Get Your Spoons Ready for La Louche d’Or 2023: The Ultimate Soup Festival in France is almost here!

If you are a soup lover, you will not want to miss La Louche d’Or 2023! This annual event takes place in Lille and brings together food enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate the deliciousness of this classic dish.

La Louche d’Or has been running for over a decade now and has become a popular event on the French culinary calendar. It is a celebration of all things soup, from classic French soups like onion soup and bouillabaisse to international favorites like ramen and pho.

The event is organised by Attacafa, an association that promotes multi-cultural and richness of diversity. An extra and nice feature of this event is the fact that its designed to sensibilize the reduction of waste – the concept being, making a delicious soup with leftovers or ripe vegetables. Which we think is a very cool and conscious initiative! 

The Wazemmes District is where this huge event will take place, on May 1st 2023. You will be able to find cooking demonstrations from top chefs, workshops on making your own soup at home, and of course, plenty of opportunities to taste a variety of soups from different regions.

One of the highlights of La Louche d’Or is the soup competition. Chefs from around the world compete to create the best soup, and the winner is awarded the coveted La Louche d’Or trophy. The competition is fierce, and the soups on offer are always very unique!

Don’t want to spend all day eating soup? Don’t worry, there are also plenty of other food and drink options at the festival. You can try local cheeses, cured meats, and bread to accompany your soup, or indulge in a glass of wine or beer from the area. You will be able to enjoy all of this while watching free concerts, local artists and other activities. 

One of the main draws of La Louche d’Or is its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The festival attracts a diverse crowd of people, from families to you and your very own colivers from Urban Campus Saint So’ Lille Coliving!

If you are planning to attend La Louche d’Or 2023, be sure to come hungry and thirsty! And as crazy as this sounds, we recommend even bringing your own spoon. You will want to sample as many soups as possible, and having your own spoon ensures you can do so without wasting plastic cutlery (#besustainable). 

We hope you have a blast at the event, and maybe even learn a recipe or two for you to be able to share with your fellow colivers! 

Photo Credits:

• All photos used through Canva Free Media License

Where will you be able to find the best torrijas of Madrid this Holy Week? Look no further, this article will provide you with insights into the history of Semana Santa, as well as when to experience the ceremonies and where you will be able to savor the best pastries in the city this week!

History of Holy Week 

Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is a significant religious festivity celebrated in Spain and many other countries around the world. This week-long event begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday, and ends on Easter Sunday.

In Spain in particular, Holy Week is a very important celebration, and many cities and towns hold processions in which religious figures are physically carried throughout the streets while accompanied by music and chanting.

What happens during Holy Week? 

As the capital city of Spain, Madrid is known for its vibrant celebrations. The processions in Madrid are organized by religious brotherhoods, or cofradías, which are responsible for carrying the religious figures known as Saints through the streets. 

The processions in Madrid typically begin on Palm Sunday, when a procession of the Virgin Mary of Sorrows and the Christ of Medinaceli takes place. On Holy Thursday, there is a procession of the Cristo de los Alabarderos, which is attended by the Spanish royal family.

One of the most impressive processions in Madrid takes place on Good Friday, when the “Procesión del Silencio” (Procession of Silence) takes place. This procession features hooded penitents who carry crosses and statues of religious figures through the streets in silence.

Where to go?

To know where to go see the processions we recommend you click on here. This article, will guide you on every procession or celebration happening throughout the entire week in Madrid, with detailed locations as well as start and finish times. 

What is the traditional desert during Holy Week? 

Torrijas are a traditional Spanish dessert made from slices of bread that are soaked in milk or wine, dipped in egg, fried until golden brown, and sweetened with sugar or honey. Typically enjoyed during Holy Week, when meat is avoided, torrijas are a filling and energy-boosting treat that originated as a practical solution to using up stale bread and affordable ingredients. Over time, torrijas have become a beloved part of Spanish cuisine, as a deliciously satisfying dessert and we can confirm this because just the people of Madrid alone, every year eat around seven million torrijas. 

Where can you try the best torrijas in Madrid?

We will be honest, every Spaniard in Madrid will say to you that the best torrijas are their mothers. However, we know not everyone’s mom is around the corner to make them some torrijas so here are some options where you can buy this pastry in Madrid. 

La Casa de las Torrijas 

If you are looking for an authentic torrija experience, look no further than La Casa de las Torrijas. The name says it all – this charming restaurant is dedicated to serving up the very best of this classic Spanish dessert. Conveniently located near Sol, just a 10-minute metro ride from Urban Campus Atocha Coliving, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in a truly Spanish atmosphere while indulging in this sweet treat. So gather your fellow colivers, and get ready to savor the flavors of this beloved delicacy!

Villaroys 

Villaroys is home to the best torrija in Madrid 2023, according to the prestigious prize awarded to its young chef, Martín Martínez. Despite the expected long queues, the heavenly taste of this award-winning dessert is definitely worth the wait. With over 200 Google reviews giving it a perfect 5-star rating, Villaroys is renowned for its unbeatable homemade quality. Conveniently located just a 9-minute walk away from Cuatro Caminos Coliving, you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable culinary experience.

Umikobake 

Unlike your typical Spanish restaurant, Umikobake is a bit of a twist. They offer an beautiful array of pastries, especially known for their Japanese mochi. However, during this time of year they serve torrijas of course, and have really put themselves on the map for it! So if you are looking to venture out of the norm, give this little pastry shop a try!

Pasteleria Mallorca

For a long time, Pasteleria Mallorca has consistently produced top-quality pastry goods with great attention to detail. Their reputation as a must-visit establishment is not just limited to Madrid, but extends throughout Spain. And it’s no surprise that their torrijas have become a fan favorite, as they are so fluffy and delicious that they’re often sold out quickly. In short, Pasteleria Mallorca is a must-visit spot for those looking for the best pastries in Spain.

Photo Credits:

• All photos used through Canva Free Media License

With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Romain Crépel joins Urban Campus to accelerate the company’s development in France and Europe.

Paris, March 31, 2023 – Urban Campus, the leader in multi-format managed residential in Europe, has appointed Romain Crépel as Chief Development Officer. Drawing on his experience in residential real estate, notably with companies such as Nexity, Vinci Immobilier and in’li, Romain Crépel will direct Urban Campus’ entire development strategy.

A Strengthened Development Strategy for Urban Campus

Appointed Chief Development Officer, Romain Crépel, 37, will be responsible for bringing his experience in the real estate management sector to bear on Urban Campus’ development strategy.

His career in the real estate investment business will provide a new impetus for the company’s ambition to expand in Europe. With multiple openings currently planned in France and Spain, Urban Campus wishes to develop in the short and medium term in Italy and Portugal with new housing developers or through the restructuring of existing assets in a logic of Net Zero Artificialization.

In the French and Spanish markets, Romain Crépel will be responsible for expanding Urban Campus’ real estate portfolio by developing coliving and build-to-rent projects (targeting new audiences such as students and seniors) in the Greater Paris area and in major cities (Lille, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, etc.). With these new objectives, Urban Campus aims to strengthen its position as the European leader in multi-format managed residential.

“In a particularly turbulent environment, it is important to put the human element back at the center of our relationships and concerns. The various real estate products developed by Urban Campus, both in coliving and serviced family housing, advocate living together, respect for others and the environment. Our vision as a global operator in phase with the aspirations of all populations will allow us to serenely accelerate our development” comments Romain Crépel, Chief Development Officer at Urban Campus.

A Proven Experience in the Real Estate Sector

Graduated from Ecole Centrale Paris in 2007, with a specialization in Planning and Construction, Romain Crépel started his career as a real estate developer for Nexity Belgium. He then joined Edelis (formerly Akerys), first as a project manager for the General Management and the shareholders, then to develop and realize residential real estate projects. In 2012, he was appointed Program Director at Vinci Immobilier, with mixed-use projects (housing and EHPAD, housing and places of worship, or intergenerational residence).

Romain Crépel joined the company in’li in 2014, leader in intermediate housing in the Ile-de-France region. He initially held the position of program director, then that of project management director. In 2018, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director in charge of investments and construction. He implemented the development component of in’li’s strategic plan, increasing the pace of development to more than 5,000 housing units per year, both acquired under VEFA and developed through direct promotion, and managed the activities of creating real estate companies (Foncière Cronos, c. €2bn with Axa and Foncière Apec, c. €300m with Primonial and Probtp).

At the end of 2021, he will join Atland, a company specializing in commercial real estate and housing, as Director of Residential Funds, to launch a long-term residential real estate initiative.

“We are delighted to have Romain join our team. His arrival will enable us to improve our support to institutional investors in the development and restructuring of their residential real estate assets”, says John van Oost, CEO of Urban Campus.

Knowing the best after-work spots in Lille, your brand new city that you just moved into can be hard, but that is why guides like this were created. So look no further.

After a long day, you close your computer screen and head downstairs to the coworking space and lounge in your new coliving to see your friends are at and head to the town. But where should you go?

Mother

Looking for a nearby spot to grab a drink and hang out with your fellow colivers? Look no further than Mother, located just a 6-minute walk from Lille Saint So’ Coliving. This bar is the perfect spot for any night of the week, with regular events and activities to keep you entertained. Be sure to check out their calendar of events here.

With two floors of eclectic decor, Mother offers a unique and memorable experience. The bar’s concept of “Home Sweet Home” creates a welcoming atmosphere for you and your friends, and their menu of shareable plates and homemade food is sure to please. You simply can’t go wrong with a visit to this local gem. Find them at 29 Bd Jean-Baptiste Lebas.

Bistrot Saint So

During the week you will always find an afterwork event at Bistrot Saint So, but if going out during the week isn’t enough for you and you want more you are in for a treat. This bar located only a 10-minute walk from Lille Saint So’ Coliving has offers concerts and an array of parties on weekends with free entry.

Getting hungry while at Bistrot is not a problem, they offer homemade food with plenty of veggie options for you to choose from.

Head over to 17 Bd Jean-Baptiste Lebas if you are looking for a good time!

Le Nu’ 

Live DJ set, live singer, live jazz nights, all with an original cocktail menu – what a place. Le Nu’ has a beautiful rooftop terrace with a gorgeous view of the Lille Europe Station. Looking for something specifically for that perfect after work plan on Thursdays to get ready for the weekend? The DJ sets start at 6PM so get out of the office early! 

Le Nu’ is a 13-minute metro ride away at 93 Av. le Corbusier!

Café Bellot

Looking for a local spot for your after work plans? Café Bellot is the place for you, and its only 10-minutes away from the coliving! With original wines, good food and great parties on Friday until 2AM you cannot go wrong. If you walk in during the late hours, while it’s lively you will see people dancing around the tables, truly enjoying the moment. Café Bellot  – 1 Rue Jeanne d’Arc is waiting for you!

Le Lovibond 

Le Lovibond is likely to provie you with that warm earthy feeling. Known to be such a welcoming bar with a very chic atmosphere and mezzanine to take it all in. Organic food, vegetables from the local market, numerous veggie options and best of all – local beers. 

To add to the local, they have jam sessions on Saturday nights! Le Lovibond is a 17-minute walk from Urban Campus Lille Coliving, on 169 Bd de la Liberté. 

Urban Campus, the European specialist in multi-format managed residential, officially opens the doors of its first French coliving residence – 38 studios and one-bedroom apartments – which marks its deployment in France. 

Paris le xx – Urban Campus has been welcoming its first tenants to the territory since February, in a completely renovated four-storey coliving residence, in the heart of Lille, Rue de Douai.

The Saint So’ coliving residence, based on its principle of living together, sharing, and flexibility, allows each tenant to have a private apartment (studios and one-bedroom apartments with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen) and large common areas (kitchen, living room, terrace, coworking spaces, gym, library, cinema room). The layout and decoration of each room were carried out with LA.M Studio , an interior and design studio so that each tenant feels at home.

A tailor-made rental experience for working people

People are at the heart of the commitments of Urban Campus, which offers a flexible rental offer adapted to workers in the region and elsewhere who wish to settle in Lille. In addition to their apartments, residents have access to various services according to their needs: cleaning services, supply of sheets or even a basket of seasonal vegetables.

In addition, the uniqueness of Urban Campus lies in the animation of its community, each resident benefits from the “Community Development” program. Thanks to the various activities and initiatives offered by the community developer, everyone has the opportunity to develop personal, associative and professional projects (such as collections for associations, speaking circles, tasting evenings, film and documentary screenings ,) with the aim of strengthening ties and creating synergies.

Responding to housing needs in a dynamic region

To make its arrival on the French market, Urban Campus has chosen to settle in the rue de Douai, in the center of Lille, near the Saint-Sauveur station. Due to its European dimension, the city of Lille is a real breeding ground for employment. This new co-living residence therefore provides a solution to the demographic pressure encountered by the city and promotes the residential and professional mobility of young workers.

This first opening will be reinforced, next year, by a second coliving residence of 121 apartments in La Maillerie , located 15 minutes from the center of Lille.

Already present in Spain since 2017 with 5 residences, Urban Campus continues to develop its coliving and multi-format managed residential offer. The company has already announced 4 coliving and Built-to-rent projects which will open by 2025 and aims to open around thirty other residences in Europe within 5 years.

More and more people are looking for flexibility in their daily lives, also in the apartments where they live. This has led to the takeoff of new housing formulas in Spain, halfway between residential rental and vacation homes. Thus, according to the real estate consulting firm CBRE, investment in flexible apartments will soar in Spain to almost 670 million euros in 2022.

According to the consultancy, at the close of 2022 there were less than 3,000 beds within this asset type in complete buildings in Spain, concentrated in Madrid (65%) and Barcelona (35%), to which another 8,500 will be added in development over the next three years.

This business is in an initial phase and in the process of professionalization, which is why during 2021 it accounted for only 7% of the total invested in residential assets, with around 200 million. During 2022, investment has shot up to €666 million (15% of total investment), multiplying by 3.5.

Types of Accommodation: Three Typologies

Within this type of accommodation there are three products. One of them is known as coliving, with complete residential buildings in city centers and few common areas. This is a community-centered product (in some cases with shared bathrooms and kitchen) with added services and for average stays of nine to twelve months.

Another category is the product developed in the outskirts of cities on tertiary land with an aparthotel license and for short and medium stays (weeks or even days). This type of property, which offers the greatest potential due to its size, has large shared areas with, among other services, parking, gym, coworking space, gym, social club, outdoor swimming pool and laundry. The price of the accommodation includes all utilities (electricity, water, heating, etc.), WiFi and cleaning.

The third product is more holiday-oriented, in coastal or rural areas, and is aimed mainly at digital or energy nomads (people looking to save costs in their countries of origin and move to warmer areas) with an average stay of between one and three months.

Noteworthy Operations

These include Be Casa Rivas, which opened its doors in early December last year to welcome the first tenants of its serviced apartments, as reported by idealista/news.

It is an asset located in Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Madrid), which has had an investment of 85 million euros, which have resulted in a property of 843 apartments with a multitude of amenities.

Momentum launched a second portfolio of serviced apartments in 2021 with Bain Capital, with 2,845 units under development in Alcobendas and Carabanchel, in Madrid, Sant Cugat (Barcelona) and Barakaldo (Bilbao). The management of these apartments will be entrusted to Node, a company specializing in temporary accommodation.

Argis, a Spanish fund manager of Israeli and Latin American origin, currently manages 800 flexible rental units through Flipco! and a month ago acquired a property on Cavanilles street to build 200 more units. The company’s goal is to add 5,000 flexible apartments in two years.

Other investors present are Round Hill Capital, which bought 230 apartments in Valdebebas for 30 million in 2021, or the real estate investment and asset management company Dazia Capital, with projects in Tetuán and Valdebebas.

Livensa Living (controlled by the Canadian fund Brookfield) has a line of flexible housing. Through Livensa Living Studios, it has projects in Madrid, San Sebastian, Malaga, Bilbao and Valencia.

As for operators, in addition to those already mentioned, Urban Campus, founded by John van Oost and Maxime Armand; Dovevivo, owned by Starwood Capital Group; the German company Habyt; Live It, a brand of the Spanish company SmartRental; ColivINN, founded by Alejandro Fernández Luengo, and the Spanish coliving company The Residential Club (TRC) are also operating in Spain. 

If you would like to read the original article in Spanish from Idealista please click here.

Urban Campus and in’li are continuing their partnership in Île-de-France with the acquisition and co-living management of a new coliving residence in Bagneux by Nexity with 78 new studios at competitive rates and aimed at young working people.

Paris, March 16, 2023, Urban Campus , a French real estate player that designs and manages coliving and Build-to-Rent (BTR) residences, announces, in collaboration with in’li and Nexity , the signing of a new off-plan coliving residence, with 78 studios in Bagneux (92), the construction of which has been entrusted to Nexity with architects from V&A Société d’Architecture. 

Just three months after signing a similar project in Ivry-sur-Seine for 165 coliving studios, Urban Campus confirms its establishment in the Paris region, this time in Hauts-de-Seine. At the same time, the residential real estate specialist is continuing its development in France with, among other things, projects in Alsace and Hauts-de-France and is preparing to market its first coliving residence in Lille very soon.

A response to the shortage of attractive housing suffered by young working people.

Faced with the increasing difficulties encountered by young workers in accessing rental accommodation, Urban Campus and in’li, under the project management of Nexity, are offering in a competitive market, 78 new studios for coliving at competitve rates, which provides a more affordable option compared to traditional rental offers.

These new housing units with attractive rates, are close to employment markets and various transportation options, promoting residential and professional mobility for a whole segment of the population who today have great difficulty finding housing. The new arrivals will consist of young people at the start of their careers or employees on medium or long-term assignments are who will find this new rental offer an adequate response to their expectations and needs.

In order to guarantee these innovative real estate solutions, the residence will be managed by Urban Campus as part of a long-term management contract and the management strategy of in’li, an institutional lessor subsidiary of the Action Logement group. In’li’s mission is to develop an affordable and sustainable housing offer in tense areas to bring middle-class employees and young workers closer to their workplace.

The recognized experience of Urban Campus in the management of coliving residences provides the community of residents with support conducive to exchanges, sharing, and synergies. A whole program of entertainment and events promotes the feeling of belonging to a community wishing to move forward together on professional, associative and local projects.

A residence that participates in the redevelopment of an entire district of Bagneux

The building of 78 new studios in Bagneux will be designed in order to ensure the essential balance of coliving, between quality private and connected spaces, cozy shared spaces (kitchen, lounges ), and inspiring, functional, and user-friendly common spaces (coworking space, gym, rooftop, event spaces, projection room, terraces). The residence will house several shops and restaurants on the ground floor.

Connected by the RER B, more recently by the extensions of line 4 and line 15 to come, and close to employment hubs, shops and restaurants, the residence is part of the architectural and real estate redevelopment of the neighborhood.

The new coliving is certified RE2020 / NF Habitat HQE; labels that guarantee buildings that meet all of the housing quality criteria: comfort, quality of life, respect for the environment, and economic and environmental performance.

Anxious to limit the carbon footprint of its construction, Nexity wanted to keep the facade of the old building in the project.

Urban Campus is involved with Nexity from start to finish in the residence’s VEFA program and participates in the design of the space, at all stages of construction, until the opening in 2025.

If you are looking for the best bars to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day in Madrid, look no further than in the neighborhood that has it all – Cuatro Caminos! Get ready to raise a glass and cheers to this festive occasion in the best locations. We have prepared a list of the top bars offering Irish-themed drinks, décor, and party in this lively part of the city for this Friday, March 17th. 

This article covers the traditional Irish pubs near Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving. So, grab your colivers, put some green on, and get ready to have a nice cold Guinness. 

Irish Rover 

The Irish Rover just on an architectural level is absolutely stunning. When you walk in you will see stone floors, a vintage street light, and all the seating areas surrounded by wood. Honestly, you feel as though you were just transported to Ireland. 

Don’t believe us? Go to Avenida de Brasil, 7, Madrid to find out. 

Proper pints. Yes, we say it and we mean it, the concept of “doble” here does not exist. When you order a beer you can go for the “small” version (honestly we didn’t ask the size so we do not know that answer) or order yourself a proper pint which is equivalent to 568mL (20 fl oz). You will have an array of beers to choose from at the Irish Rover. If you are feeling dangerous and want to give an Irish beer since you are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day of course, aside from Guinness we recommend Murphy’s Irish Red or if you want something lighter, Magners Irish Cider is also very tasty! 

Are you looking for live music this Friday? This is your place. Get there early, they get pretty busy, but we are positive you will love the atmosphere! People, dancing, drinking, laughing, and appreciating the Irish artists throughout the entire building – you won’t want to miss it! If you cannot go this Friday, this pub is still one of the best places to go out in Cuatro Caminos from Friday to Sunday so definitely keep it on your list. 

The Irish Rover can be found an 18-minute walk away or a 14-minute metro ride from Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving.

Paddys Irish Pub 

Paddys Irish Pub lives up to its name, as it is a typical Irish bar with Irish whiskeys and Irish beers, both bottled and on tap. An authentic feel, perfect for a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration with friends!

Some of the highlights of Paddys are the Gaelic art pieces across the walls, as well as their outdoor terrace. They usually have music on throughout the night, but being Saint Patrick’s we are told that they will make sure you are up and dancing!

Are you bringing a big group of people? Don’t worry, their tables are easy to move and can accommodate a group of happy customers. 

Paddy’s is a quick 23-minute bus ride from Cuatro Caminos Coliving, so wear some green and head to Avenida de Concha Espina, 69. 

The Beer Temple

A solid selection of craft beers is what The Beer Temple is all about! This bar has an environment like no other when there is a rugby, or football match so can you imagine how it will be this Friday, March 17th? 

Known for its good service, The Beer Temple definitely has to be on your bar-hopping list. In terms of food, there is a lot of sharing options available. Some of their starters include your typical nacho dish, wings, onion rings, and potato wedges – you just cannot go wrong!

Located a mere 9-minute walk from Cuatro Caminos Coliving head over to Calle. de Almansa, 85!

Luas Irish Tavern

The cozy pub and the big terrace at Luas Irish Travern offers the perfect space to enjoy spending time with friends or grabbing a quick bite to eat. They have an array of apertivios for you to properly celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and their staff tends to recommend pairing a Guinness and pig ears to really get in the mood and prepare yourself for the celebrations to come. 

Located on Calle de Villaamil, 5 Luas Irish Tavern is only an 11-minute bus ride from Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving so head on over, and enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the service! 

In conclusion, if you are looking for a memorable Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Madrid, look no further than the Irish pubs provided above. With their lively atmosphere, authentic Irish decor, and delicious food and drink, these pubs are the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. And when the festivities are over, you can retreat to your comfortable and convenient accommodation at Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving with your amazing community members!

Photo Credits:

• All photo used through the Canva Free Media License

How to Create a Thriving Community

Maintaining a happy and healthy community is key to its success, but it’s easier said than done. Having a dedicated Head of Community who is committed to the betterment of the community can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the steps that Urban Campus has taken to create a thriving community.

Understand the Nature of Communities

It’s important to understand that communities can be cyclical. Not every member will be equally driven or involved. As a community operator, you may experience down times, but it’s just part of the process. Our goal is to bring together a group of strangers who share similar values and lifestyles and help them build a home together. At Urban Campus, we strive for a self-sustaining community that relies on us for support and guidance.

Effective Onboarding

At Urban Campus, we believe in creating a strong and inclusive community from the very start. Before our tenants move into their new home, our sales team takes the time to introduce them to our community during their initial interview call. They will explain our values, events, community meals, and clubs that we offer. It’s important for us to carefully curate the people who join our community to ensure that everyone has an open mindset and is willing to get involved. We understand that a vibrant community requires a mix of personalities and perspectives, both extroverts and introverts alike.

Technology at Urban Campus

At Urban Campus, we have embraced technology to enhance our community experience. Three days before moving in, new residents receive emails asking them to register for our in-house app. A few weeks later, we send out feedback forms to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.

Our app serves as a vital tool for transparency and scalability, providing a platform for both Urban Campus staff and community members to create events. Tenants can join clubs that interest them and are automatically added to group chats, encouraging them to connect with others who share similar hobbies, regardless of which building they live in. This app has become a hub for members to connect and has greatly streamlined communication and event planning. Since its introduction in September 2022, we have seen a 60% increase in club interaction.

Urban Campus Community Co-Creation Sessions

Our co-creation sessions are designed to foster open communication and gather valuable insights from our community members, known as colivers. These quarterly gatherings provide a platform for our colivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer suggestions on how we can better serve their needs.

At Urban Campus, we believe that our community is the cornerstone of our success. That’s why we encourage active participation and value their opinions in shaping the future of their living experience. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to make positive changes.

By gathering feedback, addressing any tensions or misunderstandings, and making necessary adjustments to our spaces and processes, we strive to continuously improve and provide the best possible living experience for our colivers. We acknowledge that frustrations may arise, but together, with open and honest communication, we can overcome any challenges and create a thriving community.

Fostering Community Interests through Events

We believe in supporting and promoting the passions and interests of our community members. That’s why we make an effort to bring these projects to life and showcase them within our spaces.

For instance, Albus Burger, a company started by one of our colivers in Mellado Madrid Coliving during the pandemic, offers a unique Uruguayan recipe and brings members together for delicious meals. As a testament to our commitment to supporting our community, we are proud to announce that Albus Burger is our official burger partner. Every quarter, we host a Welcome BBQ where current and new members can enjoy their offerings and learn more about their business.

We understand that our community members have unique interests and talents, and we strive to provide opportunities for them to showcase and share these with the rest of the community. If there is a way to support and bring attention to a community member’s passion, we will do everything in our power to make it happen.

Building Strong Community Partnerships

Creating a positive impact not only within our spaces, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods is extremely important to us. Which is why we form partnerships with local businesses to enhance the value of the area and bring added benefits to our colivers.

Our focus is on supporting sustainable and local businesses, and we continually seek new and innovative ways to collaborate with them. Whether it’s through formal agreements or tailored events, our goal is to strengthen the community and promote the growth of local businesses.

By forging strong partnerships with local businesses, we aim to create a vibrant and thriving community that benefits everyone involved.

Continuous Improvement through Community Learnings

As the Head of Community at Urban Campus, I have been committed to finding ways to enhance the community experience for our colivers. One initiative I launched was the community catalyst program, from which I have gained valuable insights and lessons.

Initially, the idea was to have a designated member from each space encourage and foster community spirit for a few months. However, I soon realized that our colivers preferred not to have additional responsibilities and felt that the program added unnecessary pressure. Despite this challenge, I have learned that finding the right framework for a community catalyst role remains a work in progress.

Our community is one of the three core pillars of the company, and we are dedicated to continuously improving and adapting to meet their needs and expectations. By actively seeking feedback, refining our processes, and making necessary changes, we strive to create a happy and thriving community.

Urban Campus Mellado is the first coliving to achieve the BREEAM In-Use green building certification! This is just the beginning of our sustainable path. 

What is BREEAM In-Use?

The purpose of the certification is to provide building owners, facility managers, investment managers, and building occupiers with a consistent and credible means of determining the impact and performance of their buildings, and deciding the areas for improvement. Many factors are considered, such as: materials, energy, water and utility usage, and management processes put in place, among others.

Our building not only provides greater health and comfort for those who live in it, but it also means greater profitability for those who build, operate and maintain it.

Why Mellado?

Mellado was our first coliving building in Madrid. It was originally built in the 1960s and has been renovated to be more circular. Since 2018 it has been operated as an Urban Campus coliving. The building layout was optimized and the envelope was improved to reduce energy consumption which in turn has a direct effect not only on the environment but also on operational costs. It was during the refurbishment phase that the space was optimized to create common areas that added value, reduced loneliness, and promoted social moments between tenants. 

We have put in place policies and communication to promote a responsible community and encourage healthy spaces. Some examples include, waste management protocols (recycling and reducing), shared appliances in certain areas, and reduced water fixtures. 

Mellado is also a smart space that is digitally managed. By tracking and measuring consumption patterns, we have proactively solved overconsumption, and reduced emissions with the help of power meters like Wibeee.

All these factors were taken into account upon being rewarded with the BREAAM In-Use certification. Usability and comfort will always stand for all of our buildings.

So What’s Next?

We know this is just the very first step of the journey. In the next years, you will see many actions within this line from our partners and our company. Our objective is to reduce the carbon footprint and emissions of our present and future buildings. We strive for more efficient, modular, and responsible construction, and will continue digitalizing our operations further. The end goal is to provide our residents with healthy conscious spaces.