Ecovillages as Regenerative Models for American Housing

Ecovillages are intentional communities that center the regeneration of social and natural environments. Ecovillages can also be cohousing communities! We will learn more about this model through the example of Ecovillage at Ithaca (EVI). Founded in 1991 to demonstrate an alternative model for American housing, EVI provides for our needs for shelter, food, and community while also being regenerative for the planet. With the intention of flipping the paradigm of detached, single-family suburban housing and car-centric development, EVI is centered around land conservation, passive solar and green building methods, energy efficiency, local food production, and community-centric design.