Getting to know the Gen Z resident
Last week, I was invited to share my knowledge and experience with the current MA students at Kingston University. Lead by Cyril Shing, a design mentor that crossed my path 15 years ago during my studies at University Arts London, the workshop explored the mix-use potential of designing for the Build to Rent sector and how our Gen Z target audience is re-defining the purpose of residential living.
What are the 3 things you can't live without?
One particular discussion stood out for me: What are the 3 things you can’t live without? Team A presented their conclusion: The bed, the phone and the microwave (of course). This very simple edit gives us a fascinating insight into a young person’s lifestyle in 2025 and where we may need to shift our emphasis as designers in the future.
Let's analyse this together:
The Bed - Arguably the most important piece of furniture in our homes, given the disproportionate amount of time we spend in it. With growing health awareness, younger generations recognize the link between quality sleep and well-being. A 2024 report found that 18- to 34-year-olds, including many Gen Zs, average 9 hours and 12 minutes of sleep per night—exceeding the recommended 7-9 hours. This extended time in bed is partly due to social media use, reinforcing the need for better sleep quality and fewer distractions.
The importance of digital connection
The Phone – this object keeps today’s generation seamlessly connected in a global ecosystem where language is no barrier, thanks to instant translation. While presenting my projects, I noticed students on their phones—initially odd, until fellow tutor Silvia explained they were translating and taking notes in real-time. Text-enabled services are invaluable to a generation that favors messaging over calls and often even face-to-face interactions.
The microwave - while Gen Z values health, convenience remains key. With food delivery apps on the rise, many now skip cooking at least half the time. Paired with an active social lifestyle, daily home-cooked meals may soon become a thing of the past.
Conclusion
They say that you can tell a lot about the person by a company they keep, but as our connections become more digital perhaps it is the spaces that we inhabit that become most telling of our lifestyle and generational preferences.
Do you have 3 things you cannot live without? Leaving you with this food for thought.
