There’s a lot of interest right now in micro apartments. Here is a recent example from New York City. Generally speaking the model is driven by a need to increase housing affordability: shrink the apartments; lower the prices. 

To compensate for these smaller units, the buildings are often equipped with larger shared spaces and a desire to create a sense of community.

The below TED talk by architect Grace Kim is an interesting case study of a project that started, first, with a desire for cohabitation. Her thesis is that cohousing can make us happier, less lonely, and more socially connected.

The cohousing community that she profiles is one that she both designed and developed and one that she now lives in and practices architecture out of.

If you can’t see the video below, click here. It’s only 10 minutes. After you’ve watched it, let us know in the comment section below if this is a community you could see yourself being a part of.

https://embed.ted.com/talks/grace_kim_how_cohousing_can_make_us_happier_and_live_longer