Generation Z, often known as Gen Z, is the generation that follows Millennials and comes before Generation Alpha. The mid-to-late 1990s are used by academics and the general public as commencing birth years and the early 2010s as terminating birth years. The majority of Generation Z are descendants of Generation X. Millennials are the generation that comes before Gen Z. Anybody born between 1980 and 1995 is considered a Millennial. There are about 80 million Millennials in the United States. Everyone born between 1996 and the early to mid-2000s is considered a part of Gen Z. There are roughly 90 million Gen Z’s in the United States, which is a younger and even larger generation.
According to a Pew Research Center study, generational cohorts provide researchers with a tool for analyzing changes in opinions across time. These can assist us in comprehending how various formative experiences (such as world events and technical, economic, and social shifts) combine with the life cycle and aging process to mold people’s views of the world. Recent research has revealed major shifts in youth behaviors, attitudes, and lifestyles for people who grew up during this time. According to Pew Research, Generation Z will be the most diverse and well-educated generation yet.
Although many Gen Z’s aren’t quite old enough to be renting an apartment, considering the oldest part is 27 now. However, some of the oldest members of the generation are to start their own life. That’s why it’s important to start to think about what kind of spaces does Gen Z prefer in a house? To begin with, because Generation Z grew up surrounded by advanced technology, merging houses and technology to build smart houses makes sense to consumers. Controlling lights, alarm systems, and air conditioning with a tap on their phones are ideal innovations to make life easier.
After the great innovations in technology from the last decades, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, lives started to be spent inside homes even more. So, spaces for working and leisure time are a must for this generation. Regarding space preferences, Gen Z often does not require large homes to accommodate a family with numerous children. Most Gen Z’s are interested in smaller homes since they are just starting families and are concerned about affordability. They also desire to reside close to work as well as friends and family. Open floor plans are ideal for gathering. They can also make smaller homes appear larger, and since Gen Z prefers smaller residences, open floor plans might be advantageous.
When it comes to their ideal home design, Millennials and Gen Z differ from each other. Affordability is becoming a more important topic in our lives as housing and rent costs increase. So, Gen Z’s are more adaptable to different living spaces, such as co-living and tiny houses. Co-living is a type of residential community living that enables three or more people who are not biologically related to each other to share a single residence. It could be friends or strangers with similar principles or intentions. This may make sense to Gen Z not only because it is affordable but also because it is a kind of more social living style. Moreover, the tiny-house movement is a social and architectural movement that encourages downsizing, simplification, and ultimately “living with less.” For Gen Z, who value sustainability and minimalism, it might be the preferred choice.
Gen Z’s eco-conscious. Thus, they make investments in products and technologies like solar panels that will reduce carbon emissions. Also going greener is a must for Gen Z in their houses. People felt the need for green places more than ever, particularly after 2020 kept everyone inside. And Generation Z is no different. And therefore, using green materials and adding rooftop terraces to homes may increase their value. en Z’s are the generation that is bringing veganism to new heights. According to the research of UK’s BOL Foods, a quarter of 18-24-year-olds stated that they have already gone vegan. So, this generation may adopt a vegan lifestyle and integrate it into their homes. Such as indoor gardens and living walls.
As a result, Generation Z is entering adulthood and developing housing needs; the oldest group members are 27 years old this year. Although the expectations of the Z generation and their preferences for space production will be better understood over time, the variables can be listed. The increased presence of technology, pandemics, and equality in our lives has had an impact on the utilization of places that people need. The houses, which are the foundations of life, and thus space production forms and architecture, will continue to exist, and thus the influence of the latest generation of Gen Z will help to influence the possibilities, location, and style of the houses, as well as the architecture, in the coming years.
Reference List:
- Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials End and Generation Z Begins. [online] Pew Research Center. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/.
- www.adeccousa.com. (2016). Millennials vs Gen Z: Key Differences | Adecco USA. [online] Available at: https://www.adeccousa.com/employers/resources/generation-z-vs-millennials-infographic/.
- Anon, (2021). The Ideal House Design for Generation | Golden Sphere. [online] Available at: https://www.goldensphere.com.ph/millennials-vs-gen-zs-the-ideal-house-design-for-their-generation/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2023].
- Home Sweet Homes. (2019). What Generation Z Homebuyers Want. [online] Available at: https://www.homes.com/blog/2019/10/what-gen-z-homebuyers-want/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2023].
- Uo2 Architects. (2018). How To Build Spaces That Attract Gen Z And Millennials. [online] Available at: http://uo2architects.com/gen-z-and-millennials/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2023].
- Professional Builder. (2018). Gearing Up for Generation Z. [online] Available at: https://www.probuilder.com/gearing-generation-z [Accessed 26 Feb. 2023].
