Neuro-Inclusive Community Design

This book is an inspiring exploration of Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, a pioneering community that embodies sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity. Cohousing expert Charles Durrett delves into the unique aspects of this ecovillage of about 100 residents, 45 of whom include those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who live and thrive alongside neighbors in a safe and enriching environment. Through rich storytelling and detailed first-person accounts, the book highlights the importance of creating communities that celebrate and support neurodiversity. Durrett presents Sólheimar as a model for how we can build neuro-inclusive spaces that respect and uplift every individual's potential, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The book offers practical insights into the design, the principles, and the practices that make Sólheimar a standout community for inclusive living. It challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches, advocating for environments where all people, regardless of their cognitive differences, can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Durrett also presents case studies of four other neuro-inclusive communities, including Hertha Levefallesskab, WeBUILT (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together), Creative Living Community of CT, and L'Arche International Movement. With its focus on real-world solutions and its call to action, this book is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of sustainability, community living, and neuro-inclusivity. It will have a broad audience of architects, designers, occupational therapists, mental health professionals, housing developers, and practitioners in housing and social care, among others.

Charles Durrett is an architect and author based in California. With Kathryn McCamant, Charles introduced the concept of cohousing to the United States with the seminal book Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves. Durrett and his team at The Cohousing Company have designed more than 55 cohousing communities in the United States and around the world. His work has been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, Architecture, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and many other publications.

Foreword: Desiree Kameka Galloway. Introduction. 1. How Sólheimar was Started. 2. Sólheimar Today: The Community. 3. The Architecture of Sólheimar. 4. Productivity, Pride, & Purpose. 5. Nursing Care. 6. The Big Play. 7. Staff (Friends) of Sólheimar. 8. The Economics & Management of Sólheimar. 9. Other Neuro-Inclusive Communities. 10. Next Steps: How to get a Neuro-Inclusive Cohousing Started in Your Town