In this paper, the new multi-generation housing estate “Giesserei” in Winterthur, Switzerland serves as case study to discuss the purpose of a multi-generation house. The aim is to describe the degree of innovation of this project and answer the question of how its governance and funding look like.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Case Study – The multi-generation house ‘Giesserei’
2.1 Social and ecological sustainability
2.2 Co-operation and partnering
3. Is the multi-generation house ‘Giesserei’ an innovation?
3.1 Degree of novelty
3.2 Different kinds of innovation
3.3 The complexity of transfer and creation of knowledge
4. Governance structure
4.1 Ownership, accountabilities and self-organization
4.2 Commitment, liability and voluntary work
4.3 Reciprocity and the courage to ask for help
5. A social business with a mixed funding model
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the multi-generation housing estate "Giesserei" in Winterthur, Switzerland, aiming to evaluate its innovative potential, governance structure, and financial model as a response to current demographic and social shifts.
- Analysis of multi-generation housing as a form of social innovation
- Evaluation of governance models based on self-organization and participation
- Examination of mixed funding strategies in non-profit housing
- Role of reciprocity and social capital in residential communities
Excerpt from the Book
Product versus process
As mentioned above, the innovative idea of multi-generation houses is not new to the world. It has spread to different countries and markets. Due to participatory and co-creative processes, the idea has been taken over and locally adapted to the cultural context and to the social needs of the society.
Consequently, multi-generation houses are no product innovation but process innovation. It is about the creation of communality among different generations. This is an on-going process. Appropriate architecture, mix of generation, services provided etc. are only the framework that help to initiate the process of creating an inclusive, self-organized community based on shared values such as commitment, loyalty and trust.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical decline of multi-generational living and defines the "Giesserei" project as a case study for new forms of communal housing.
2. Case Study – The multi-generation house ‘Giesserei’: Details the origins, social/ecological principles, and the partnership with the housing cooperative 'Gesewo'.
3. Is the multi-generation house ‘Giesserei’ an innovation?: Discusses innovation theory, differentiating between product and process innovation and highlighting the complexity of knowledge transfer.
4. Governance structure: Explains the organizational framework, emphasizing self-organization, tenant responsibility, and the principle of reciprocity.
5. A social business with a mixed funding model: Analyzes the diverse financial sources—including loans and rental income—that sustain the housing project.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the interim results and reflects on the challenges of maintaining long-term success through self-governance in a market-driven environment.
Keywords
Social Innovation, Multi-generation House, Giesserei, Self-organization, Governance, Housing Cooperative, Gesewo, Social Capital, Process Innovation, Sustainability, Reciprocity, Civic Involvement, Switzerland, Urban Planning, Demographic Change
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the "Giesserei" multi-generation housing project in Winterthur as a case study for modern social innovation and new forms of cohabitation in Switzerland.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
The study centers on community building, governance through self-organization, mixed-model funding, and the role of reciprocal support systems within housing estates.
What is the primary research goal?
The aim is to describe the degree of innovation inherent in the "Giesserei" project and to analyze how its governance structure and funding model function in practice.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a qualitative case study approach, drawing on theoretical frameworks regarding innovation (Oslo Manual) and social venture governance (Murray et al.) to analyze the specific real-world example of the Giesserei.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the conceptual background, the collaborative development process, the classification of the project as an incremental innovation, and the practical implementation of self-governance and finance.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include social innovation, multi-generation housing, self-organization, governance, sustainability, and social capital.
How does the project differentiate between product and process innovation?
The author argues that the multi-generation house is not a "product" innovation but a "process" innovation, as the focus is on the ongoing creation of community and social cohesion rather than a fixed physical good.
What is the significance of the partnership with the cooperative 'Gesewo'?
The partnership provided the necessary infrastructure, financial experience, and legal framework that allowed the initiator's initial vision to transition into a scalable, professionally managed housing reality.
- Quote paper
- Master of Art Michael Gabathuler (Author), 2013, Governance and funding of social innovation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/268850
