Community Building in Co-Living
Urban Designer Kate Yung shares research insights from her master’s dissertation on designing for “social spaciousness,” examining London’s co-living phenomenon and its role in cultivating a sense of community and place attachment.
The rapid growth of co-living in London reflects rising rental costs, barriers to homeownership, and increased social isolation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-living offers an alternative to traditional renting, appealing to professionals who seek flexibility, independence, and social connection, usually looking as single occupants. These developments provide private living spaces alongside shared amenities like gyms, co-working areas, and communal kitchens. However, the model has faced criticism for high rents that exclude lower-income demographics and for promoting transient living arrangements.
Co-living aims to address both affordability and social isolation by combining flexible rental terms with built-in socialisation opportunities. Shared spaces and organised events encourage interaction among residents, theoretically fostering a sense of belonging. Yet, some question the authenticity of these curated community-building efforts compared to organic neighbourhood networks. The challenge lies in balancing structured social initiatives with opportunities for spontaneous interactions to create lasting connections.
A key finding from Kate’s research highlights the importance of balancing privacy and communal engagement. While compact private spaces encourage residents to use shared areas, a lack of adequate privacy can cause stress. Semi-private spaces that offer both social interaction and solitude are essential for promoting well-being and community cohesion.
Critics argue that co-living deepens inequality by targeting affluent young professionals while excluding families and low-income renters. Although some developments offer discounted rents or community programs, co-living spaces predominantly cater to economically stable residents. For co-living to serve as a long-term solution to housing scarcity and become more inclusive to a broader demographic, affordability must be a priority, yet the current London Plan guidance discourages this.
To remain viable, co-living must address challenges in fostering authentic communities and ensuring broader accessibility. Thoughtful design, resident empowerment, and integration with local neighbourhoods can help these developments create a sustainable sense of belonging. However, a focus on inclusivity and its role alongside traditional housing models will be crucial for co-living to evolve into a complementary housing solution, enhancing housing diversity in London and other urban locations in the post-pandemic landscape. Strengthening communication with local authorities can further support this by ensuring co-living developments align with local housing needs and requirements.
Illustrations by Kate Yung, Urban Designer at Assael Architecture