Designing Your Coliving Space

Before reading this do give a read to the following

1. Understanding the Coliving Industry
2. Developing Your Coliving Concept
3. Choosing the right location for your Coliving

The design and architecture of your coliving space play a crucial role in creating a functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environment that fosters community and enhances the living experience. A well-designed space not only meets the practical needs of residents but also embodies the mission and values of your coliving concept.

Architectural and Interior Design Principles

1. Think in Terms of Cluster Sizes
1. Optimizing for Community Interaction: One of the key principles in designing a coliving space is thinking in terms of clusters. Clusters are smaller groups of living units (e.g., rooms or apartments) that share common spaces like kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms. Clustering creates an environment where residents can easily interact and build relationships, without feeling overwhelmed by the larger community.
2. Balancing Privacy and Community: While clusters encourage social interaction, they also allow for a balance between community and privacy. Each cluster should be designed to give residents the option to engage with others or retreat to their private space when needed.
3. Case Study - Urban Coliving: In urban coliving spaces, clusters can be organized by floor or section, each with its own common area. This setup encourages interaction among residents on the same floor, while still allowing the overall coliving space to function cohesively.
2. Privacy as Utilitarian
1. Designing for Privacy: Privacy is a vital consideration in coliving spaces, where residents share common areas. The design should incorporate private spaces where residents can retreat, such as bedrooms with soundproofing, individual bathrooms, or small work nooks.
2. Utilitarian Approach: Think of privacy as a utility that should be accessible when needed. For example, incorporating movable partitions or flexible walls can allow residents to create private areas within larger spaces.
3. Case Study - Rural Retreats: In rural coliving spaces, where residents might stay for longer periods, providing private outdoor spaces, such as balconies or patios, can enhance the sense of privacy while maintaining a connection to the communal environment.
3. Design Shared Spaces for Different Purposes
1. Multifunctional Common Areas: Shared spaces are the heart of any coliving environment. These areas should be designed to serve multiple purposes, from social gatherings and coworking to relaxation and entertainment. This flexibility allows residents to use the space according to their needs at different times of the day.
2. Design for Different Activities: Consider creating distinct zones within shared spaces for different activities. For example, a large common area could include a cozy corner for reading, a communal table for dining or working, and a lounge area for socializing.
3. Case Study - Coworksurf: In a coliving space like Coworksurf, the common areas might include a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that cater to both work and play. For example, an outdoor terrace with comfortable seating can serve as a social hub during the day and transform into a coworking space in the evening.
4. Creating a Central Common or Social Area
1. The Role of a Central Hub: A central common area serves as the main gathering spot for residents, fostering spontaneous interactions and a sense of community. This space should be easily accessible from all parts of the coliving space and designed to be inviting and comfortable.
2. Placement and Design: Ideally, the central common area should be near high-traffic areas like the kitchen or entrance. Incorporating elements like comfortable seating, natural light, and communal tables can make this space the social heart of your coliving environment.
3. Case Study - Urban Coliving: In an urban setting, a centrally located common area might include a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, such as a rooftop terrace connected to an indoor lounge, allowing for social activities in different weather conditions.

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Creating a Community-Conducive Environment

1. Designing for Social Interaction
1. Encouraging Encounters: The design of your coliving space should naturally encourage residents to meet and interact with each other. This can be achieved by creating pathways that lead through common areas, designing shared amenities that require collaboration (e.g., communal kitchens or laundry rooms), and incorporating open floor plans in social spaces.
2. Case Study - Community-Focused Design: In spaces designed for digital nomads, the layout might include large, shared workspaces with communal tables, where residents can work alongside each other and easily strike up conversations.
2. Weekly Schedules and Group Activities
1. Incorporating Social Programming: Design your space with areas that can be used for scheduled group activities. This could include a lounge for movie nights, a garden for yoga sessions, or a dining area for communal meals. Providing a weekly schedule of activities can help residents plan their participation and encourage more frequent interactions.
2. Case Study - Thematic Coliving: In thematic coliving spaces focused on wellness, the design might include a dedicated studio for yoga and meditation classes, with a schedule of activities that residents can sign up for.
3. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
1. First Impressions Matter: The design of your entrance and lobby area is critical in setting the tone for your coliving space. It should be warm, inviting, and reflect the overall aesthetic and values of your space. Consider incorporating elements like comfortable seating, artwork, and plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Case Study - Boutique Coliving: A boutique coliving space might feature a stylish, well-designed lobby with unique art pieces and a welcoming concierge desk, setting the stage for the upscale experience residents can expect.

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Sustainability and Well-being in Coliving

1. Incorporating Sustainable Practices
1. Eco-Friendly Design: Sustainability should be a core consideration in the design of your coliving space. This could include using sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient systems, and designing for natural ventilation and lighting.
2. Case Study - Eco-Coliving: An eco-friendly coliving space might feature solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and the use of reclaimed or recycled materials in its construction.
2. Promoting Emotional Well-being
1. Designing for Well-being: The design of your space should promote the emotional well-being of residents. This can be achieved by incorporating natural elements (biophilic design), providing ample natural light, and creating quiet zones where residents can relax and recharge.
2. Case Study - Wellness-Oriented Design: In wellness-focused coliving spaces, design elements might include meditation gardens, rooms with calming color schemes, and air purification systems to enhance the overall well-being of residents.
3. Flexibility and Adaptability
1. Designing for Change: As the needs of your residents evolve, so too should your space. Designing for flexibility means incorporating elements that can be easily reconfigured or repurposed. This could include modular furniture, movable walls, or multi-use spaces that can adapt to different functions over time.
2. Case Study - Adaptive Design: In a coliving space that caters to a diverse group of residents, the design might feature modular furniture that can be rearranged to suit different activities, such as transforming a lounge into a coworking space or a social area.

Leveraging Technology in Coliving Design

1. Integrating Smart Technology
1. Smart Living Solutions: Incorporating smart technology can enhance the living experience by providing residents with convenience and control over their environment. This could include smart locks, lighting, and thermostats, as well as app-based systems for booking shared spaces or managing maintenance requests.
2. Case Study - Tech-Enhanced Living: In a tech-savvy coliving space, residents might use a mobile app to control room lighting, adjust heating, or even order food from local vendors.
2. Facilitating Human Interaction through Technology
1. Digital Tools for Community Building: Technology can also be used to facilitate human interaction within the coliving space. This could include community apps that connect residents, digital notice boards for event announcements, or even virtual reality spaces for remote socializing.
2. Case Study - Virtual Community Building: In a coliving space for remote workers, the design might include a virtual reality room where residents can meet and collaborate with people from around the world.
3. Security and Privacy
1. Ensuring Safety: While designing for openness and community, it's also essential to incorporate security features that ensure residents feel safe. This can include CCTV systems, secure access control, and private storage options.Case Study - Secure Living: A coliving space in a busy urban area might feature keyless entry systems, 24/7 security personnel, and secure bike storage facilities.

Coliving Guide is a series of articles that will give you in-depth understanding of various aspects of coliving and help you take better decisions as a coliving founder. It is for anyone who is thinking about starting or already operating a coliving business. Do share it with fellow founders and enthusiast who would be interested and leave your feedback on coliving@artof.co

1. Understanding the Coliving Industry
2. Developing Your Coliving Concept
3. Choosing the right location for your Coliving
4. Designing Your Coliving Space
5. Building a Thriving Coliving Community
6. Setting Up the Workspace in your Coliving
7. Financial Planning and Unit Economics in Coliving
8. Marketing Your Coliving Space
9. Legal and Regulatory Considerations in Coliving
10. Building and Scaling Your Team in Coliving Business
11. Preparing for Growth and Future Trends in Coliving

If you have any questions around coliving feel free to book a free coliving advisory session here.