Work

Communal spaces in multi-unit housing renovation: A systematic literature review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Communal spaces are essential for quality living, social interaction, and community cohesion in multi-unit housing. As housing undergoes renovation, it is crucial to evaluate these spaces and their design concepts to inform future development. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic literature review. A meta-analysis of the selected studies outlines the research methods used, the geographic context, housing typology, types of communal spaces renovated and the renovation actions used. In the thematic analysis, four key themes were explored in depth, providing a conceptual lens for examining communal spaces in housing renovations: Drivers of Renovation, Activities within Communal Spaces, Barriers to Renovation, and Benefits of Renovating Communal Spaces. The findings revealed that despite growing appreciation of communal spaces and signals of a trend toward shared and co-living, tendencies toward privatisation persist, resulting in renovation projects that prioritise private over communal spaces. Notably, this systematic review highlights a significant knowledge gap in research on the renovation of communal spaces in multi-unit housing and underscores the need for further investigations.

Source: Frontiers of Architectural Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.foar.2025.10.014

Authors: Sanaz Memari, Meihan Gao, Hannes Frykholm, Sandra Karina Löschke

Institution: The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Collaborative and Sustainable Housing Initiatives

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500