Share these talks and lectures with your colleagues
Invite colleaguesPractice paper
The Generation Z world : Shifts in urban design, architecture and the corporate workplace
Corporate Real Estate Journal,
7
(3),
230-242
(2018)
Abstract
Gen Z is expected to surpass Millennials in number by 2020 and potentially represent 40 per cent of consumers in the US alone. By 2030, 20 per cent of the workforce will be Generation Z (Gen Z) (see Figure 1). They differ from Millennials in substantive ways. They represent changes to all aspects of corporate real estate (CRE) through their expectations in the workplace, retail, residential, cultural and lifestyle environments. To begin to understand the shifts in urban design, architecture and the workplace this generation will lead, this paper begins by listening to Gen Z on their own terms. A frame of reference outside this lens would miss their perspective and how it rightfully presents their relevant world view, goals and aspirations that will impact CRE. Through presenting data, trends and metrics, the paper addresses technology, transportation, uses and new building typologies, and the impact this new generation will have on evolving cultural and social norms that inform tomorrow’s environments. We present five foci for design and decision making and the features behind them to discover how this emerging population may influence today’s real estate strategies and tomorrow’s real estate value propositions.
Keywords: Gen Z; future cities; urban/ building technologies; placemaking; future mobility; changing workforce flexibility; authenticity; choice; convenience; integrated/interactive world
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Celine M. Larkin AIA, LEED AP leads Master Planning and Urban Design at HGA Architects and Engineers. Celine is unique in her understanding of appropriate land use and the creation of memorable places within urban and campus contexts. She believes that master planning and urban design should articulate the client’s vision and be flexible to guide future decision-making. Her work grows from careful observation and analyses of the cultural and sustainable context of forms within the financial constraints of each project.
Melissa Jancourt IIDA, LEED AP co-leads HGA Work|SIGHT, the firm’s national strategic planning group focused on the cultivation of original insights that support the creation of places for people and organisations to thrive. Melissa is a recognised leader in workplace transformation and change leadership. Her collaborative approach is to blend secondary and primary research to develop an in-depth understanding of her clients, their business drivers, and the indicators of success that are meaningful to their organisation.
William H. Hendrix AIA is an architect, urbanist, and principal at HGA Architects and Engineers. His 31-year career has been dedicated to design excellence and leadership on international and domestic projects for corporate, development, government, and institutional clients. William is currently working with corporate clients, including a Fortune 100 company in developing their corporate campus of the future. Throughout his career, he has integrated academics, practice teaching and lecturing on design and future trends at several universities.
