Coliving's Role in Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow

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The panel discussion highlighted the significant role coliving could play in addressing urban housing challenges. 

Wouter Onclin, an urban development professional at SITE based in Amsterdam, works on creating new plans for neighborhoods and districts that need to be adapted to solve the problems that the Netherlands is facing. One significant issue is the housing crisis impacting not just Amsterdam but the entire country. This crisis is particularly concerning for young individuals who struggle to secure affordable and suitable housing options. However, it is not just the youth facing difficulties; the aging population is also impacted, as many elderly individuals find it challenging to locate appropriate living arrangements. Additional pressing concerns, such as the energy crisis and sustainability issues, further exacerbate the housing situation. In this context, Wouter Onclin suggests that coliving could be a potential solution to help alleviate some of the pressures associated with the current housing landscape.

Michiel Voskamp is the community manager at Crowdbuilding. Crowdbuilding is a startup and online platform stewardship owned. They are a platform for co-building initiatives as well, based in the Netherlands. So, what differentiates coliving from self-building or cohousing? Self-building gets the community together and creates a plan for building a house together, either by buying a plot of land and developing the house yourself or by creating an association and having the association develop the building and rent from the association. Cohousing projects may range from the traditional DIY houses to the more complex community-oriented projects involving multiple individuals collaborating to build their homes on a shared site. In the Netherlands, Voskamp explains initiatives involving cohousing variates such as eco villages, housing cooperatives, tiny house communities, and senior collectors. Therefore, Crowdbuilding helps cohousing enthusiasts by connecting available plots of land, experts, and communities so they can communicate with each other. Crowdbuildings is a pioneer of this type of company in the Netherlands, as nothing like this existed before.

Joost Kool also joined this panel session in his capacity as a senior policy advisor on housing at the City of Amsterdam with more than 20 years of experience. Joost specialises in shared housing, which is related to coliving as a potential solution to combat the housing crisis. Nevertheless, shared housing and coliving have the element of communal living but vary in practice. Shared housing tends to be more casual in sharing areas with roommates and assigning household chores among members, whereas coliving houses contain a more structured setting with separate rooms, advanced amenities, and a community-focused arrangement, which appeals to those who desire a customised living setting.

In the UK, Matt Driscoll is the founding director of Threefold Architects, a London-based firm focused on enhancing living and working environments. His initiative is currently concentrated in Germany, the UK, and France. Threefold Architects emphasises the importance of how individuals navigate and interact with spaces. They recognise that the emotional impact of a project is significantly influenced by its design elements—such as the arrangement of space, the use of natural light, and the quality of materials. Their commitment to aesthetics, along with the tactile and visual properties of chosen materials, aims to create environments that not only draw the eye but also elevate the spirit. Threefold Architects firmly believes that exceptional design can transform lives by fostering greater happiness, improved well-being, and a sense of inspiration in everyone who engages with their work.

In Australia, Russell Garnett has been a coliving advocate for 13 years. In 2016, he is the founder and managing director at Vuvale, which means, in Fijian, the feeling of being welcome in your home as if you were family. Vuvale utilises a vertically integrated model that combines hybrid hospitality with branded residential options, allowing guests to stay for a night or live long-term. Their offerings include a variety of room types, from hotels and micro-apartments to coliving spaces. Vuvale believe that "life is better together," and their mission is to empower individuals on their journey to find their purpose.

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Designing for Community: Impact on Lives, Cities, and Neighborhoods

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Community is essential for our collective survival, and designing spaces that foster this sense of belonging is crucial. When we delve into the world of coliving, we see living environments crafted to welcome newcomers—often single individuals exploring a city for the first time. Imagine their journey: they arrive in an unfamiliar place, eager to find their tribe. Matt Driscoll believes that their task is to help them forge connections and build relationships. 

Threefold Architects' approach varies depending on the size and scale of the building. In larger, purpose-built coliving spaces, the diversity of personalities, from the most outgoing extroverts to the introspective introverts, is taken into consideration. People have different needs and preferences. Some crave vibrant social interactions in lively settings, while others seek peaceful spots to retreat and recharge. To create a thriving community, Threefold Architects seeks to cater to these varying desires. Within a single building, community can manifest in numerous ways—from corridor connections to shared experiences in common areas. These spaces are more than just rooms—they’re catalysts for connection, where shared meals and conversations can bring people together in the heart of their new home. This is the magic of thoughtful design in coliving: creating an environment where community flourishes.

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Building Aspirational Communities

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“We are in business to empower the hopes and dreams of our guests and clients” - Russell Garnett Founder & Managing Director at Vuvale.

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Vuvale is redefining the concept of housing through its integrated "lifestyle as a service" approach. The model is designed to help residents achieve financial autonomy by providing access to business development resources, education, and potential investment opportunities. This paradigm shift aims to accelerate the transition from social housing to homeownership, empowering residents to achieve their goals more quickly than traditional housing models allow.

Vuvale’s mission is to create environments where people can fulfill their dreams, leveraging coliving as a stepping stone to greater autonomy and success.

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Is Coliving Just for a Stage in Life?

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Joost Kool believes coliving can serve both long-term community builders and those looking for a more transient living situation. Coliving is seen as a solution to the housing crisis, where individuals can stay for a few years before transitioning to their own homes. This flexibility is key to addressing the varying needs of different individuals at different life stages.

Matt Driscoll raised concerns about the growing trend of separating coliving from other types of housing. He argued that the future of coliving should involve integrating different housing types—such as student housing, senior living, and family units—within a single community. This approach allows residents to evolve through different living arrangements as their needs change over time, promoting inclusivity and flexibility.

Russell Garnett offers a slightly different view, noting that while he doesn't live in a traditional coliving community, he does live in a community where a group of houses shares amenities like a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a park for the kids. However, he believes that “traditional coliving in Australia does not suit the family lifestyle”, suggesting that coliving may not always be the best fit for everyone, particularly those with families who require more private space and less transient arrangements.

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Hopes for the Future of Coliving

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Looking ahead, Russell Garnett outlined plans for the future of coliving, intending to expand their projects significantly. With approximately $250 million worth of projects in development, Vuvale aims to double that amount in the next five years, securing $2 billion in funding over the next decade to house around 4,000 people per year.

Matt Driscoll brought attention to the alarming global rise in loneliness, citing a World Health Organization report that associates loneliness with a health risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. By fostering community and facilitating meaningful connections, coliving has the potential to address this growing epidemic, offering a solution that goes beyond just providing housing.

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Conclusion

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Coliving presents a unique solution to some of the most pressing urban challenges of today, from housing shortages to social isolation. By focusing on community building, thoughtful design, and flexible living arrangements, coliving can offer a more sustainable and inclusive model for the cities of tomorrow. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together—integrating different housing types, advancing regulatory frameworks, and creating spaces that foster long-term relationships and well-being. The future of coliving holds great promise as a key component of urban development, providing residents with not just a place to live but a community in which they can thrive.

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Would you like to explore the full discussions? You can now access the complete audio recordings of all sessions from the Coliving Conference. Listen to the insightful conversations at your convenience.

Reflecting on the success of previous editions, Coliving Conference is now in full swing. This 2-day hybrid event promises another year of industry-leading discussions, expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation

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