Baugruppe Now

Is it better to live in country or in a city? Great access to work, school, shopping and culture or close proximity to nature, weekend barbecues with neighbors and tranquility. Do we have to choose? Is it possible to combine these qualities? Is the Baugruppe principle able to solve the housing conundrums of the current era? “Baugruppe is a group of people that combine their finances and efforts to construct an apartment building conforming to their notion of ideal living while remaining affordable.” (1) To me the Baugruppe lifestyle seems to be wedged in between the city experience and the more traditional way of living outside of it. In between the preplanned structure of the residences and the organic growth of the dwellings. In this bachelor’s thesis I examine these alternatives and their pros which beg to be merged together. I ponder the question: is it possible to embody this betweenness in the design of the residential complex – in its urban composition, its structure, its formal expression as well as its typology. On one hand prefabricated construction of apartment buildings based on market research brings monotone anonymity on the other hand it allows financial and construction efficiency. While the individual nature of a regular house project may enable freedom of expression, it may also hinder this freedom for any other project surrounding it. The houses themselves reflect the aesthetic values of their owners. The various reworks and additions reflect their changing needs. In Baugruppe the willingness to share space with members of the same community as well as outsiders meets the need to own real estate. The main goal of course still remains living well. In one’s own space, with neighbors of one’s own choosing, utilizing the economic and cultural assets of the city, while saving money that can be better used elsewhere. Be it larger living space or a greenhouse filled with tomatoes next to the house. (1) BAUGRUPPE! Manual, available on: http://www.baugruppe.cz/index.php?page=baugruppe-manua