Space Syntax and Coliving: Examining Sociability Through Spatial Configurations

Abstract

‘Coliving’ is a rapidly developing cohousing typology, characterised by high-density private micro-units integrated with various shared, mixed-use amenity spaces. To date, there is a paucity of quantitative, peer-reviewed studies investigating the relationship between space and sociability in these contexts. Thus, the primary purpose of this research is to examine how patterns of copresence relate to spatial organisations in coliving buildings to help understand if such socio-spatial environments can help foster social solidarities between millennial residents.
Firstly, a comparative case study analysis of 18 coliving building systems from the United Kingdom and the United States (6 small-scale and 3 large-scale samples from each country) was undertaken using quantitative graph analysis methods drawn from space syntax techniques. Secondly, visibility graph analysis (VGA) was combined with systematically structured ethnographic observations to cross-examine spatial configurations and copresence within a single case study building based in the UK. Thirdly, whilst capturing conventionally quantitative data through a standardised questionnaire, semi-structured interviews were also adopted to extract qualitative insights from residents regarding their everyday lived experiences.
The comparative case study analysis exhibited a marked homogeneity in building system integration values across the UK and US, whilst local large-scale samples demonstrated the greatest homogeneity of all sample groups. In the analysis of the single case study, positive correlations were identified between (a) visual and spatial integration, (b) visual integration and copresence, and (c) copresence and social interaction — predominantly positive cognitive exchanges and the existence of multiple social solidarities were also identified.
By adopting various space syntax techniques and metrics, this research establishes an empirical, methodological framework for the generalisable spatial analysis of coliving building systems. It also establishes the first empirical examination of copresence in relation to spatial configurations within coliving buildings. Finally, the findings derived from the perceptual, lived experience analysis provide nuanced insights into the everyday lives of coliving residents. Thus, this thesis contributes towards a greater understanding of coliving environments that could benefit coliving stakeholders (including building operators, architects, policymakers, developers, researchers and residents).

Date of Award	30 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Ruth Conroy Dalton (Supervisor)