Historical and regulatory development of housing cooperatives in Uruguay
Abstract
In Uruguay, a pioneering figure in the international promotion of housing cooperativism, the planning of the housing sector has always been integrated into a broader economic and social framework. Initially guided by Law 13728 on Housing and later by the current Law 18407 on Cooperatives, along with Decree 183/2018, which elaborates on it, a vital connection has been established between architecture, planning, sociology, economics, and law. This interdisciplinary approach aims to coordinate a nationwide policy for the physical development of population centres in harmony with the entire territory, all through comprehensive Economic and Social Development plans. These public policies, in collaboration with the collective will of the people, aim to influence the urban fabric, services, and essential infrastructures. Housing cooperatives, particularly those that retain ownership of housing complexes through mutual aid or prior savings, play a crucial role in addressing inequalities, combating poverty and exclusion, and promoting a more democratic, just, and supportive society. This article traces the historical and regulatory evolution of this sector, beginning with the thoughts and works of Juan Pablo Terra, and examining the background of housing cooperatives under Law 13728. It then moves to the present context, shaped by Law 18407 on Cooperatives and Decree 183/2018. Ultimately, this historical study highlights how Uruguayan cooperativism continues to be an international model for ensuring access to decent housing from a social perspective.
Received: 15 February 2025
Accepted: 28 February 2025
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