What is coliving?
We are inevitably moving towards ways of living and relating that are more integrated and communal. The individualism that has dominated over the last few decades is beginning to give way to new forms of being in the world, more collaborative, more aware of the environment and of those around us. In short, more connected.
Co-living presents itself as a very interesting alternative in this regard. The ideal of living in an independent apartment in a block where you don’t know the neighbors is a thing of the past; we are isolated. With coliving, we prioritize shared experience and a sense of community.
It is not just a matter of a new way of living, If not everything a lifestyle characterized by sharing common spaces with the people we live with in order to develop both personally and professionally, to do networking and participate in common projects.
Situation of co-living in Spain
The phenomenon of cohousing is still in its early stages of development in our country. Although in Anglo-Saxon and Northern European countries this is already the way of life chosen by many people (especially among young people): freelancers, Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, designers, etc.; but also, increasingly, among more mature population sectors).
In fact, although it is a very attractive way of living for the new generations, it is also an approach that opens the door to great opportunities regarding the elderly, a majority group in our country and in the countries around us, and that could have in coliving a very interesting alternative to explore.
Sun-filled areas and beaches like the Canary Islands, as well as major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, are the preferred destinations for holidaymakers, although rural settings are starting to gain more and more ground as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
In fact, this sector has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of the situation caused by the virus, sparking interest in many people to change their lifestyle habits after months of isolation. Far from being harmed by the crisis, it emerges stronger from the situation.
The coliving and the sense of community
If there is one thing that people who have chosen to live together agree on, it is the benefits of living in a community and feeling truly part of a group. Sharing common spaces, both for leisure and for life and work, has the potential to create strong bonds between its users. That is precisely one of the main attractions of co-living spaces.
While sharing certain similarities with coworking spaces, coliving goes one step further, opening up to a more personal and intimate aspect in the interaction and relationships of its participants. These spaces combine all the positive aspects of a shared workspace (work environments adapted and designed for today’s professions, opportunities for networking and collaboration, and relaxed, pleasant, and relaxing environments), with the warmth of a home.
In this way, it is common to see that the collectives not only work in the same spaces and take advantage of the synergies that this can generate, but also create personal bonds, participate in joint community projects (urban gardens, DIY projects, decoration, yoga and meditation courses, ceramics or cooking classes, workshops, etc.), and participate in shared dynamics that strengthen the sense of belonging and create community.
Reducing carbon footprint through co-living
In addition to its social benefits, cohousing can have a positive impact on the environment by: Promote sustainable practices and reduce carbon footprint.
Promoting sustainable urban life: Co-living in urban environments can reduce the need for individual transportation and promote sustainable mobility, thus contributing to reducing carbon emissions.
Sharing resources and minimizing consumption: It encourages the shared use of spaces, services, and resources, which leads to a lower demand for energy and a reduction in excessive consumption.
Focus on energy efficiency: Co-living spaces can implement energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption and harness renewable sources.
Tips for choosing the best co-living space based on your needs
Finding the right co-living space can make a big difference in your shared living experience. In this section, we will provide practical and useful tips to help you select the co-living space that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Identify your needs
Reflecting on your personal priorities, goals, and preferences can help you determine which type of cohousing fits best with your lifestyle.
Investigate and compare options
Researching and comparing different co-living spaces in terms of location, services, community, and shared values can also help you make your choice.
Connect with the community
Interact with the residents and the coliving team to assess whether the dynamics and culture of the place align with your expectations.
Other advantages of coliving
- It is a much more accessible alternative to life. It is no longer necessary to acquire property as was previously the case, and the costs and the cost of living are much more evenly distributed. This allows the millennials to relieve the financial pressure that used to fall on their shoulders with the more traditional forms of living.
- Flexibility is another of the great attractions offered by this system. While many colivers spend extended periods in the same places, many of them move from one place to another, weaving networks around the world and generating synergies wherever they go.
- The coliving takes over a market niche that was not yet covered. These spaces are located at the intersection between an apartment, a hotel, and a hostel. It attempts to fill the gaps in the needs of both groups without sacrificing their advantages. In this way, in a coliving we will find a place that offers some privacy and independence, meets our needs in terms of the working environment, and also meets the most demanding social expectations.
Comparative Table: Coliving vs. Other Housing Arrangements
Here is a comparative table of coliving versus other forms of housing:
| Appearance | Coliving | Independent apartment | University residence | Sharing an apartment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Shared among residents | Taken on individually | Fixed and established | Shared among colleagues |
| Community | Strong sense of community | Little interaction | Varies depending on the residents | Dependent on the companions |
| Common areas | Wide and shared | No spaces are shared | Some shared spaces | Shared with colleagues |
| Privacy | Private rooms | Complete privacy in units | Shared in dormitories | Private rooms |
| Services and amenities | Offered and shared | It depends on each apartment | Basic and limited | It depends on the teammates |
| Flexibility | Flexible contracts | Long-term contract | Generally annual contract | Variable contracts |
| Networking opportunities | High | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Lifestyle | Community-oriented | Individual independence | Oriented to students | It depends on the teammates |
| Social experience | Constant interaction | It depends on the relationships | Greater interaction with peers | Dependent on the companions |
| Activities and events | Organized by coliving | It depends on each resident | Some group activities | It depends on the teammates |
And you, are you excited about this new social phenomenon? Leave us your opinion about coliving in the comments.
