Cohousing and coliving are new forms of living that have emerged in response to the social and economic challenges facing contemporary cities. These models propose a community-based way of life that promotes collaboration, sustainability, and the efficient use of resources. As access to housing has become increasingly difficult due to rising property prices and the individualization of lifestyles, cohousing and coliving offer alternatives that can improve social cohesion and make urban living more accessible. Authors such as Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant have been pioneers in the study of these models and their implementation in different parts of the world.
Charles Durrett, together with Kathryn McCamant, popularized the concept of “cohousing” in the United States in the 1980s. Cohousing is a collaborative housing model in which a group of people organizes to share common spaces while maintaining privacy in individual housing units. Durrett argues that this model fosters a sense of community and supports its members in their daily lives, as residents often share responsibilities such as childcare, gardening, or communal meals. In addition, this approach promotes a more sustainable way of life by reducing resource consumption through the sharing of spaces and infrastructure, such as kitchens, recreation rooms, or workshops.
Kathryn McCamant also highlights the social and emotional benefits offered by cohousing. According to McCamant, community living helps combat isolation, a growing problem in large cities, where many people live alone and have fewer opportunities to build social connections. In a cohousing environment, residents interact regularly, strengthening their sense of belonging and mutual support. This type of intergenerational living, where people of different ages coexist and collaborate, also offers benefits such as shared care for older adults, reducing the burden on families and fostering solidarity between generations.
Both authors agree that cohousing also offers significant economic advantages. Durrett points out that by sharing certain resources and reducing the duplication of infrastructure, living costs in these communities can be lower than in traditional housing. In addition, joint decision-making regarding the design and management of housing allows residents to better control costs and adapt their communities to their specific needs. This model becomes particularly relevant in an urban context where housing prices continue to rise and affordable options are increasingly limited.
As for coliving, although similar to cohousing, it is more oriented toward a community of temporary residents, often young professionals or students, who share spaces and services such as kitchens and work areas. McCamant observes that coliving responds to the need for flexibility in an increasingly mobile world, where people seek affordable, comfortable accommodation that also provides an integrated community. Like cohousing, coliving contributes to a more efficient use of urban space and can provide a solution for cities facing housing shortages. However, both Durrett and McCamant warn that these models are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
While cohousing and coliving offer clear benefits in terms of social and economic sustainability, their success depends on careful planning and on residents’ willingness to participate actively in community life. In addition, it is essential for cities to implement policies that promote these types of housing and facilitate their development, such as allocating land or providing incentives for collaborative housing projects. In conclusion, cohousing and coliving represent new forms of living that have the potential to improve the social and economic sustainability of cities. Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant have demonstrated that by promoting collaboration, resource sharing, and the creation of more cohesive communities, these models can offer a viable alternative to traditional forms of urban housing.
Although they face challenges in their implementation, with appropriate support, these forms of communal living can contribute to creating more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities.
