The Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Coliving: Examining Fractality, Visual Integration and Copresence in a Large-Scale Purpose-Built Shared Living Building

Purpose

“Coliving” is a rapidly developing cohousing typology, characterised by high-density private micro-units integrated with shared, mixed-use amenity spaces. This research examines the interrelationship between spatial configuration, space typologies and the frequency and intensity of copresence within a large coliving building-also known as large-scale purpose-built shared living (LSPBSL).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a UK-based case study, quantitative methods drawn from space syntax theory-namely, visibility graph analysis (VGA) and systematically structured ethnographic observations-were adopted to measure visual integration (HH) and copresence.

Findings

A positive correlation (rs = 0.43, p = 0.07) and no statistically significant difference in distribution (V = 76, p = 0.70) was identified between macro- and micro-level visual integration (HH), indicating that “fractality” exists in the building. Positive correlations were also identified between visual (HH) and spatial (1/RRA) integration (rs = 0.62, p < 0.01); visual integration and copresence frequency (rs = 0.55, p = 0.12); copresence frequency and intensity (rs = 0.63, p < 0.01) and copresence intensity (CI) and frequencies of large group interactions.

Originality/value

No existing research examines the relationship between spatial configurations and the frequencies, intensities and patterns of copresence within coliving buildings. Thus, this article contributes to spatial theory by (1) identifying correlations between these variables within an uncharted spatial context, and (2) introducing a novel syntactic concept – “fractality” – alongside a method for its calculation. By identifying the space typologies and spatial configurations that facilitate the greatest opportunities for social encounter, this study also contributes towards our knowledge of shared living environments.