The primary foundation of a happy commune is supportive architecture. Find a place that reflects your community as a well working system.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Equal distribution
Make sure the system can accommodate all members of your commune on an equal basis. When individuals are treated in the same way the whole group benefits
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Potential
No environments are perfect.
Remember change is possible.
Forming a community is a process.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Precaution
Once you establish the grounding of your community make sure to set its boundaries and protect the members of your group from potential threats of the outside.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Tight community
Share your local events like parties, concerts and workshops that can bring the community closer. Doing group activities outside of your commune can help create a better functioning home environment.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Order above all
Maintaining an order in your communal spaces is key in preserving the positive relationships that you have. TIP: sort your bicycles according to their colour: lightest comes first and darkest last. This way you avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
Comfort
Good design and planning is critical in living comfortably. Make sure you integrate numbers and lettering in designating your everyday spaces.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Sustainable home
Ensure that your environment is sustainable. For example: you can introduce automatic lights.... No unnecessary energy waste benefits the Earth and the community.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Safe and Protected
Safety always comes first.
Use all technological advancements you can to avoid potential danger. Make sure all safety information is clear and accessible for all.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Neighbourhood watch
You can also create a sense of protection through establishing a well- integrated community.
A group always exceeds individuals.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Decor
Motivational quotes are the best way to elicit a positive attitude in the group.
TIP: Communal objects decorated with cute writing make sharing happiness easier.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Kitchen rules
Decorations matter! Make sure your interiors reflect the state of your relationships.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Uncertain times
The clarity and execution of rules is very important for sustaining a fuss-free environment. Example: set timeslots for using the kitchen, everyone's time is important.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Fully equal
Equal storage spaces = Equally happy commune members
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Individualistic
Buy personalised items of everyday use. Having your own distinct mug prevents others from 'accidentally' using your stuff.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019.
Multi-cultural
Sharing your cultural and personal differences is key in establishing a diverse but well integrated commune.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Digitisation
Digitalised systems can only make your equality better. Paying the same rate for laundry ensures all costs are split equal and consistent with individual needs.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Red handed
Caught your flatmate using your washing liquid? No problem. Just post a message to 'somebody using your washing liquid' to the group-chat. Public shaming is effective.
Hygiene
Remember, hygiene is in place not only to serve you, but also to protect other.
So if you are using the knife to chop raw chicken use the washing liquid to clean it afterwards !
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019
Isolation
If you still struggle to fit in and integrate with your happy commune after reading this guide...REMEMBER... there is nothing wrong with being an outcast and staying in your room.
How to live in a Happy Commune, Oxford, February 2019