Index

_04

ARTICLES

History of Co-Living

Index

_04

ARTICLES

History of Co-Living

Index

_04

ARTICLES

History of Co-Living

History of Co-Living

Co-living isn’t a new idea—it’s a modern update of long-standing communal housing models. Across history, shared living has taken many forms: boarding houses, artist communes, and cooperative housing. But in the early 2010s, a new generation of companies reframed it for modern cities. Startups like WeWork, Common, and The Collective helped define co-living as a mix of private rooms and shared amenities, built around flexibility and community. Their model was simple—design for convenience, curate experiences, and foster connection. The approach quickly resonated with urban professionals priced out of traditional apartments but still seeking quality design and social connection.

A New Way to Live in the City

Today, co-living continues to evolve alongside remote work and shifting lifestyles. These developments have made flexibility, community, and affordability more relevant than ever. A well-designed co-living space isn’t just about saving rent—it’s about creating shared environments where design, comfort, and connection coexist. Projects like Little-Mod in St. Paul, Minnesota, carry that vision forward. The development will feature 12 fully furnished bedroom and bathroom suites for young adults in the West 7th neighborhood—offering design-forward, community-minded living with everyday practicality. As cities change, co-living reflects a simple truth: good design isn’t just what you own, it’s how you share it.