Dear Friends,
40 million Americans live in apartments. How is multifamily residential design evolving to meet the demands of renters in the post-pandemic “new normal”? It is important to understand the demographic of the developer’s target market. There are more multifamily residential products than ever before. These products range from large urban apartments to workforce housing and affordable housing. The demands are vastly different. Renting has become popular with every generation including Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers. 21% of renters leave their current apartment due to the lack of appropriate amenities.
In the post-pandemic era, many will continue to work from home. This will change the needs of multi-family renters, in terms of flexible workspace, technological needs and soundproofing. Amenities will include co-working spaces, conference space, enhanced business centers and even pod-cast studios. Wi-Fi is demanded from curb to couch.
Generation Z is extremely concerned about renting healthy environments. Besides providing continuous fresh air through mechanical units, multi-family design will include more operable windows, exterior social spaces, touch-less technology, and bacteria-resistant interior finishes.
Flexibility will be paramount to stay competitive and to be able to evolve with various trends. Unit layouts will need the capability to change from living / sleeping spaces to workspaces and social spaces. Creative furniture systems will assist with this transformation.
Pet care will continue to be important to renters. Dog parks, pet washing, dog waste disposal and dog-walking should all be offered. Trash removal will be important. Valet trash and recycling pick-ups will be demanded, and this will assist with keeping corridors and elevators more hygienic.
Post-pandemic, deliveries will be more important than ever. 86% of renters depend on packaged deliveries, creating large amounts of trash. This onslaught of deliveries will dictate additional elevators, tighter security and even drone deliveries to rooftop lockers.
Renters of all generations are demanding more amenities, services, technology, and pampering. For multi-family renters, the new normal is no longer “less is more”. Post-pandemic, the new paradigm shift for renters is “more is more”!
ODA Architecture is seeing the boom in this sector with clients adding multi-family buildings to their development plans. Many of these structures are alongside or combined with hotel buildings and mixed-use developments. This combination allows for businesses to benefit and serve each other plus it creates greater convenience for the consumer. Restaurants, healthcare and other service businesses complement multi-family and hotel guests. Making it a WIN-WIN for all!
