IMAGINE - Exploring the Brave New World of Shared Living

The document titled "IMAGINE - Exploring the Brave New World of Shared Living" is published by SPACE10, a future living lab funded by IKEA, in collaboration with Urgent.Agency, a culture design agency. This publication aims to explore innovative responses to pressing societal challenges such as rapid urbanization, demographic changes, and the scarcity of affordable housing.

The global population is projected to rise significantly, with urban areas expected to accommodate an additional 2.5 billion people by 2050. This rapid urbanization presents challenges, particularly in terms of affordable housing, as cities struggle to meet the needs of their growing populations. Shared living is presented as a potential solution to these issues, offering a way to pool resources and foster community.

Shared living is not a new concept. Historically, communal living has been practiced for various reasons across cultures. The modern iteration began in Denmark during the late 1960s, with the rise of co-living communities that combine private living spaces with shared facilities. This publication explores the evolution of shared living and its growing importance in contemporary society.

The publication highlights that shared living could address pressing issues such as the lack of affordable housing, loneliness, and the needs of an aging population. With nearly 70% of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, there is an urgent need for innovative housing solutions. Shared living can create more affordable housing by optimizing space and reducing living costs through shared resources.

The document showcases successful shared living initiatives, such as projects in Germany that exemplify community-driven housing. For instance, the "baugruppen" model allows groups of individuals to co-finance and design their own living spaces, promoting a sense of ownership and community.

Technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating shared living. Digital platforms can enhance community engagement and streamline the management of shared spaces. Blockchain technology, for example, offers new ways to structure ownership and financing, making shared living more accessible.

Successful shared living projects emphasize the importance of community-building efforts. Initiatives like the Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing project in Seattle demonstrate how shared meals and communal spaces can foster social interaction and improve residents' overall well-being.

The publication encourages a shift in mindset regarding housing and community design. By rethinking traditional models of ownership and living, society can address contemporary housing challenges and develop sustainable, inclusive communities.

"IMAGINE" serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for innovative housing solutions in the face of rapid urbanization and societal changes. By exploring shared living models, the publication aims to inspire a new way of thinking about how we live together in an increasingly interconnected world.