This project presents two distinct architectural proposals for the same plot of land in Volos, Greece, both aimed at addressing the housing crisis primarily affecting younger generations. In recent years, many young people have delayed moving out of their family homes due to increasing living costs. These proposals offer a solution by promoting cooperative living to reduce expenses while fostering community engagement and self-management.
Both designs prioritize the integration of communal and private spaces to create a harmonious living environment. Shared areas such as balconies, gardens, terraces, and kitchens encourage interaction among tenants, challenging traditional boundaries between personal and communal spaces. These communal areas promote communication and collaboration, while individual apartments are fully equipped with private bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms to ensure personal autonomy and comfort.
Both proposals emphasize the inclusion of a communal garden, inspired by rural Greek living, where shared outdoor spaces are central to community life. In both designs, the ground floor and rooftop serve as communal areas. The first proposal arranges private apartments around these shared spaces, while the second proposal extends this concept by incorporating a shared kitchen for every two apartments. This feature encourages tenants to collaborate on daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, fostering a stronger sense of collective responsibility and self-management, and making the second proposal more community-oriented.
Ultimately, both proposals aim to create a balanced living environment that addresses the personal needs of tenants while fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation. By providing an innovative approach to shared housing, the project contributes to the ongoing discourse on affordable and sustainable living solutions in urban Greece.