A Conceptual Framework for Urban Commoning in Shared Residential Landscapes in the UK

Abstract

This paper uses ideas central to the notion of urban commoning to develop a conceptual framework that can be used to inform the design and management of shared residential landscapes in the UK. Shared residential landscapes provide an important backdrop for everyday social interaction, chance encounters and mutual understanding. A recent revival of the commons concept within the urban context has brought forth new ideas for the design and long-term management of shared urban resources through participation and collective action. However, despite the potential benefits of urban commons for improved quality of urban living, there remains a disconnect between commons and spatial theory, obstructing effective application. Of particular significance are the role of physical space and the design professions in enabling or hindering the collective practice of urban commoning. To address this, this paper reviews the evolution of the commons, the implications for applying them to the urban context, and spatial theories in developing a conceptual framework for their application within the UK residential sector. Finally, the example of cohousing in the UK is drawn upon as an illustration of the urban commons framework. The framework creates a foundation for further research on the design and long-term management of shared residential landscapes as urban commons to benefit the everyday social lives of residential communities.