This thesis responds to the housing in crisis in Austin, TX by proposing a new urban and architectural strategy for cooperative housing. Defined as a renter controlled and consensus-based housing system, the Co-Op provides a structure for not only living at an affordable rate but living within social systems that offer additional support and care through shared domestic labor.
In order to promote or mirror the shared, collaborative lifestyle of the Co-Op within the urban fabric, this thesis proposes a new collaboration between the city’s Parks Department and a non-profit co-op developer, Community Housing Expansion of Austin (CHEA) to create the City Park Co Ops. This new strategy targets open lots within the Park’s Departments proposed greenbelt zones for development. An architectural strategy that uses a repeatable footprint and basic plan diagram allows users to control how much or how little of their space is shared with fellow residents. The effect of all of these choices aims to produce both variety and comfort. In doing so, the City Park Co-ops hopes to encourage its users to engage with their surroundings, invest in their place of living, and strengthen their communities.