The purpose of this research is to find applicable design characteristics of communal spaces in multi-family houses. With this goal, international multi-family housing projects are selected and their communal spaces are identified. The purpose of study lies in analyzing on recent 10 years trends of shared space of multi-family houses in Europe, Japan, central America. The design characteristics of the communal spaces are analyzed with a special focus on the four Aspects such as Organization of space, access roads, parking, pedestrian movement In terms of the framework for analysis, community, rest, separability, rambling, territory, distribution, entrance, openness, view, prospect and aesthetic characteristics are reviewed. As a result, the communal space of the analysis are integrated in plans and sections throughout the multi-family houses. Openness and connection with surrounding urban environments are articulated by communal spaces. Communal identities and aesthetics are emphasized by various space for dweller and the other inhabitant. For a further research, it is necessary to combine a design method study with new multi-family houses for the future.