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
Office-to-Residential Conversions: What Boston Can Learn From New York’s Momentum
New York City’s conversion success story offers valuable lessons for Boston as it seeks to address its own housing shortage amid a surplus of office space.
What Two Mixed-Use Districts Reveal About Successful Retail and Placemaking
Lessons from two mixed-use destinations in Texas reinforce the value of adaptability and careful placemaking for large, retail-centered developments.
How a New Vision for Flexible Co-Living Conversions Can Support Housing Affordability
Gensler and The Pew Charitable Trusts studied building typologies in three cities to better understand the potential in this unique office-to-residential conversion model.
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.
The Hub at Prairie Shores
Chicago, Illinois
The Hub is intended to bring modern amenities to the ever-evolving residential community at the Bronzeville neighborhood’s Prairie Shores housing complex.
Urban Awning
Los Angeles, California
Urban Awning is a new constructional, environmental, and social model of affordable and supportive housing designed by Gensler.
Mira
San Antonio, Texas
Mira is a residential, mixed-use development designed by Gensler in the heart of a burgeoning urban district at the edge of Tobin Hill and the San Antonio River
Kelly Farrell
Residential Leader, Managing Director, Practice Area Community Leader, Principal
Kelly is a global leader of Gensler’s Residential practice and a Managing Director of Gensler’s Los Angeles office. An established thought leader in the industry and a trusted...
Brooks Howell
Senior Living Leader, Principal
Brooks is a global leader of Gensler’s Senior Living practice area. 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...
