Maayhteisöt

Maayhteisöt, often translated as "cohousing communities" or "intentional communities" in English, are a growing phenomenon in Finland. These are residential communities where people have chosen to live together with a shared vision and common goals. The core principle of maayhteisöt is to combine the benefits of private living with the advantages of communal living.

Typically, a maayhteisö consists of individual private homes or apartments, alongside shared common spaces. These common areas can include a shared kitchen and dining hall for communal meals, common rooms for social activities, workshops, guest rooms, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces like gardens or play areas. The level of shared resources and activities varies significantly from one community to another.

Residents of maayhteisöt often share a commitment to sustainability, social connection, and mutual support. They may collaborate on tasks such as cooking, childcare, gardening, or maintenance, thereby reducing individual workloads and fostering a strong sense of community. Decision-making in these communities is usually collaborative, often through consensus or other participatory methods.

The motivations for joining a maayhteisö are diverse, ranging from a desire for more social interaction and reduced isolation to environmental concerns and the wish to share resources and responsibilities. These communities offer an alternative to conventional housing, providing a framework for a more interconnected and supportive way of life. The concept emphasizes shared values and a conscious effort to build strong social bonds among residents.