Governance Models for Future Urban Communities

After more than two decades of housing reform in China, the urban living pattern has transformed from the original integrated work-living and unit-affiliated compound model to a separated work-living and residential compound model. In the early stages of reform and opening up, urban housing in China was primarily allocated as welfare benefits by employers, tightly binding employment and residence. The dominant living patterns were “employer allocated compounds” or “family dormitory compounds.” Under this model, the management of personnel in the compound, the operation and maintenance of housing, and public services including recreational and cultural activities were all organized by the employer. Therefore, despite the poor material conditions during this period, governance was orderly.