral,” she says while she explains that it would be contrary to her interests, “but they have declared the entire orchard to be flooded and it harms us.” Likewise, she indicates that this type of coexistence, seen by many as the alternative to residences for the elderly, makes better use of resources, “because when we ‘baby boomers’ are 70 years old, they will not give for more.”
However, Victoria is aware that they are just beginning in Murcia and that “we are in the queue compared to other autonomies.” A situation that can take a 180 degree turn and become positive if the path marked out by other territories is taken advantage of. “I think in the coming months there will be more progress and we will go faster,” she says optimistically.
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