Residents' Participation and Common Activities in an Intentional Community: The Case of the Mindlre Community

  • Cho, Jeong-Hyun (Department of Living Culture Studies, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Lee, Dong-Sook (Department of Living Culture Studies, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Choi, Jung-Shin (Department of Living Culture Studies, The Catholic University of Korea)
  • Published : 2008.12.30

Abstract

A new movement in forming community villages for better living standards is becoming popular. In order to sustain a proper community, it is essential to design proper community programs and facilities, which can encourage the proactive participation of residents. In this study, detailed aspects of the Mindlre (Dandelion) community (including formation process and management of the village) are investigated. The Mindlre community is a successful community village in Korea concerned with residents' participation and community activities. The community is located in Sancheong, Gyungsangnamdo province in Korea. The study methods are references, field trips, and interviews with residents. Six areas were surveyed and investigated: the physical environment of the Mindlre community and eco-friendly elements, respondents' background and the motivation to join, residents composition, residents' participation in the formation process of the community, self-management systems and common activities, and residents's life satisfaction. The mindlre Community was founded on Christian religions faith. The primary idea of this village was building a new hope for rural areas without discrimination. The size of the village was expanded with housing for teachers and students who were linked with the Mindlre School (substitution school). When the community was founded, existing shapes of the village were preserved. The village was physically renovated based on the original environment, in addition nature friendly materials and methods were used. The residents were proactively involved in the community through regular meetings, self-regulation, and community worship. Although the survey results should that most residents were highly satisfied with living standards, there seemed to be no clear division between community facilities and private houses. A systematic and detailed space planning technique was required. In addition, various community facilities are required due to the expansion of the community.

Keywords

References

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