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.

Context:

Tags: #index#WIP#community