Number of homes with just one person doubles in Ribeirão Preto, SP The decision to live alone is no longer a transitory phase and has become a permanent lifestyle for residents of Ribeirão Preto (SP). Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) show that the number of single-person homes - when only one person lives in the property - increased from 27,808 in 2010 to 56,364 in 2022 in the city. The 102.7% jump in a 12-year period follows a trend registered throughout Brazil. Information from the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (Pnad Contínua), with projections consolidated until the beginning of this year, shows that the number of Brazilians living alone jumped from 7.5 million to 15.6 million. The survey indicates that, currently, almost two in every ten homes in the country (19.7%) are occupied by just one resident. For sociologist Wlaumir Souza, the growing movement is a direct reflection of new professional dynamics, changing values ​​and the constant search for independence. The traditional family structure, little by little, gives way to new strategies for survival and individual freedom. "The migratory phenomenon influences the search for work in Brazil. Ribeirão Preto, for example, is a center of attraction. Professional projects have overlapped with families. At the same time, people are freer these days, and starting a family is no longer a social coercion as it was in the past, at least in that traditional nuclear model with father, mother and children living in the same place", analyzes the expert. Be part of the g1 Ribeirão e Franca channel on WhatsApp An IBGE survey shows that the number of homes occupied by just one person grew by more than 100% in 12 years in Ribeirão Preto (SP) EPTV Reproduction/ Luciano Tolentino The era of 'coliving' With the change in the demographic profile and the jump in single-person housing, the real estate market needed to recalculate its route. Large houses and apartments now share space with projects designed exclusively for those who live alone, but don't want to give up social life. It is in this scenario that coliving is gaining momentum, a housing format that combines compact private studios with large shared areas, such as coworking spaces, lounges, gyms, swimming pools and laundry rooms. Marcelo Freire Monteiro, CEO of a local construction company, explains that the model goes far beyond just reducing the size of the apartment. The main objective of the business is to avoid isolation for those who choose independence. "It's a building where the units are generally compact and there are much more elaborate common areas. What's different about being a coliving is that there has to be a manager of this community to encourage coexistence between people", details the director. Coexistence spaces, such as laundry rooms and gourmet areas, are options for the coliving format to avoid the isolation of residents EPTV Reproduction/ Luciano Tolentino The businessman highlights that changes in society will continue to fuel the demand for smart and flexible housing. "The first generation without cousins ​​is coming, who are the children of only children. It is clear that there is a demographic change. Sometimes people are separated, want to leave their parents' house or change jobs to another city and need a place to adapt. All of this stimulates this demand, which in Brazil is just beginning, but in other places it is already much more advanced", adds Monteiro. Common and leisure areas in new real estate developments encourage interaction and the creation of bonds between neighbors EPTV Reproduction/ Luciano Tolentino Practicality and new connections The project itself managed by the Monteiro construction company illustrates the new phase of the market in Ribeirão Preto. Located in the Nova Aliança Sul neighborhood, the building has 12 floors and offers 43 one-bedroom studios, with private areas ranging from 17 m² to 43 m². The installations are combined with technological innovations, such as automation, service applications, solar energy and shared mobility with bicycles and electric scooters. The versatility and strategic location of the building attracted architect Marcos Antônio Vasques, one of the residents who experienced the CEO's proposal in practice. Vasques, who is from the Jaboticabal region (SP), decided to invest in a 28 m² studio on site to facilitate his intense work routine. Architect Marcos Antônio Vasques in the 28 m² studio room; compact environment was customized to facilitate the work routine in Ribeirão Preto (SP) EPTV Reproduction/ Luciano Tolentino The compact environment was completely personalized with details to ensure comfort. What was supposed to be just a point of support in everyday life ended up transforming the resident's routine. "I always wanted to have a house in Ribeirão Preto, because I really like the city. The opportunity came up and it works really well. The project is very cool and offers several things in addition to the studio. It has a laundry room, a place to make lunch if you don't want to cook inside the house. It has a community and they even offer cleaning", says the architect. See more news from the region on g1 Ribeirão e Franca VIDEOS: Everything about Ribeirão Preto, Franca and the region