February 24, 2025 — Student housing design trends have certainly transformed over the decades to accommodate the unique needs and wants of the next generation of student. With the most technically advanced Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) at the helm, residence hall design trends for 2025 will focus on flexible spaces, health and wellness, sustainability, community and digital technology, according to KWK Architects higher education design experts Principals Paul Wuennenberg, AIA, LEED AP and Javier Esteban, AIA, LEED AP.
Gen Z is the most digitally engaged group of students, as they have never known life before technology. They are also the most diverse and well-informed, knowing exactly how to get the information they need to make decisions. As digitally engaged as Generation Z is, they still value and desire in-person communication and socialization. This unique trait impacts the types of spaces and amenities that residence halls should incorporate.
Paul Wuennenberg
Top Five Residence Hall Design Trends for 2025
1. Sustainability and eco-friendly eesign
- Energy-efficient buildings: Sustainable building materials, solar energy systems, and energy-efficient appliances will be a focal point. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of student housing while keeping operational costs low.
- Green spaces and urban gardens: Outdoor spaces such as rooftop gardens, communal courtyards, and vegetable gardens are becoming more popular. These spaces foster community engagement and provide a peaceful environment for students to study and relax.
- Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart water management technologies will be integrated to reduce water consumption.
2. Flexible and multi-use spaces
- Modular room designs: As students’ needs change throughout the semester, flexible room layouts will allow for easy adaptation. These rooms could be used for studying, socializing, or even hosting small events, based on student preferences.
- Shared workspaces: The demand for collaborative environments is increasing. Co-working spaces, study lounges, and meeting rooms will be designed to facilitate group study and team-based projects, with plenty of tech-integrated tools to support various learning styles.
- Multi-use social spaces: Social lounges and common areas will serve multiple functions, from hosting events and group study sessions to movie nights and informal meetups, encouraging a balanced social and academic life.
3. Smart technology integration
- Smart home features: The integration of smart devices like voice-activated lighting, temperature controls, and smart locks will enhance comfort and security. Students can personalize their living spaces with easy-to-use technology. More campuses are moving towards the use of smart cards where the student ID card also works for dining dollars, laundry services and door access, all incorporated into a single card.
- High-speed Internet and connectivity: With the increase in hybrid learning and remote work, high-speed internet will be a top priority. Student housing will focus on providing strong Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the building and in common areas.
- Security innovations: Smart security systems, including biometric access, smart cameras, and app-controlled security features, will provide added protection and peace of mind.
4. Health and well-being focus
- Wellness-focused amenities: In response to increasing mental health awareness, student housing will include wellness amenities like meditation rooms, fitness centers, and on-site counseling services. The incorporation of nature, daylight, and improved air quality will promote better mental and physical health.
- Noise reduction and privacy: Acoustic design will become more important, with noise-cancelling materials and private study spaces helping to create quiet environments for rest and study.
- Healthy building materials: Non-toxic paints, flooring, and ventilation systems will be used to ensure healthier indoor air quality (IAQ), contributing to the overall well-being of students.
- Bedroom/restroom configurations: Higher student demand for single bedroom units and more private bathrooms to accommodate a ratio of two students to one bathroom will be a major consideration. The geographical bathroom that removes the discussion of gender will continue to be the mainstream. Designs will focus on clusters of single bathrooms (each with a shower, toilet and lavatory) that anybody can use with full privacy.
5. Community and social interaction
- Community-centric design: The emphasis will be on creating spaces that encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging. This will include larger community kitchens, collaborative lounges, and communal dining areas, promoting diverse student engagement.
- Student-led events and activities: Student housing will be designed to facilitate events like social mixers, networking, fitness classes, and academic workshops. Interactive spaces for student-led clubs and organizations will also be prioritized.
- Cultural integration: Multi-purpose areas will support diverse cultural experiences, providing spaces for international students to connect, share meals, and celebrate their heritage.
Within the next five years, colleges and universities will need to prepare their housing for the largest generation in history, the younger siblings of Gen Z – Generation Alpha. Current technology will be obsolete then, and the demand for integrated AI, multi-screen capabilities, superior band width and flexibility will be critical in student housing design.
While most of the future jobs and degrees related to these technologies do not currently exist, AI is on the cusp of revolutionizing the workplace and academic world. As a result, Gen Alpha will stay in college longer, and colleges and universities will need to adapt to that challenge and competition with more off-campus housing.
Javier Esteban, AIA, LEED AP