THIS IS COHOUSING | Ep 1 | Social Architecture of Affordable Housing with Nazin Bagherynejad

In this episode of the podcast, Charles Durrett sits down with architect, researcher, and community development expert Nazin Bagherynejad to explore how housing design can dramatically influence social well-being—especially in affordable senior housing. Drawing from her PhD research comparing two very different housing models, Nazin examines the contrast between conventional subsidized housing and Valley View Senior Homes, a nonprofit community inspired by cohousing principles. Through observation, interviews, and design analysis, she reveals how small architectural decisions—porches, pathways, common spaces, transparency, and resident participation—can transform a housing project from an isolating apartment complex into a vibrant, supportive neighborhood. Charles and Nazin also discuss why resident involvement in design is so often overlooked in nonprofit housing, despite evidence that it improves outcomes, strengthens community ownership, and can even reduce long-term management costs. The conversation expands beyond architecture to policy, exploring how interdisciplinary thinking, community participation, and better design practices could reshape the future of affordable housing for older adults. If housing is more than just shelter, what does it take to design places where people truly belong? This episode offers insights for architects, planners, policymakers, and anyone interested in building healthier, more connected communities. For more info visit ⁠www.cohousingco.com⁠ or ⁠linktr.ee⁠