In a time marked by increasing urbanization and changing work patterns, co-living has surfaced as a contemporary housing option that promotes affordability, flexibility, sustainability, and social connections. This dissertation examines the rising attraction of co-living among Generation Z, a group known for its digital proficiency, environmental awareness, and a strong preference for shared experiences. In contrast to conventional housing arrangements, co-living environments blend private or semi-private living spaces with shared facilities, such as kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, and recreational spaces, creating a setting that harmonizes privacy with social engagement. The research delves into the primary factors influencing Gen Z’s inclination towards co-living such as financial limitations, adaptability to remote work, the desire for community involvement, and ecological considerations. It also explores how urbanization, the sharing economy, and evolving work cultures have contributed to the development of co-living spaces. By examining effective co-living models, the study pinpoints essential interior design features that promote affordability, sustainability, and social well-being. These elements include open layouts, multifunctional furniture, environmentally friendly materials, smart technology, and adaptable zoning strategies that address both work and leisure requirements. Moreover, the dissertation underscores the significance of interior design in turning co-living spaces into dynamic, efficient, and eco-conscious living environments suited for Generation Z. Through careful spatial planning, strategic resource management, and inventive technological integration, co-living offers a scalable approach to the challenges of contemporary urban living. Ultimately, this research aspires to enrich the conversation surrounding co-living by offering practical design suggestions that maximize space use, encourage meaningful social connections, and advance sustainable living practices. The insights gained provide valuable guidance for architects, urban planners, and real estate developers aiming to develop co-living settings that resonate with the changing lifestyles and values of Generation Z.

Keywords: Co-living, Generation Z, urbanization, sustainability, shared housing, interior design, affordability, smart living

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Gifford R. Environmental psychology: Principles and practice. 5th ed. Optimal Books; 2014.
2. Montgomery C. Happy city: transforming our lives through urban design. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux; 2013.
3. Coulter R. Parental background and housing outcomes in young adulthood. InHousing Careers, Intergenerational Support and Family Relations 2020 Jun 9 (pp. 55-77). Routledge.
4. Mellner C, Niemi M, Pollanen E, Osika W. Enhancing social and individual sustainability in urban co-living. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2021 Nov 12;14(5):1129-44.
5. United Nations Habitat. The future of urban living: Co-living as a sustainable solution for housing shortages. UN-Habitat Urban Futures Report; 2021.
6. World Green Building Council. Sustainable buildings and the role of co-living in urban planning. WGBC Annual Report; 2019.
7. Casier C. The coliving market as an emergent financialized niche real estate sector: a view from Brussels. Housing Studies. 2024 Oct 20;39(9):2355-76.
8. Elinç E, Aşıkkutlu HS, Kaya LG. Concept of co-living and its application: The case study of Padova. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications. 2023;8(1):54-66.
9. Santhosh S, Sushmitha D, Rajeev N. Wedges and Peripheries: Exploring Food. Sustainable Digital Technology and Ethics in an Ever-Changing Environment: Volume 1. 2025 Jul 13;236:189.
10. Scholz A. Boommate as a Customer-centric Approach to Tackle Economic Pressures in the Urban Housing Crisis (Master's thesis, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal)).

In a time marked by increasing urbanization and changing work patterns, co-living has surfaced as a contemporary housing option that promotes affordability, flexibility, sustainability, and social connections. This dissertation examines the rising attraction of co-living among Generation Z, a group known for its digital proficiency, environmental awareness, and a strong preference for shared experiences. In contrast to conventional housing arrangements, co-living environments blend private or semi-private living spaces with shared facilities, such as kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, and recreational spaces, creating a setting that harmonizes privacy with social engagement. The research delves into the primary factors influencing Gen Z’s inclination towards co-living such as financial limitations, adaptability to remote work, the desire for community involvement, and ecological considerations. It also explores how urbanization, the sharing economy, and evolving work cultures have contributed to the development of co-living spaces. By examining effective co-living models, the study pinpoints essential interior design features that promote affordability, sustainability, and social well-being. These elements include open layouts, multifunctional furniture, environmentally friendly materials, smart technology, and adaptable zoning strategies that address both work and leisure requirements. Moreover, the dissertation underscores the significance of interior design in turning co-living spaces into dynamic, efficient, and eco-conscious living environments suited for Generation Z. Through careful spatial planning, strategic resource management, and inventive technological integration, co-living offers a scalable approach to the challenges of contemporary urban living. Ultimately, this research aspires to enrich the conversation surrounding co-living by offering practical design suggestions that maximize space use, encourage meaningful social connections, and advance sustainable living practices. The insights gained provide valuable guidance for architects, urban planners, and real estate developers aiming to develop co-living settings that resonate with the changing lifestyles and values of Generation Z.

Keywords: Co-living, Generation Z, urbanization, sustainability, shared housing, interior design, affordability, smart living

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Gifford R. Environmental psychology: Principles and practice. 5th ed. Optimal Books; 2014.
2. Montgomery C. Happy city: transforming our lives through urban design. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux; 2013.
3. Coulter R. Parental background and housing outcomes in young adulthood. InHousing Careers, Intergenerational Support and Family Relations 2020 Jun 9 (pp. 55-77). Routledge.
4. Mellner C, Niemi M, Pollanen E, Osika W. Enhancing social and individual sustainability in urban co-living. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2021 Nov 12;14(5):1129-44.
5. United Nations Habitat. The future of urban living: Co-living as a sustainable solution for housing shortages. UN-Habitat Urban Futures Report; 2021.
6. World Green Building Council. Sustainable buildings and the role of co-living in urban planning. WGBC Annual Report; 2019.
7. Casier C. The coliving market as an emergent financialized niche real estate sector: a view from Brussels. Housing Studies. 2024 Oct 20;39(9):2355-76.
8. Elinç E, Aşıkkutlu HS, Kaya LG. Concept of co-living and its application: The case study of Padova. Journal of Architectural Sciences and Applications. 2023;8(1):54-66.
9. Santhosh S, Sushmitha D, Rajeev N. Wedges and Peripheries: Exploring Food. Sustainable Digital Technology and Ethics in an Ever-Changing Environment: Volume 1. 2025 Jul 13;236:189.
10. Scholz A. Boommate as a Customer-centric Approach to Tackle Economic Pressures in the Urban Housing Crisis (Master's thesis, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal)).