Charles Durrett, recipient of U.N's World Habitat Award and the acclaimed architect who introduced cohousing to the United States, will speak to urban planners, developers, architects and other housing professionals in Washington, D.C. on Friday, December 9th 4:00–6:00 p.m. He has just published a new book, entitled "Senior Cohousing: A Community Approach to Independent Living."

Durrett, with his wife, Kathryn McCamant, is the co-founder of the cohousing movement in the U.S. and Canada. The husband and wife architecture team have pioneered a design process that allows people to create their own neighborhoods, emphasizing pedestrian walkways, environmentally sensitive design, and balancing privacy with shared community facilities. They have designed over 40 cohousing communities in the United States, receiving national recognition for green building and smart growth design. Durrett's first book, co-authored with his wife, "Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves" focused on multi-generational villages.

Durrett's new book on Senior Cohousing, with its emphasis on living in a collaborative community, offers a refreshing alternative to retirement homes and retirement communities.

According to Durrett, traditional forms of housing no longer address the needs of many older Americans. "Dramatic demographic, economic, and technological changes in our society have created a population that lives longer, ages healthier, and is looking for an alternative to current housing, as they age. " The solution, Durrett says, is senior cohousing. While most housing options for seniors tend to isolate them and discourage a neighborhood atmosphere, cohousing invites seniors to own their own homes within a large social community and to have an ownership interest in an active cooperative "village" which they have helped design.

An entertaining presenter, Durrett's work has been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, Architecture and numerous other periodicals. At the presentation for housing professionals he will narrate slides of Danish cohousing, explain the senior cohousing model in detail and show how senior cohousing can be used in municipalities of all sizes and stripes.

The presentation, sponsored by Mid Atlantic Cohousing, will be held in Northwest Washington, DC. Event is free and limited to 30 people. RSVPs are required. Send request to [email protected] or call 202-546-4654. Address and directions will be sent upon confirmation of attendance.

Related Link: Charles Durrett, co-founder of cohousing movement, on book tour in Washington DC area.

For more information contact:

Ann Zabaldo
Mid Atlantic Cohousing
6827 4th Street NW #312
Washington
DC 20012
United States

Phone: 202 291-7892
Fax: 202 291-8594
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cohomac.org