Recently, I attended an event on Co-living Development organised by Coliving Hub where we discussed many topics that relate to the expansion and development of this segment of the market particularly after the pandemic’s effects.
Many of these discussion points are applicable to a larger selection of workplaces, accommodation and homes that are emerging in the current market. Student accommodation, co-working accommodation, serviced lodging, and similar plans. Therefore, I believe it’s extremely important to remember the key points discussed during the conference that could develop into a real trend in the field. Some of the points that certainly interested me were:
Create a future that is shared by everyone
Technology and Co-living
Building Intentional Communities
Design and Construction in Co-Living Spaces
In addition, there were many more. If you think these are interesting, please contact us and we’ll come up with more.
1. Create a Shared Future for everyone
The talk was about the ever-changing needs of people living in co-living areas and more specifically, various experiences that range from private to the communal one, with various possibilities in between.
The initial study focused in relation to a possible senior community, we have already discussed the significance of this argument in earlier instances. In the introduction, it wasn’t solely about co-living space. The most important thing was discussing the opinions of the students on the selection of the most appropriate roommates and communities in each circumstance. It is also a possible improvement idea that was discussed at The Class Conference a few months back.
The main focus is providing a diverse experience and providing the chance to form a more intimate community as well as collaborations and connections among people by creating spaces that provide greater privacy.
2. Technology and Co-Living
This topic was examined from two distinct points of the point of. The impact of technology on co-living as well as the impact that Covid played in the development of technology.
Technology is an existing “trend” and it’s not only in real estate, but in all aspects of our lives. The panelists also highlighted interesting applications worth investigating as well as others that are currently used in specific countries around the world.
The first can be described as the intelligent locking system that eliminates the requirement for cards or keys, and replaces them with an app for phones. This type of system is quite common in nations such as China and is likely to be a success in other countries as well. Not only does it simplify the check-in process, it also helps reduce the risk of having a dangerous contact during these times.
Other aspects of technology, even in reducing potential contact are actually viewed as tools that could be used to promote community development, again the fundamental element of co-living. In comparison the “old” technology co-living spaces are now becoming wireless with the use of various instruments. AI, Quantum Computing, Blockchain and more. These can all be integrated into a single or extremely concentrated ecosystem that covers everything from data management for marketing purposes and improvement of service and energy savings, accounts and the management of parcels, conversations, interactions with staff and residents, clean access management, cleaning food and drinks and workplaces. All of these become ever more crucial as the business grows, and to reduce operational costs.
3. Building Intentional Communities
In this more lengthy panel discussion, the focus was specifically to community building, and the requirements for Co-livings in order to succeed.
One of the most intriguing trends that could become more significant in the near future is the growth of co-living arrangement within a particular group of people. It is usually based on the interests of both parties. While it’s an unwise decision, since it may alienate a portion of prospective residents however, on the other hand it’s a smart way to build a stronger community, bonded through shared interests and collaborative efforts and, in turn, be the one that is more likely to remain the same when new and exciting things come out.
Inviting people who share the same or similar preferences and experiences can be a motivational factor for bonding with long-term residents, and to aid newcomers in to feel as a part of the community or just taking the time to get acquainted with the new city.
Although human connections eventually form by themselves as they do, the property owners and developers’ task is to provide a location and support services to enable this as easily as is possible.
It is the first thing to establish an in-depth understanding of a brand’s values and the communication that the community needs to be constructed. When these are understood then the management team and the company must themselves be a part of these values. This is the only way that the people who join the company are inclined to share their thoughts and become an integral part of a larger community with values that they can connect to. This definitely will be reflected in the evolution of co-working spaces and PBSAs , and is in direct relation to the design and layout of these areas.
A fascinating fact that was mentioned by the panellists, is that during the epidemic, residents’ feelings of responsibility for the communal spaces actually increased. Thus, shared spaces became more of their own, even without the presence of a property manager or a the community leader.
In all this, particularly in the process of applying, much attention is given to mental health issues that are affecting the community, along with other social issues like race, gender, or gender-related issues.
4. Design and Construction in Co-Living Spaces
Regarding design In terms of design, as we’ve discussed previously, Biophilic Design is gaining importance , and the recent pandemic just made the need for it more urgent. In addition architects were required to reconsider the balance between the communal and private spaces as well as provide an affordable living space.
Both of these topics are profoundly influenced by the impact of the pandemic. First, because everyone particularly those working remotely were forced to spend more time in the indoors and the second reason was that social distancing was a top priority. The changes will be a part of the future since they enhance the overall experience, and provide the possibility of a quick solution if similar circumstances arise.
Another theme that was discussed during the panel was the importance of local culture, and as we have pointed out for other sectors like PBSA and hospitality in bringing the local culture into the indoors. While not ignoring the bigger picture of a globalized globe, Co-Livings as well as their community must be part of their local communities. With a decrease in mobility between 2030 and 2021 this factor has also taken on greater importance.
It was a interesting event, offering many ideas and perspectives regarding how this field could change and what co-living interior designers, as well as the property management industry do in order to be successful create something new and effective in today’s market as we slowly shift towards a new normal.
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