In the face of rising urban density, housing crises, and social fragmentation, the future of neighbourhoods depends on how we design, programme, and manage shared spaces. Coliving has the potential to be more than just a housing solution - it can serve as a new layer of urban infrastructure that promotes social cohesion, local economic vitality, and sustainable growth.

This session will explore how coliving and shared living developments can function as catalysts for neighbourhood transformation - bridging the gap between private and public space, fostering mixed-use ecosystems, and counteracting the anonymity of high-density urban living. By integrating shared amenities, cultural programming, and community-driven design, coliving can inject new energy into underutilised areas while reinforcing local identity and economic resilience.

We will examine coliving’s role in placemaking, neighbourhood activation, and social infrastructure, learning from urban planning frameworks and real-world case studies that demonstrate its impact on the wider city fabric.

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What will be covered in this session?

• Coliving as urban catalyst: How shared living developments can contribute to the functionality and resilience of modern cities.
• Beyond housing - neighbourhood activation: How coliving operators can engage with their surroundings through public spaces, local commerce, and cultural integration.
• Addressing urban loneliness: The role of socially curated environments in counteracting disconnection and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Designing for the 15-minute city with community living in mind: How coliving aligns with urban models that promote proximity, walkability, and integrated live-work-play ecosystems.

Case studies in urban regeneration: Examples of coliving projects that have revitalised underutilised neighbourhoods through mixed-use placemaking strategies.