KWK Architects Share Design Guidance for Outfitting Students’ Home Away from Home

Higher-education design experts Paul Wuennenberg, AIA, LEED AP and Javier Esteban, AIA, LEED AP—principals at St. Louis design firm KWK Architects—recently weighed in on the top trends influencing student housing design going into 2025. Having completed more than $1.5B in higher-education projects, the firm has designed an expansive portfolio of academic and student life facilities.

Wuennenberg and Esteban focused on how traits or values exhibited by Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) informed their outlook for the near term, and how their younger siblings in Generation Alpha will challenge campus housing in the next five years.

“Gen Z is the most digitally engaged group of students, as they have never known life before technology,” Wuennenberg noted. “They are also the most diverse and well-informed, knowing exactly how to get the information they need to make decisions.”

In the near future, demands for next-generation technology by Gen Alpha will be driven by growth in AI—of educational and career opportunities, as well as integration of advanced technologies within campus and off-campus housing, Esteban said.

Colleges and universities will have their work cut out for them in merging these current and future needs. Two overarching themes emerged from the designers’ trend forecast: delivering opportunities for inclusion and increasing the connection between students and their home away from home. Each of the five trends outlined below meets these challenges in some way.

University of Minnesota's Pioneer Hall features collaboration lounges designed in neutral tones and pops of color from its comfortable furnishings. — University of Minnesota’s Pioneer Hall features collaboration lounges designed in neutral tones and pops of color from its comfortable furnishings.

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Design

According to KWK, energy efficiency and water conservation remain a priority for both students and campus administrators. Incorporating sustainable building materials, solar energy systems, and energy-efficient appliances are key to reducing operational costs of housing facilities. Meanwhile, low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and smart water management tools help to conserve water.

Furthermore, biophilic design in the form of green spaces and gardens is also top of mind, with the end goal of outdoor spaces that both calm and foster interaction between residents and the environment.

Flexible, Multipurpose Spaces

Modular room design, shared workspaces, and multipurpose social areas help students adapt their interiors to their needs from moment to moment. Flexible furnishings and dividers can create comfortable spaces that accommodate a variety of interaction and learning styles. Technology integrations can facilitate project collaboration, in addition to group entertainment events, when added to shared spaces.

Smart Technology Integration

Those technology integrations may include voice-activated controls for lighting, smart temperature systems, and intelligent locks for comfort and security. They would also demand improved internet connectivity as well as features like biometrics, smart cameras, and security apps that help residents to maintain safety. Smart cards can serve several functions, such as student IDs, building access keycards, and payment for laundry and dining services.

Health and Well-being Focus

As mentioned previously with regard to design of green spaces, access to nature, daylight, and improved air quality (IAQ) helps to promote better mental and physical health. The invisibility of indoor air may mean that it’s sometimes overlooked, but advanced HVAC systems can adjust using sensors and other responsive technologies to maintain appropriate air exchanges, reduce airborne contaminants and pathogens, and balance temperature and humidity to prevent mold concerns. Furthermore, using nontoxic materials provides additional peace of mind.

Designing for neurodiversity can have great benefits to all building occupants, especially students. Acoustic design and adjustable lighting help to make spaces more sensory-friendly. Additional health amenities such as fitness centers, meditation areas, and on-site counseling serve students right where they spend much of their time outside the classroom.

Discussion continues on best practices for bedroom and restroom configurations. Clusters of single bathrooms with toilet and wash facilities may be preferred over larger wash facilities that serve an entire floor to remove gender concerns and support psychological and physical safety. Student demand for single-bedroom units may also increase in residence halls.

North Hall kitchen/communal area features the signature red accents of Indiana University Indianapolis. — Multifunction spaces can blend kitchen and gathering spaces for residential students to engage with each other while enjoying views to the outdoors. Shown: North Hall features the signature red accents of Indiana University Indianapolis.

Community and Social Interaction

Overall, a sense of belonging is paramount in solid student housing designs. Community kitchens, communal dining areas, and collaborative lounges encourage residents to engage with one another during mealtimes, fostering cultural integration and sharing of diverse experiences among students. Again, the multipurpose nature of designs supports student-led activities such as club meetings, networking and social mixers, fitness classes, and academic workshops and helps to reduce isolation.

In KWK’s media statement, Wuennenberg said, “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.”