As the American dining room disappears from new residential construction, we are faced with a question, can our need for connection outweigh years of societal and economic shifts to preserve space for gathering?

Cohousing is an intentional community model where residents live in private homes but share common spaces and amenities. Designed to foster community interaction while maintaining personal privacy, cohousing addresses modern isolation by fostering neighborly connections. These communities feature shared areas like kitchens, dining rooms, gardens, and recreational spaces, encouraging social interactions and mutual support. Cohousing promotes collaborative governance and resource sharing, providing a sustainable and enriching living experience. For those seeking a sense of belonging and a supportive community, cohousing offers a transformative alternative to traditional housing arrangements.

In a podcast from October 2019, Ezra Klein interviewed former US surgeon general Vivek Murthy on the loneliness epidemic. The following piece is a response to and summary of their conversation.