Book review: Communal Housing

Communal Housing, from M. Braido, 34 Ennismore Gdns., S.W.7. (Duplicated 25p).

The report has been published by a small group of people who have formed a Housing Association to facilitate the provision of communal housing accommodation in the London area. It is well researched and written with plenty of references for those who want to study the matter in more detail. Part of the report contains useful information on the practical problems of finance, building conversion and legalities, but it is that part which argues the case for communal housing that is more interesting to read.

The report clearly shows just how restrictive, in comparison, is the typical family unit housed in a flat or semidetached, and puts forward very convincing evidence for the view that communal housing groups would provide a much more diverse and stimulating atmosphere for adults and children alike. The demoralising effect of most institutional housing for old people, those suffering from mental ill-health, and others is dealt with, and the superiority of mixed communal groups for such people illustrated. It is suggested that voluntary groups of this kind could re-create many of the benefits of the “extended family” whilst avoiding the problems that arose from its compulsory nature.

Communal housing groups are no cure-all. Their members still have to work for wages to secure the rent, and relationships within the group generally are most strongly affected by external factors, but the growth of interest in ventures of this kind indicates just how much the existing social relationships are being recognised as restrictive of further human advancement. We can only hope that those who read this report will apply some of the same thinking outside of the housing field to society as a whole.

M. B