Young people want to live in cities, but the cost of credit or rent is too high for them. They are also fed up with loneliness, seclusion from neighbors, and high fees. Global trends show that alternative ways of renting apartments are in demand. And now coliving New York City seems to be solving all these problems.
What is coliving? Close-up concept.
The basic premise of the new trend is the coexistence of private spaces with shared spaces. What does this mean? Residents in coliving apartments have separate rooms – usually their own bedrooms with a bathroom – and constant access to spacious and functionally arranged common areas such as a large kitchen, dining room or living room. In this way a balance is maintained between the need for socialization and a quiet holiday without the company of other people.
Coliving – for whom is it a good solution?
Today coliving in the West and in the U.S. is mainly chosen by young people between the ages of 20-35, who can not afford a loan or rent a studio apartment, and who also have a need for community building. This lifestyle also fits the mobility of young people who change jobs and places of residence frequently – coliving is not a long-term commitment, so it allows for more flexibility.
Coliving and cohousing – the differences
The names of both concepts are similar and refer to the word community. However, the underlying assumptions already show clear differences.
Coliving, as we mentioned above, takes place in shared apartments, whereas cohousing is primarily about much greater autonomy for individual families. And, more specifically?
In the case of cohousing, families live in separate houses adapted to their needs. Modern construction, in keeping with this trend, focuses on housing estates where, in addition to individual homes, there are many common areas of activity, such as playgrounds, parks, terraces, laundry rooms, and canteens.
In this way, cohousing creates a supportive environment in which neighbors help each other, lend equipment, etc.
Outcome
Residents have much more influence over the design and organization of their estate, and decisions are made democratically. They assign themselves tasks and activities for which they are responsible. This creates a real community.
In turn, the basic principles of coliving are very similar to a dormitory or apartment that one rents with roommates. However, this new form of housing offers even more options. The companies that create coliving apartments excel at the amenities offered to tenants.
These include ping-pong tables in common areas, game consoles, Netflix access, and a coffee machine. Pets are usually allowed in these apartments. Here, too, the focus is on community, but in a small group of people.
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