In 2025, shared community spaces are making a strong comeback in apartment complexes across Indian cities—especially in East Bangalore. These include social clubs, book corners, and hobby rooms that bring residents together for more than just events. They offer a space to relax, talk, create, or simply take a break from screens.

Projects like Birla Evara on Sarjapur Road are already adding these features, giving people a reason to connect with their neighbours and spend quality time beyond the four walls of their homes.

What Changed: Before and After the Pandemic

Before the pandemic, people were already moving toward digital life—texts over talks, apps over activities. Then the lockdowns hit. Being stuck indoors made many realise how much we miss face-to-face interaction. It wasn't just about boredom—it was about the need to feel part of a group.

Today, the trend has flipped. People want shared spaces again. Not malls or offices—but small, familiar places where they feel welcome. Social clubs, reading nooks, and creative rooms inside residential communities meet this need in a natural way.

The "Third Place" Reimagined

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg called it the "third place"—a space that's not your home or your job, but where community happens. In today's apartment life, that place could be a reading corner downstairs or a music room shared by neighbours.

These modern "third places" inside gated communities give people a way to connect casually. You don't need to join a big event—just sitting with a book or attending a weekend pottery class can help you feel included.

Why People Are Choosing These Shared Spaces

• Relief from screen time: A real break from constant phone use
• Simple friendships: Chatting with someone who shares your interests
• Creative release: Doing something with your hands or mind—like painting or reading
• Safe interaction: Especially useful for kids, seniors, or new families in the building
• A sense of community: Feeling like you belong in your neighbourhood

Different Types of Shared Spaces You'll See Now

1. Social Clubs in Apartments: Not just party halls anymore. These are calm places for residents to meet, play indoor games, host workshops, or hold kids' story sessions. At Birla Evara, you'll find open lounges with flexible seating that let you host events or just sit and chat.
2. Book Corners and Mini Libraries: Small reading spots with books donated by residents. Some apartments also have weekend book clubs or reading hours for children. These corners are quiet, cozy, and a great escape from gadgets.
3. Hobby Rooms and Creative Zones: These are spaces for painting, yoga, music practice, or even content creation. In larger projects, you may even find podcast booths or art studios. Instead of travelling to hobby centres, you get everything close to home.

Mix of Offline and Online: A Smart Blend

While these spaces are physical, people now use apps or WhatsApp groups to keep things organised. For example:

• You can book the hobby room through a mobile app
• Residents share pictures of their club events online
• People vote digitally for weekend activities

Design That Feels Good

Today's shared spaces are also better designed. Developers now focus on:

• Natural light and plants to reduce stress
• Soft lighting and warm colours to make areas feel inviting
• Flexible furniture so rooms can change based on the event
• Good soundproofing to keep reading corners quiet
• Smart tools like touch-free lighting or online booking displays

How These Spaces Can Be Sustainable Too

For those managing or building such spaces, there are many ways to make them work:

• Memberships or pay-per-use systems for hobby rooms
• Events with small entry fees to support local artists or trainers
• Community funding where residents contribute to upgrades
• Tie-ups with local businesses for workshops or classes
• Non-profit models for those who want to keep things simple and community-focused

The main return is not always money—it's trust, belonging, and value for residents.

Challenges and What's Ahead

Shared spaces are great—but not perfect. Some common challenges include:

• Keeping them inclusive and welcoming to everyone
• Avoiding cliques or group politics
• Managing noise and cleaning
• Making sure events don't disturb others
• Keeping them safe post-COVID with good ventilation and hygiene

That said, the future is bright. Even in Tier 2 cities like Mysuru or Coimbatore, such ideas are gaining ground. Physical connection, after all, can't be replaced—not even by the Metaverse.

Real Examples Making a Difference

• Birla Evara, Sarjapur Road: Known for creative zones and peaceful reading corners
• Dice N Dine, Bangalore: A cafe where you play board games and meet like-minded people
• Silent Book Club, active in Bangalore: Read silently in a group, then chat if you want
• Maker's Asylum, Mumbai: A shared maker space for DIY lovers
• The Quorum, Delhi & Bangalore: A private club with talks, networking, and shared learning

Final Thoughts

Shared spaces are not just about luxury anymore. They're becoming basic needs for healthier, happier urban living. If you're buying or renting a home today, don't just check the floor plan. Ask what community spaces are offered.

Spaces like those in Birla Evara give you more than a place to stay—they give you a place to grow, connect, and thrive.