This panel focused on unlocking a spectrum of possibilities enabled by advanced technology for coliving communities, enhancing seamless operations.

The session plunged into the forefront of technology and coliving convergence as the audience explored the transformative potential of advanced technologies. These innovations are ushering in a new era of seamless integration, operational efficiency, and community-driven innovation within the coliving ecosystem.

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What was covered in this session?

• Collaborating with the panellists, attendees delved into the cutting-edge technological advancements reshaping the coliving landscape, recognising their potential to revolutionise our lifestyles and interactions within coliving communities.
• The exploration extended to understanding how technology seamlessly integrates with community living, optimising resources, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a more connected and convenient coliving experience for residents.
• The session provided a distinctive exploration into the innovative ways technology empowers residents to actively shape their coliving environment. From smart amenities to collaborative platforms, technology promotes engagement and fosters a strong sense of belonging within the community.

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The Future of Technology in Coliving

The panellists at the Co-Tech discussion provided insightful views on the future of technology in coliving spaces. Alessandro Nacci, CEO at Sofia part of ISEO, commented on the paradigm shift in the coliving industry, moving from a property-centric model to a service-centric approach. This transition involves a fundamental redesign of the technology stack within coliving buildings. Alessandro highlighted the importance of reducing initial hardware investments and focusing on software solutions that can replace physical hardware through virtualization. He discussed the role of software in simplifying integration between different systems, promoting automation, and enhancing cost-efficiency.

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Erwin Buckers from Chainels echoed the need for a technology shift in coliving while also bringing attention to the unique requirements of the coliving sector. He pointed out the importance of collaboration among technology vendors and property managers to bridge the gap between technology and end-users. Erwin highlighted the significance of educating property managers and tenants about technology to fully leverage the tech stack. Moreover, he stressed the need for flexibility and adaptability in coliving spaces to cater to different niches and evolving needs.

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The Role of Apps in 2033

Nicholas White, the Co-Founder of Smart Building Collective, raised thought-provoking questions about the sustainability of apps in the coliving industry by 2033. He acknowledged the proliferation of apps for various purposes but questioned whether traditional app-centric solutions would remain relevant. Nicholas suggested that while apps might evolve in form and function, their persistence in some form was likely. However, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that these apps remain user-friendly, adaptable, and in sync with emerging technology trends.

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Erwin Buckers from Chainels also weighed in on the future of apps, expressing the need for alternatives to traditional mobile applications. He recognised that the current landscape involves users having to install numerous apps for various functions, which can be cumbersome. Erwin expressed hope for a future where technology becomes more seamlessly integrated into coliving spaces, potentially reducing the reliance on individual apps. He speculated about the possible decline in smartphone usage, especially if technology evolves to a point where it can replace the need for numerous apps.

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Staying Ahead of the Game

Giles Horwitch-Smith, CEO at res:harmonics, emphasised the importance of open architecture and open systems in the coliving industry. He highlighted how property management platforms like Res:Harmonics aim to make efficient use of properties and monetize all aspects of them. 

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Giles pointed out the need for coliving companies to adapt continually to the evolving landscape by embracing innovation and collaboration with tech vendors. He emphasised the goal of providing guests and property providers with a seamless and flexible experience that allows for effortless transitions between different properties.

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Alessandro's contributions aligned with the broader perspective on the need for adaptability and innovation within coliving, ensuring that technology remains at the forefront of the industry's evolution. His emphasis on the importance of open architecture and open systems highlighted the need for coliving companies to embrace innovation and collaboration with tech vendors. He stressed the goal of providing guests and property providers with a seamless and flexible experience, indicating that staying ahead of the game requires adapting to changing technology and user expectations.

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The Future of Coliving by 2033

Nicholas White provided valuable insights into the future of coliving. He envisioned a coliving landscape characterised by flexibility, accommodating both short-term and long-term stays. Nicholas predicted a shift from vacation rentals to temporary homes, offering community and comfort to guests. He also foresaw a greater focus on specialised coliving spaces catering to specific interests, cultures, and age groups, creating a sense of belonging and uniqueness. This vision pointed to a coliving sector that adapts to the diverse needs of its residents.

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Giles Horwitch-Smith delved into the evolving role of Proptech (Property Technology) within coliving. He emphasised the importance of property management and guest experience platforms in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Giles highlighted that technology should not only provide data and information but also facilitate qualitative views from staff.

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Moreover, he underlined the potential of technology to free up property staff from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on fostering community and enhancing the guest experience. Giles shared a vision of technology acting as an enabling tool to bring people together, facilitate human interaction, and enhance community living.

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Giles' insights revealed the transformative potential of PropTech, offering operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and a richer sense of community in coliving spaces.

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Technology for Fostering Human Connection

Erwin Buckers explained the role played by technology in enhancing human interaction rather than replacing it. He pointed out that technology should free property managers to facilitate community engagement and guide human interactions effectively. Erwin highlighted how technology, such as access control systems and apps, can assist in organising events, bringing people together, and fostering personal connections. He stressed the goal of using technology to simplify administrative tasks, enabling more meaningful in-person human connections within coliving spaces.

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These insights collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the future of technology in coliving, underlining the need for flexibility, adaptability, and a user-centric approach. The panellists' contributions are uniformly distributed, providing a balanced perspective on the evolving coliving landscape.

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Reflecting on the success of the first 2 editions, Coliving Conference 2025 is now in full swing. The 2-day conference is set to bring another year of industry-leading discussions, featuring expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation.