The 2024 World Habitat Awards winners have just been announced and we are excited that two cooperative housing organizations are among the winners: La Ciguë in Geneva (Switzerland) and Nettelbeckplatz in Berlin (Germany).

World Habitat Awards

The World Habitat Awards aim to acknowledge and showcase innovative, outstanding, and sometimes revolutionary housing ideas, projects, and programs from around the world. Over the years, more than 360 exceptional projects have been recognized, demonstrating significant and long-lasting improvements in living conditions. Every year, two winners receive £10,000 each, along with a trophy, which is presented at a global UN-Habitat event.

La Ciguë Student Housing Cooperative – Geneva, Switzerland

La Ciguë Student Housing Cooperative in Geneva, Switzerland brought home a silver at the 2024 World Habitat Awards. Geneva is Europe’s most expensive city, making it hard for students to find affordable accommodation. La Ciguë was created in 1986 after protests over the issue. It now manages almost 740 rooms in city centre locations, with rents 55% less than open market rates. Around 60% of the rooms are in shared flats in empty properties leased from public bodies and private owners. The remaining 40% are in eight properties developed by La Ciguë. These buildings have very high energy-efficiency standards and include commercial spaces to enhance community life. The cooperative lets rooms exclusively to students, interns, and apprentices, who become members of the community. Read more about the award here.

 

 

 

Nettelbeckplatz Affordable Housing Estate – Berlin, Germany

Nettelbeckplatz Affordable Housing Estate in Berlin won a Bronze award at the 2024 World Habitat Awards. The estate underwent a four-year refurbishment and energy efficiency improvements.  A new block of 44 apartments was added with 16 accessible homes for people with reduced mobility, a 10-bedroom assisted-living cluster for elderly tenants, and eight studio apartments for students. The estate now has improved, shared facilities, green spaces, and reduced energy bills. Housing Cooperative 1892, which built and manages Nettelbeckplatz, came up with an innovative plan to make the estate more sustainable and revitalize the community, without affecting affordability for tenants. Find out more about Nettelbeckplatz here.