Neuro-Inclusive Community Design

Charles Durrett is an architect and author based in California. With Kathryn McCamant, Charles introduced the concept of cohousing to the United States with the seminal book Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves. Durrett and his team at The Cohousing Company have designed more than 55 cohousing communities in the United States and around the world. His work has been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, Architecture, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and many other publications.

• Foreword: Desiree Kameka Galloway. Introduction. 1. How Sólheimar was Started. 2. Sólheimar Today: The Community. 3. The Architecture of Sólheimar. 4. Productivity, Pride, & Purpose. 5. Nursing Care. 6. The Big Play. 7. Staff (Friends) of Sólheimar. 8. The Economics & Management of Sólheimar. 9. Other Neuro-Inclusive Communities. 10. Next Steps: How to get a Neuro-Inclusive Cohousing Started in Your Town

"Welcome to the extraordinary community of Sólheimar Ecovillage, where the mundane is transformed into the remarkable, and each resident has the opportunity to find their own right place within a rich variety of community, creativity, and connection. Situated in the heart of Iceland, individuals with diverse neurological backgrounds are offered a safe place where they are not merely embraced but are celebrated for their unique talents.In this book, Chuck unveils the secrets to cultivating a dynamic, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to creatively, intellectually, and emotionally flourish. From the shared pleasures of communal dining to the profound impact of meaningful labor, Sólheimar embraces the essence of purpose-driven existence.This volume can serve as a guidebook for officials, architects, or relatives eager to delve into and draw inspiration from the stories of Sólheimar’s residents and founder. Their dedication, resourcefulness, and sometimes-quirky ways have provided insights into the power of acceptance, respect, and a sense of belonging on individual and collective levels—illustrating how to transform these ideals into tangible realities.Please join on this journey of an eye-opening exploration into the potential of communal living. Together, let us imagine a future where every individual is encouraged and empowered to lead a life filled with purpose and significance."Laura Juvik, Architect, Board Member of Bofællesskab.dk (Danish Cohousing Association), and mother of two autistic children"Maxine Greene, educational philosopher, author, and social activist wrote: ‘This is what we shall look for as we move: freedom developed by human beings who have acted to make a space for themselves in the presence of others, human beings become "challengers" ready for alternatives, alternatives that include caring and community… We want to discover how to open spaces for persons in their plurality, spaces where they can become different, where they can grow. It is important to hold in mind … that the person – that center of choice – develops in [their] fullness to a degree [they are] a member of a live community.’Charles Durrett’s most recent book, Neuro-Inclusive Community Design, brings Greene’s words to life. Through Sólheimar, he describes an example of how the power of intentional community enriches lives, provides opportunities, and creates space for people to simply be who they are."Laurie Frank, Cohousing USA Board President"As one who is on the path to starting a neuro-inclusive community, I found that Neuro-Inclusive Community Design examines this topic very thoroughly. It is both inspirational and practical. The chapters on architecture, economics and the workshops were particularly interesting to me. If you read this, your dreams and ambitions will grow!"Philip A. DesJardins, Founding Member of the new forming Grass Valley Neurodivergent Community"Many of us when we come face-to-face with individuals suffering from neurological challenges, autism or Down syndrome for instance, we look the other way. But Charles Durrett does not do that—in this terrific book. It provides the story of a marvelous community in Iceland that embraces ‘the others’. A truly important & fascinating book."Steve E. Wax, Reader "This is a book that only Charles Durrett could have written. As an architect who specializes in innovative co-housing designs, he is in a unique position to lay before us the special features and particulars of Sólheimar Ecovillage, a neuro-inclusive community in southern Iceland. It has a proven track record of turning those individuals into productive and happy members of the community, reciprocating the love and support they receive from it."Alfred North, Reader"The book Neuro-Inclusive Community Design: Lessons from Sólheimar Ecovillage is a success story about an amazing group of neurodivergent people who are fortunate. I personally am a quadruple amputee. I occasionally need a little help from my friends. Charles Durrett’s book paints a picture of such a vibrant, loving community that I wish I could visit. I actually couldn’t put this book down, and it’s football season!"Marjie Curry, Librarian"I found this to be both incredibly inspired and compassionate, having ordered several additional copies to share with partners and like-minded advocates. In addition to this being a great case study for interdependent community, the author's reflections on appropriate use of language and their personal story about learning to embrace ADHD resonated with me. It is critical that we find the space to share our own stories of growth and challenges to normalize these conversations and shine light on the beauty of human diversity."Brian Squillace, Architect"Charles Durrett, disciple, guru, and pied piper of cohousing, has written an excellent book on building community for and with neurodivergent people. Parents of neurodivergent people often search for the non-institutional home that will continue to serve their children after their supporting family is gone. But Durrett's model goes further, showing us how these communities should nest inside all our medium and larger communities as well. The book is thorough and has a helpful chapter on the economics of decisions in these communities. An important tool for your community-building tool chest."Dan Slone, Development Legal Consultant"Charles Durrett’s Neuro-Inclusive Community Design is a refreshing and insightful read. What really stands out is how he emphasizes that good design isn’t just about the buildings themselves but about how those spaces bring people together.Reading this book reminded me of the Orangi Town Project in Karachi. There, communities came together to essentially build and run their neighborhoods. Without waiting for the government, residents took matters into their own hands—building sewers, schools, and community spaces. Just like Durrett’s cohousing projects, the success of Orangi Town was rooted in the fact that people had a direct stake in shaping their surroundings. It wasn’t about flashy architecture or top-down planning, but about creating a sustainable, livable environment based on the needs of the community."Shamila Zubairi, AIA, Adjunct Professor"In Neuro-Inclusive Community Design, Durrett tells the remarkable story of Sólheimar, a cohousing community in Iceland for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. If you think you won't relate, you're mistaken. Durrett weaves an enthralling story of love and creativity nurtured by a combination of independence and interdependence that allows both residents and staff to thrive. With evocative pictures and an engaging narrative, this is a well-organized book that will inspire similar cohousing communities in the US."Suzanne Marriott, Senior Cohousing Co-developer and author"Chuck deeply and creatively opens a less-considered view of life to us. This renowned author brings his extensive cohousing development experience to Sólheimar as well as his innate empathy toward his fellow world rumblers there — ‘others’ he seldom hangs with though he vulnerably includes himself as other."Betsy Morris, Cohousing Coach and EcoVillage Ambassador"It should be no surprise that Charles Durrett’s devotion to cohousing would spread to the neurodiverse population. His investigation and research into the 94-year-old Icelandic community of Sólheimar presents an inspiration and a model to be repeated. Sólheimar is not a lonely warehousing of the disabled, but an opportunity for supportive interdependence with useful purpose for an intentional, select group of people. This optimized environment for mainly the autistic and Down syndrome affected, includes rituals and routines based on program needs and goals including activities such as handcraft workshops with gallery, theater, cooking, maintenance, gardening and forestry. The contribution of work efforts gives purpose and confidence to the individuals at a softer and safe pace and the results show in the smiles and participation levels. I can imagine the relief of family members when their loved one settles into this location with confidence of their lifelong care from a stable staff.Architectural design supports the intentional community with expansive acreage, multiple buildings all within walking distance, no cars needed. Individuals walk between buildings to visit friends, dine, create pottery, and complete self-selected work assignments. Truly an inspiration to see an alternative to walled-off boxes of humans. Surely, this can be replicated."Janet Palmer, Senior Cohousing Resident and Co-Developer"As the father of a 35-year-old adult child with autism, what I loved about this book was the reality of community for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This blessed book is a lifesaver in providing a sense of possibility… reality-based hope. This is also a guiding star for us caregivers. Good mix of story and data – very persuasive. Truly, truly, an inspiration for similar projects. Finally, this book does such an insightful job of balancing ‘the duty of care vs. the dignity of risk’ that us caregivers face all the time. Wish the book was longer!"Dan Strauss, father of an autistic son"Neuro-Inclusive Community Design inspires me to consider more ways in which our planned cohousing village might fully include individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s like three books in one: it’s certainly a respectful history of one amazing inclusive community in Iceland, Sólheimar Ecovillage. It’s also a collection of testimonials from the special – and privileged – residents there. Third, the hundreds of photographs throughout the book are a catalog of life there, showing me life in cohousing – the rooms people live in, the gardens they grow, the crafts and other projects that make life meaningful for the residents.We started planning our project with the idea of creating a place for our 28-year-old daughter to live near us but in her own cottage or apartment. Now we’re considering inviting other families we know who similarly have an adult child with disabilities to pitch in with us. I’ll recommend this book to them."Daniel Stusser, Jolt Newspaper owner, parent of two adult children with autism"In Neuro-Inclusive Community Design Durrett inspires us to create loving and nurturing village communities designed to be neuro-inclusive. Supportive informal village environments connected by foot to nature, farm and community, operating at a rhythm in sync with the resident’s needs with supportive community at its heart. Durrett, with his extensive cohousing community background, walks us through the areas to focus on and the pitfalls to avoid in the context of the amazing historic Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland. An illuminating book that exposes the inadequacy of independence/isolation and institutions, revealing the craft and humanity of creating supportive village communities."Greg Ramsey, Architect, Land Use Consultant"The author, Charles Durrett, who has written many books about cohousing communities, takes his advocacy and knowledge in new directions to impart new knowledge about community living with support systems in place for neurodivergent people. This important book documents what has worked well for housing and caring for people who are neurodivergent, most typically, those with autism and those with Down syndrome, in the Sólheimer Ecovillage in Iceland.The guiding principle of Sólheimer is that ‘Quality-of-life amenities that make life more comfortable, more fun, more convenient, more fulfilling, and more meaningful are the results of purposeful work.’ Purposeful work also has the added benefit of encouraging social engagement and resulting relationships. Sólheimer provides several choices for purposeful work and opportunities for residents to be together, including artisanal handicrafts, greenhouse food production, and participation in theatrical productions.A professionally trained staff supports the residents by treating them with respect, identifying what they want and need, and how best to provide this support. The staff addresses ‘not only basic needs but also emotional and social needs.’ Because Sólheimer is an ecovillage, the staff live there, among the residents they care for.Charles Durrett also investigates the financial burden and emotional impact on US families that have neurodivergent members, and the lack of meaningful alternatives for their care. The ground-breaking ideas in this significant book offer a meaningful alternative for caring for the neurodivergent members of our society."David Burwen, Senior Cohousing Developer"I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book where the author Charles Durrett goes into great detail on this amazing 94-year-old village in Iceland where individuals with Down syndrome and autism find an amazing home and workplace. From the interesting history of the community to the ecovillage of today, this book takes an in-depth look at what a neuro-inclusive community means to residents for productivity, pride and purpose, and includes a discussion on the existing architecture and suggestions for improvement to make it even more valuable. Daily life is portrayed with such lovely detail on staff and volunteer interaction with residents as friends, and the economics and management of the village are so helpful in understanding how someone might begin to translate this type of community in other places. I love the statement that ‘No one is being warehoused here’. I plan to pass this on to the mother of a young adult son with autism, and my hope is that because of this beautiful book perhaps many more folks with these conditions will be able to realize their one life and live it to the fullest."Sue Smith, Senior Cohousing Resident"Charles Durrett’s Neuro-Inclusive Community Design delivers an insightful, practical, and heartwarming exploration of the power of community, specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through the lens of Iceland’s Sólheimar Ecovillage, this book presents an extraordinary blueprint for creating environments where everyone can not only live but thrive.What truly makes this book invaluable is its clear focus on showing how cohousing provides an innovative alternative to the more conventional and often limiting systems for people with I/DD. It illustrates how community-building, love, and intentional infrastructure design can dramatically enhance the quality of life for individuals typically labeled as marginalized or dependent. From gardening and arts to everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, the residents of Sólheimar prove that meaningful contributions are possible for all when given the right environment.The storytelling is as moving as it is practical. Durrett paints a vivid picture of how the Sólheimar community came to life and he walks us through the crucial steps in setting up a similar system anywhere. This is a game-changing resource for anyone looking to build something far more fulfilling and humanizing than the current options available.If you’re designing or envisioning a future where folks with I/DD can flourish in society, this book is a must-read. Its combination of real-world examples, strategic insights, and inspiring human stories will leave you not only informed but deeply motivated to take action."Chris Ortiz, Special Needs Cohousing Developer"How this community (that Chuck describes so well) goes about honoring, supporting and operating to meet each other's needs is the type of community I want to help create and live in. Chuck's writing and the photos in the book are very inspiring to me. My hope is that more people read and share this book with others, and start to make intentional communities like this that will meet their needs and the needs of those they care about. If you are interested at all at doing this type of thing for yourself and others, I highly recommend buying this book and reading the other books written by Chuck Durrett about cohousing."Mike Swettenam, Cohousing Co-Creator, teacher of many students with autism"Charles has written the masterclass on expanding diversity in community. He paints a clear picture of forming community through collaboration. Essential reading for those looking to do the same."David Leeke, Reader"This is an amazing book that hit me right in the heart! Chuck’s descriptions, both physically and emotionally, of this beautiful ecovillage in Iceland resonated strongly with me. I am familiar with intentional communities in Canada and am in the process of becoming part of one in Langley, BC. I have a daughter who would benefit from support as she moves through her life. Chuck’s words and the vision he presents have ignited a desire in me to help shape the culture I will be living in. It has helped me clarify that our community needs to serve all of our members excellently, including creating room and love for my daughter, so that she can thrive in her own particular way. Thank you, Chuck!"John Frederickson, Teacher"I have several friends who have children on the spectrum of autism. Many of them are looking at the very issues that this book addresses so clearly: How will my children cope with housing and many other social problems when I have died? Charles Durrett in this terrific book describes the creation and ongoing growth of a marvelous community in Iceland that embraces this group of people.I am fortunate to live in a town that has two co-housing communities. To extend this model as a foundation for housing and supporting people of all ages with neurological challenges is a brilliant concept. And this community in Iceland shows just how well it works. Bravo!"Brian Gibb, Financial Advisor"I live in a cohousing community. This book about Sólheimar Ecovillage reminds me of, and reinforces, ideals that drove my participation in community 30 years ago. More importantly, this book provides clear and practical evidence of the health benefits of creating an intentionally interactive web of relationships. My goal is to support my neighbors’ and my own passions, and to be able to look deeply at ways that I and We can improve our connections and our health. What I read so eagerly for in this book were nuggets of simple wisdom that give me the juice of inspiration. Frankly, this is an easy and fun read, not at all like a textbook from my distant memory. I can tell from the storytelling that the author is coming from a place of lived experience and genuine curiosity about how physical spaces inform social interaction and how people (occupiers of space) inform the design. It's a profound symbiosis when done well. I am not trying to create a new community. However, 30 years in, my community is more than a generation into our evolution. We are experiencing aging differently, we have had a turnover of 2/3 of the original residents, and we have discovered opportunities and challenges that we didn’t actively plan for. This book leans on the history and current events of one amazing community to give me (and any reader) inspiration to do good work in our own place in the world."Scott Bird, Cohousing Co-developer"Neuro-Inclusive Community Design by Charles Durrett reveals how an Icelandic neurodiverse intentional community steeped in kindness, respect, and interdependence can positively impact the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a parent of a daughter with an IDD, this was not surprising. But what was especially moving and inspiring was reading the accounts from community residents who don’t experience disability, and how their lives were transformed and enriched as a result of living alongside those with varying abilities.Neuro-Inclusive Community Design takes the reader on a beautiful journey through the Sólheimar Ecovillage. It was founded in 1930 by a visionary, a young woman passionate about caring for vulnerable children and those with disabilities. Although Sólheimar has evolved and changed in its physical layout over the past 94 years, what hasn’t changed are its guiding principles and philosophy, and the belief that everyone deserves a life of purpose and is capable of contributing to society.The book covers all aspects of this community. We meet community members, learn about the importance of design when creating spaces for organic interactions, and what the financial needs are to sustain such a community. We are taken on a tour via text and images through the variety of on-campus ‘workshops’ where residents can make functional objects and create art, fix things, care for plants and gardens, and cook. One chapter also speaks to the special care of elderly residents.Towards the end of the book, Durrett explores how a cohousing community might serve the needs of those with IDD while embracing the philosophy of Sólheimar. He provides a step-by-step guide for those who are moved to create a neuro-inclusive cohousing community. While I embrace the concept of cohousing and intentional communities, the reality of funding such projects and making them affordable to those with IDD is a great challenge in the United States, especially when considering locations that are close to resources and amenities. Yet, that shouldn't be a deterrent from following one’s dream. Thank you, Mr. Durrett for highlighting a population that is often overlooked and marginalized, and for telling such a beautiful and moving story.This book is for anyone who dreams of creating a community where all community members are embraced and celebrated for their differences, or anyone who is looking for an inspirational read about our shared humanity."Beate Sass, parent of a daughter with IDD"As the director of a non-profit that develops housing co-ops, I found this book very insightful, informative and inspiring! I have known many families who face enormous difficulties finding suitable housing for their adult children with various intellectual or developmental disabilities. Charles Durrett, using the example of one inspiring community along with short descriptions of several others, shows how it can be done in a way that improves lives, affirms human dignity and reduces social costs. This book is a very valuable resource for the housing world in general, and especially for those working to improve the lives of those who are neurologically challenged."Dan Bryant, Director of Affordable Housing Non-profit"I was deeply moved by Charles Durrett’s refreshingly hopeful new book "Neuro-Inclusive Community Design". Durrett records through copious details and touching personal voices the inner life of the Sólheimar community, revealing how an undervalued community can offer secrets to a whole and fulfilling way of living."Jeffrey Reed, Artist"The social, financial and environmental benefits of co-housing communities for folks of many different stripes has long been understood. Here, the author takes co-housing principles a huge leap forward, with a detailed and uplifting case study of a community dedicated to the well-being of adults with Down syndrome, autism and other neuro-diagnoses. It is an inspiring work, even for someone who does not have significant, first-hand experience with neurodiverse individuals. For people like a friend of mine, who has a teenage son with moderate autism and is contemplating the child's future, this book will be a godsend. I can't wait to send her a copy!"Lee Auerbach, Lawyer"I liked that the thing we all are susceptible to – loneliness – is addressed head-on as a prime motivation for co-housing communities, for all people, not just those with special needs. For those with special needs, their families' concerns for them as their parents/caregivers get older, this is a superior option. Thank you Charles for your visionary work!"R. Viola, Reader"Incredible read and great visuals. This book brings to reality what’s possible. It was like visiting the community first hand. Great ideas for life in general too."Geneva Bigelow, Social Activist"As an 82-year-old man with Parkinson’s, I very much appreciated receiving a copy of Neuro-Inclusive Community Design as a gift on my recent birthday. Charles Durrett, the author, explains how it is possible to create neuro-inclusive communities in the context of cohousing to make life more manageable and meaningful for people dealing with neurological and intellectual disorders –– from youngsters with autism, Down syndrome or other ailments, to old geezers like me who no longer walk with authority nor are able to maintain a level of balance, strength or mobility that most folks take for granted.Although the book centers on the accomplishments of Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, the need for similar housing accommodations and amenities is as universal as the plethora of mental and physical issues that impact millions of people of all ages and cultures around the world. It is very much a book about the limitless power of community.Mr. Durrett demonstrates that for every challenge there is a solution, and passionately addresses the core goals for neurologically and intellectually challenged individuals––young and old––to live lives of productivity, pride and purpose. As a former professional athlete who now labors to walk our dog, stroll a hundred feet to the mailbox, or open a child-proof medicine bottle, the idea of living in the kind of supportive community described in the book is very appealing.I strongly recommend the liberally illustrated, thoughtfully written and highly inspirational Neuro-Inclusive Community Design, and look forward to a neuro-inclusive community emerging soon here in Northeast Florida."Steve Cottrell, Mayor and Political Advocate for a built cohousing community