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Below is my master thesis entitled ‘Preferences for common facilities within co-housing projects’, marking the completion of my master study in Urban Systems and Real Estate (USRE) at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) – a program primarily focused on various aspects and the functioning of
area- and city development. I pursued the master’s track (including pre-master) from September 2021
to April 2024, which I found to be a highly challenging yet educative period.
This thesis delves into the housing preferences of (future) elderly in relation to ‘co-housing’, a housing
concept wherein each household disposes of its own traditional and private dwelling, while one or
multiple common facilities are shared among residents to stimulate and facilitate social interaction and
neighbor support. This master’s thesis centers the practical and tangible question, which common facilities within co-housing projects are the most preferred among elderly.
Looking back at this graduation project, the past period has been very instructive for me. I have significantly expanded my insight and knowledge regarding co-housing. I have learned about the important
contribution that this social housing concept can make to society, about typical co-housing characteristics, and about the social and societal values that are intertwined in this distinctive housing concept.
Moreover, studying reference projects has provided me with insights into the existence of various types
of co-housing projects, all distinguished by specific features and principles; from larger co-housing projects within an urban context, to smaller and mor rural co-housing initiatives. Based on this, it can be
argued that there is a co-housing project for everyone.
Additionally, I have also learned a great deal from the research process itself, and applying what I have
learned over the past two years during the master’s program. From conducting a solid and focused literature study, to critical think about- and making choices on how to manage the research itself through
the process, methodology, experimental design, questionnaire setup et cetera. And, from collecting,
analyzing and interpreting data and drawing conclusions from it, to always maintain a critical stance on
your own actions in order to work towards your research objective.
The results and the quality of this research are partly due to the people around me. Firstly, I would like
to thank Stephan Maussen and Peter van der Waerden for their excellent guidance and always being
available as a sparring partners during the entire process. Furthermore, I would also like to thank Theo
Arentze for his critical perspective on the research, in his role of chairman. Additionally, my gratitude
is extended to all individuals and organizations who completed and distributed the questionnaire. Specifically I would like to thank Kilimanjaro Wonen, Cooplink and LVGO for distributing the questionnaire
among their substantial number of newsletter members.
Through this research and its findings, I hope to inspire individuals, organizations and initiators of cohousing projects to make sustainable choices in the development of housing projects, focusing on the
long term, which strongly contribute to housing and living comfort, social interactions, quality of life
and people’s physical and mental wellbeing.