Enabling infrastructure for thriving commons
We help communities reclaim the essentials of life – housing, food, energy, care – so they remain accessible, affordable, and stewarded for the long term.
Why we’re here
The systems we typically rely on to meet everyday needs – corporations and governments – are increasingly struggling to deliver on their promises.
In response, communities are stepping forward to create local alternatives that prioritise shared benefit and long-term care.
Yet these efforts often stand alone, under-resourced and left to start from scratch each time.
Commons Lab exists to close that gap.
What we do
Our work bridges theory and practice to develop open design and learning infrastructure that helps communities build and sustain viable commons projects of their own.
Research & Development
We develop robust commons models for essential services by integrating economic, financial, legal, governance, social, and cultural dimensions into coherent designs that practitioners can use with confidence.
Pilots & Field Work
We partner with local communities to test these models in the real world, documenting what works, what doesn’t, and why – building a growing body of practical evidence that feeds directly back into our designs.
Learning & Capacity Building
We translate these field-tested insights into public playbooks and practical learning resources that offer step-by-step guidance for communities looking to apply and adapt these models in their own context.
Friends and Partners
Get in touch
Whether you’re exploring an idea, working on a project, or simply curious, feel free to reach out – we’d love to hear from you.