Last week was marked with Co-Liv's Learning Exhibition in Berlin: more than 30 coliving operators and enthusiasts came together to explore 6 local coliving spaces and models. We then hosted the Berlin #colivingmeetup, inviting more local actors to the scene. If you're interested in our next Learning Exhibition in London (June 12/13) - feel free to respond and let me know :-)
And now, some interesting insights from the coliving world 💥
INSPIRATIONS FROM THE COHOUSING MODEL
How can coliving get inspired by the cohousing model? In this article, The Journal explains factors such as adaptability, affordability, community creation and the role of ownership in cohousing. For those in Dublin, they’re also organizing the Cohousing Here conference on June 15th.
LICENSE VS. TENANCIES - WHAT STATUS FOR COLIVERS?
With the rise of coliving offers, the question is what legal status residents will have. In the new co-living residence in Dublin, residents would be offered a license under a membership model. This is common in guesthouses and hotels, but not in the built-to-rent sector. The downfall: residents would not have the same legal rights, including being able to apply to federal housing funds.
Explore the debate.
INTRODUCING: TINY HOUSES
Have you heard of the Tiny 100 Project? The idea is to develop tiny houses rentable for 100€/month - contributing to both sustainable housing and affordable solutions. Tiny houses are becoming more popular - whether in cities or self-built in remote areas (see example here). Combined with coliving, it could become a new approach to create housing solutions.
THE SAUCE FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING
What are the key components to build community? Lachlan Sloan from Comunita, inspired by Alex Hillman’s post, explores how three main factors of community-building can be integrated into coliving: participation, relationships, and empathy.
THE ROLE OF TECH IN THE "CO" SPACES
Zolo recently explained how it uses artificial intelligence on IoT data to understand customer usage patterns of common amenities – washing machines, playing area, common area, etc. WeWork has a similar approach, using machine learning to leverage floor planning. In interested in the WeWork model, CB Insights has a great in-depth report.
TRAILER VIDEOS ALL OVER THE PLACE
A few coliving actors recently release some of their trailer videos. Among others Cohabs, which offers more than 10 coliving spaces of 3 to 16 rooms in Brussels. The company just got my eye on their latest trailer video - nothing said, and yet you truly want to check it out. The Coliving Capital Summits (hosted by common and Tishman Speyer) also released its trailer video and My Name is Bernard did a beautiful job as well.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN BABY BOOMERS LEAVE THEIR HOMES?
Between 2026 and 2036, 13.1 million to 14.6 million Baby Boomers will end their home ownership status — a 42% increase over the number of older homeowners who exited during the last 10 years. What are the implications for the housing market? Among others, a glut of housing and the creation of a new suburban lifestyle for Millenials. This article is worth a read.
IRISH TAOISEACH IN FAVOR OF COLIVING
Despite heavy criticism for a coliving project in Dublin, Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke in favor of new coliving developments in Cork, Ireland. “It’s possible that maybe a few hundred [new homes] - one development in Cork and two or three in Dublin - will be co-living.” The Taoiseach emphasized that the Dublin project doesn’t have planning permission yet and that we shouldn’t equal coliving with one particular development proposition.
COLIVING DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG
The HK based company Oootopia Kai Tak is developing 3 projects across Hong Kong, giving space to 150 units. Most press focusses on European and American actors only - yet, they're not the only ones. As a side-note, pricing is higher than traditional flats in exchange for the services and flexibility (easy access). This is becoming a common practice at this point, making coliving not always contribute to the real estate crisis and/or affordable housing.
Discover Oootopia.
COULD COLIVING FIX SILICON VALLEY'S RV PROBLEM?
This is this week's last pick. When you drive through Google’s office park, roads are packed with RVs. Since 2010, housing prices in Google’s hometown have doubled, making living in the area for many employees impossible. A current ban for RVs is being discussed, which would create even more struggle to those in need of shelter. In the meanwhile, the tech company is far from wanting to solve that problem.
AN APP FOR COMMUNITIES 📱
Nextdoor is the leading application for neighbors to connect. Now a new startup is making rise on the landscape: Milo is enabling communication for members of coliving spaces, business parks, and gated communities. The app allows you to share events, get to know members, and connect based on interests. Definitely a sweet add-on for larger coliving communities.
THOUGHT-THROUGH COLIVING DEVELOPMENT ✨
Comunita is developing large coliving spaces while keeping the essence of community in mind. Compared to other large developments, Comunita focusses on community participation, micro-ownership, and a right balance between private space (micro-apartments) and shared space (larger areas). In my opinion, one of the few thought-through large-scale projects that pursue intentional living.
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when they are created by everybody”.
- Jane Jacobs, in The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961)
Enjoyed those news? Would love if you could send it to ONE person that would enjoy it as well. Thanks for your support!
Happy Monday!
- Gui
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