RESIDENTIAL
The past two years have reemphasized the central role of the home in people’s lives. Residential amenities are not as important as they used to be. Instead, people are willing to forgo the extras for the right balance of affordability, quality, and space in their units. In the coming months and years, there will also be a big push to identify and design for middle-income residents in the form of workforce housing.
Mira, San Antonio
01
In-unit experience now matters more than outside amenities.
Developers traditionally have enticed tenants with building amenities and neighborhood attractions. However, residents now prioritize the in-unit experience more than outside perks. Specifically, residents value well-designed units with features like natural light, storage space, and in-unit laundry over communal amenities like multipurpose spaces, children’s play areas, or proximity to local landmarks.
02
Well-designed space is better than more space.
Residents like space, but they’re willing to trade it for better unit design — especially if the design retains a feeling of more space. As a result, developers are finding new ways to optimize living space within a finite area. The most effective ways to accomplish this are unit designs that offer more storage, better layouts, and reduced noise levels.
03
Developers will continue to balance amenities with affordability.
No matter their income, people want more affordable ways to live. A majority of residents across nine global markets say they’re willing to make trade-offs with building amenities for lower rent. Consequently, residential developers are seeing higher levels of tenant satisfaction and retention by designing experiences that thoughtfully balance amenities and services with residents’ own priorities.
04
The best residential experience will be one that prioritizes flexibility.
Residents’ tastes are not universal. Every tenant likes to personalize their living space, and residential developers are responding with more flexible designs. It will be crucial for developers to understand their audience and tailor designs to provide a more fulfilling residential experience. User-centric homes can better accommodate the diverse lifestyles, interests, and long-term expectations of residents.
Central Park House, Burnaby, Canada
Central Park House, Burnaby, Canada
“In pursuit of more affordable housing solutions, people are open to making tradeoffs when it comes to building amenities.”
Aspire Post Oak, Houston
Unlocking Hidden Value: How Cities and Developers Are Partnering to Turn Vacant Offices into Residential
Vacant office spaces are a burden for cities and developers — occupying valuable real estate but not providing the same kind of economic value. Here’s how to convert vacant office buildings into new housing.
Debunking Three Myths About Designing for Older Adults
As part of a Gensler research initiative, we embarked on a study to uncover answers to our question: What are the attitudes and preferences of adults, over the age of 55, that are living independently?
Using Algae to Offset the Carbon Cost of Data Centres
Data centres use about 1% of the planet’s electricity and are responsible for about 0.25% of the world’s carbon footprint. What if there were a way to capture those carbon emissions within the building itself?
The design of residential units is ripe for innovation. Creative unit layouts could improve the resident experience when increased footprints are not feasible or affordable.
Prairie Shores Clubhouse
Chicago, Illinois
A new clubhouse, designed by Gensler, is intended to bring modern amenities to the ever-evolving residential community at the Bronzeville neighborhood’s Prairie Shores housing complex. A model for post-war urban development, the residential complex has been a fixture on Chicago’s Southside...
Urban Awning
Los Angeles, California
Urban Awning is a new constructional, environmental, and social model of affordable and supportive housing. It serves populations ranging from non-chronic homeless, to seniors on fixed income, to transitional housing for students or young professionals. Gensler's new housing model dramatically...
Mira
San Antonio, Texas
Situated at the edge of the historic Tobin Hill neighborhood and the San Antonio River, Mira is a residential mixed-use development located in a previously commercial block. At the heart of a burgeoning urban district near downtown, Mira is accessible to the Museum reach section of the River...
Kelly Farrell
Residential Leader, Regional Practice Area Community Leader, Principal
Kelly is a global leader of Gensler’s Residential practice and Practice Area Community Leader for Gensler’s Southwest region. An established thought leader in the industry and...
Brooks Howell
Residential Leader, Principal
Brooks is a global leader of Gensler’s Residential practice. He brings more than 20 years of experience leading mixed-use, residential, retail, and hospitality projects of...
Roger Sherman
Design Director
Roger is a Design Director and leads the Urban Impact group at Gensler Los Angeles. Since he joined the firm, the group has won a PA Award (Architecture Magazine) and...
