Recently, I attended an event on Co-living Development organised by Coliving Hub in which we were able to discuss various topics related to the development and growth of this segment of the market particularly following the pandemic’s impact.
A lot of these debates can be applied to a wide selection of workplaces, accommodation and homes which are gaining popularity in today’s market. Co-working spaces, student accommodations accommodation, serviced lodging, and similar programs. Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to remember the most important points that were discussed at the conference that could develop into a real trend in the field. The points that really attracted my attention were:
Create a future that is shared by everyone
Technology and Co-living
Building Intentional Communities
Design and Construction in Co-Living Spaces
There were many more. If you think these are interesting, please contact our co-living interior designers and we’ll come up with more.
1. Create a shared future for everyone
The talk was about the changing needs of those living in co-living areas and more specifically, various experiences that range from private to the communal one, and also with different possibilities in between.
Although the initial study focused on a possible senior-friendly community, we’ve already discussed the importance of this concept in prior instances. As we mentioned in the introduction, this study was not solely about co-living space. The most important thing was reporting on the students’ opinions that expressed their preference for the best roommates and community in every situation. It’s also a potential improvement idea that was discussed at The Class Conference a few months back.
The main focus is providing a diverse experience and allowing you to build a stronger community as well as collaborations and connections between people through areas that are more private.
2. Technology and Co-Living
The subject was examined in two different ways from a point of the point of. Technology’s impact on co-living as well as the impact that Covid was able to have on the technological advancement.
Today, technology is becoming a “trend” and it’s not only in real estate, but practically in every aspect 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 will be the Smart Lock system which eliminates the need for keys or cards and replaces them with the phone app. This system is widely used in nations such as China and will soon be able to be a success in other countries as well. Not only does it simplify the process of checking-in, but it also minimizes the risk of having a dangerous contact at this time.
Other technological aspects, such as in reducing potential contact were examined as tools that could be used to promote community development, again the fundamental element of co-living. As compared with “old” technology co-living communities are now becoming wireless with the use of various instruments. AI, Quantum Computing, Blockchain and many more. These can all be integrated into a single or extremely focused eco-system which covers Data management for marketing, and improvement of service as well as energy saving accounts and Chats with parcels, interactions with staff and residents, clean access management, travel food and beverages and workspaces. All of this is becoming ever more crucial as the business grows, and to reduce operational costs.
3. Building Intentional Communities
In this more lengthy panel, the discussion focused specifically into community building and what Co-livings require in this context to be successful.
The first, and most interesting trend that could become more significant in the next few months is the growth of co-living arrangement within a particular group of people. It usually boils down to personal and professional interests. While it’s an unwise choice as it may alienate a portion of prospective residents However it’s a great option to build a more tight community that is united through shared interests and partnerships and, in turn, be the group more likely to stay the same after new and exciting things come out.
Inviting people who share the same or similar preferences and experiences is a great motivational factor for bonding as well as for residents who have been there for a long time to aid newcomers in feel as a part of the community or simply taking the time to get acquainted with the city they are moving to.
Although human connections eventually form by themselves as they do, the property owners and developers’ task is to create a space and facilities that help aid in this as is possible.
First, you must establish an understanding of the brand’s values and the communication that the community needs to be constructed. When these are understood management and the business must themselves reflect these values. This is the only way that the people who enter the premises are motivated to share their experiences and are an integral part of a larger community with values that they can connect to. This definitely will be reflected in the growth of co-working spaces and PBSAs , and is directly related to the design and layout of these areas.
One interesting point, as that was reported by the panellists is that, during the epidemic, residents’ feelings of responsibility towards shared spaces actually grew. Thus, shared spaces became somewhat of their own without the need for the presence of a property manager or a the community leader.
All of this is particularly during the application process, 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 As we have discussed previously, Biophilic Design is gaining importance , and the recent pandemic just made the need for it more urgent. Additionally architects needed to rethink the balance between public and private spaces, as well as provide an affordable living option.
Both of these areas were profoundly affected by the impact of the pandemic. The reason for this is that people worldwide particularly those working remotely were forced to spend longer indoors and the second is because social distancing has become a major concern. The changes will remain in place because they will improve the overall experience as well as provide an immediate solution in case similar circumstances arise.
Another theme that was discussed during the panel was the importance of local culture. As we have pointed out for other sectors such as PBSA and hospitality and hospitality, bringing the local culture inside. Also, without ignoring the greater impact of a globalized globe, Co-Livings as well as their community must be part of their local communities. With the decrease in mobility expected in 2030 and 2021 this factor has also taken on greater importance.
It was a interesting event, offering numerous ideas and points of view regarding how this field could change and what designers or developers, as well as real estate managers be doing to be successful in bringing something unique and productive to the current market as we slowly shift towards a new normal.