Begeno16 eG is a young housing cooperative based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2016, the organisation aims to create sustainable, social, and diverse living quarters that go beyond merely providing housing for its members. Instead, it seeks to foster community and inclusivity within urban environments.
Begeno16 operates on a unique model inspired by the social business concept of Muhammad Yunus, focusing on the development and implementation of building projects that benefit not only its members but also the broader society. The cooperative's first project, "Quartier Wir" in Weißensee, Berlin, includes apartments for people with traumatic war and refugee experiences, developed in collaboration with the "Wohnraum für Geflüchtete" project by the Xenion association.
Key to Begeno16's approach is the requirement for prospective residents to become investing members without voting rights, contributing €500 per square meter of living space. The cooperative emphasizes social, ecological, and economic sustainability, incorporating high energy efficiency, sustainable building materials, and community spaces such as shared terraces and neighborhood meeting points.
Currently, Begeno16 is expanding its projects, including a new development in Greifswald with 215 apartments and extensive community spaces. The cooperative's leadership includes individuals with backgrounds in urban development and housing, underscoring its commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable living environments. Through its innovative approach, Begeno16 seeks to redefine the role of housing cooperatives in urban development.