Since Nov 2021, I have been experimenting with different Coliving modalities. Here is a collection of my lessons and observations.

This is a 📝Living Document that I will be updating progressively as I hunt for my 📝Ideal Coliving Atelier & Community.

Observations

People
- Spaces that offer a shared bunk option attract a younger and more party-centric crowd.
- Amenities, not branding define the crowd (ie. Ateliers attract artists, good wifi attracts Nomads, Proximity to the beach attracts surfers, etc...)
- Co-living opportunities tend to attract ex-pats rather than locals. Most activities are also expat-oriented.
- Built-in regular programming can encourage people to hang out and get to know other members of the house.
- Smaller chat groups are critical so co-livers can self-organize
Experience
- Co-created programming helps accelerate the development of community bonds by showing people different facets of themselves.
- The default way people socialize is via drinks and food. Being an early bird and vegan will make it challenging to socialize.
- Activities that prompt interaction with existing/newer members accelerate community and belonging.
Operations
- Shared kitchens can feel limiting for those that like to cook because of limited fridge/pantry space, esp. in spaces that are transient.
- Having a private in-room desk is important if you have regular meetings or calls.
- Sound-isolating spaces around common areas for phone calls help to protect the opportunity for water cooler talk.
- Having a shoe rack in the entrance invites people to take off their shoes and makes the living area feel more like home.
- Extension cables, availabilities of plugs, comfort level of chairs determine where people choose to co-work.

Coliving Styles

Curated and closed - Expensive, intense, and transformational - but
- eg. 📝Experience House Morocco was a tightly curated invite-only closed community experience that lasted for one month and cost > $5000
**Partially Curated and Global **- Older crowd. Lots of digital nomads.
- eg. Outsite is a platform that charges 149$/year. Once you're a member you have access to bookings all around the world. They offer co-working and co-living spaces.
**Open and Global **- People are more transient and party-oriented.
- eg. Platforms like Selinaoperate like hostels with private rooms and co-working spaces
Open with Community
- eg. 📝 Cerdeira Home for Creativity is a hotel/hostel that also hosts curated artisans and artists that offer artist workshops.