What Is A Compound Community?

A compound community is a type of residential development that is designed to be self-sufficient and sustainable. These communities typically include a mix of housing, commercial, and recreational space, as well as amenities such as gardens, parks, and community centers. The goal of a compound community is to create a sense of place and belonging, while also reducing the environmental impact of its residents.

History of Compound Communities

The concept of compound communities has been around for centuries. In the early days of the United States, many towns and villages were designed around a central square or green. These spaces served as a gathering place for residents and visitors, and they often included a variety of shops, businesses, and community buildings.

In the 20th century, the rise of the suburbs led to a decline in the popularity of compound communities. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in this type of development. This is due in part to concerns about the environmental impact of sprawl, as well as a desire for more sustainable and connected communities.

Benefits of Compound Communities

There are a number of benefits to living in a compound community. These include:

• Reduced environmental impact: Compound communities are designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. They typically include features such as solar panels, rain gardens, and composting systems.
• Increased sense of community: Compound communities foster a sense of place and belonging. Residents often have the opportunity to participate in community events and activities, and they have access to a variety of shared spaces.
• Improved quality of life: Compound communities offer a higher quality of life for their residents. They typically have access to a variety of amenities, such as parks, gardens, and community centers. Additionally, compound communities often have a strong sense of community, which can lead to improved mental and physical health.

Challenges of Compound Communities

There are also some challenges associated with living in a compound community. These include:

• Cost: Compound communities can be more expensive to develop and maintain than traditional developments. This is due to the cost of the amenities and the need for specialized design and construction techniques.
• Exclusivity: Compound communities can be exclusive, and they may not be affordable for everyone. This is due to the high cost of housing and the fact that many compound communities have strict requirements for membership.
• Lack of privacy: Compound communities can be densely populated, and residents may have less privacy than they would in a traditional development. This is due to the shared nature of the spaces and the close proximity of the homes.

Types of Compound Communities

There are a variety of different types of compound communities. These include:

• Ecovillages: Ecovillages are intentional communities that are designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient. They typically include a mix of housing, commercial, and recreational space, as well as amenities such as gardens, parks, and community centers.
• Cohousing communities: Cohousing communities are intentional communities that are designed to create a sense of community and shared responsibility. They typically include a mix of housing, commercial, and recreational space, as well as amenities such as shared kitchens and dining rooms.
• Cooperative housing communities: Cooperative housing communities are democratically-run communities where the residents own and manage the property collectively. They typically include a mix of housing, commercial, and recreational space, as well as amenities such as shared kitchens and dining rooms.

Compound Communities in the Future

Compound communities are a promising model for sustainable and connected living. They offer a number of benefits, including reduced environmental impact, increased sense of community, and improved quality of life. However, there are also some challenges associated with compound communities, such as cost, exclusivity, and lack of privacy.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, compound communities are likely to become more popular. This is due to the need for sustainable and connected communities that can provide residents with a high quality of life.

Questions and Answers

1. What are the main benefits of living in a compound community?

The main benefits of living in a compound community include reduced environmental impact, increased sense of community, and improved quality of life.

2. What are the challenges of living in a compound community?

The challenges of living in a compound community include cost, exclusivity, and lack of privacy.

3. What are the different types of compound communities?

There are a variety of different types of compound communities, including ecovillages, cohousing communities, and cooperative housing communities.

4. What is the future of compound communities?

Compound communities are likely to become more popular in the future as the world becomes increasingly urbanized and the need for sustainable and connected communities grows.

5. How do I find out more about compound communities?

There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information about compound communities. You can also visit the website of the Fellowship for Intentional Community (FIC) to learn more about different types of intentional communities, including compound communities.