Co-living

Co-living^[1] is a residential community living model that accommodates three or more biologically unrelated people living in the same dwelling unit.^[2][3] Coliving has seen a noticeable increase in popularity in recent years globally, concentrated in areas experiencing affordable housing crises.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

A shared kitchen in student accommodation at the University of Exeter in England

Studies have concluded coliving enables a more sustainable lifestyle due to shared resources, allowing each individual to consume less energy, water, and space.^[9]

History

Sometime between 1933 and 1934, shared living space was designed in north London called 'Isokon', which was established by Wells Coats. It offered similar amenities, such as a shared communal space, workspace, and things such as a laundry area.^[10] It was seen as a part of a greater effort during the intra-war period between World War I and World War II by the Modern Architectural Research Group (MARS) to advance modernist discourse in Britain.^[10] Another effort to do this idea was in 1937 by Maxwell Fry (a founding member of MARS) and Elizabeth Denby and was called Kensal House.^[10]

Co-living spaces began to emerge in part due to rising property prices.^[11] Attempts to establish co-living businesses were made in 2014 and 2015 by companies including 13 and Techsquat, but the attempts failed. Later more successful efforts were made to establish co-living businesses.^[12] Relaxations on the minimal rental period for private homes were made in June 2018 from six months to three resulted in a boost for the industry.^[12] Cities such as New York City have created incentives for co-living companies to build affordable housing in the city.^[13]

Usage

Co-living appeals particularly to millennials due to rising property prices.^[11] Residents of co-living spaces in Singapore typically range between the ages of 19 and 40 years. They are typically employees of startups, entrepreneurs, or students.^[12] High student loan costs are also a factor.^[14] From 2005 to 2015, there was a 39% increase for millennials living with housemates.^[15] The rise in co-living and similar housing was also impacted by the 2008 financial crisis.^[14]

Impact

Co-living has grown in popularity in cities such as New York City and London.^[16] A Bloomberg article cited "adult dorms" such as co-living facilities as one of the "eight social trends told us about America's economy in 2018."^[17] Hotelier Ian Schrager claimed that co-living spaces were "blurring the distinction between residential and hotels" due in part to differing sensibilities between millennials and previous generations.^[18]