‘Extended Apartment’: Common Spaces as a Response to Contemporary Challenges

Abstract The search for the best architectural solutions in the context of new challenges is a constant task for its creators. This paper attempts to analyse the latest issues in collective housing architecture, among many different aspects, limiting itself to a few that may be relevant in the context of the study’s topic. Typical common spaces are essential elements in residential architecture – primarily enabling optimal circulation, but they serve only a practical and functional role. However, this work addresses the topic of shared spaces of a social nature. This study is based on presenting selected examples of functioning shared spaces inside residential buildings in Western European countries and in Poland. As a result, it seeks to explain how common spaces can be helpful in addressing contemporary issues.