Today, digital connectivity has reached unprecedented levels, with over 5.5 billion people, or 67.5% of the global population, now connected to the internet. While we’re more digitally connected than ever, people are also feeling lonelier than ever.
According to WGSN, loneliness has worsened post-pandemic, with social isolation affecting Millennials, Gen Z, and older adults alike. Global studies show youth and elderly populations are increasingly affected by mental health struggles related to loneliness.
Why does this matter? We believe that the future of new community development lies in prioritizing design that fosters connection and belonging.
Modern multifamily projects are moving beyond traditional wellness-focused amenities, incorporating biophilic elements, intentionally designed shared spaces, and health-focused hubs to create holistic environments.
With state-of-the-art amenities like fitness centers, spas, and social courtyards, new community developments should be encouraging social interaction and supporting mental and physical well-being.
What’s more, housing can serve as a powerful bridge between the need for community and safety, creating spaces where people feel a strong sense of belonging and security. Thoughtful design and shared amenities foster social connections, while secure, well-planned environments provide peace of mind, supporting residents’ well-being in their daily lives.
In a recent blog post from Gensler titled “What Spa and Wellness Spaces Can Teach Us About Transforming Behavior,” Siobhan Barry, a design director and hospitality leader in Gensler’s New York office, speaks to designing for human experiences in hospitality design.
“Hospitality captures base physiological needs, as well as safety and security,” Barry said. “The places that build upward from that — and that is going to be the base case in the future — are the places that will mean something.”
Hospitality isn’t the only space where community is at the forefront of design strategy. From multifamily buildings to model home communities, gathering spaces are vital to existing well.
Research reveals that strong social connections can enhance immune function, improve recovery, and increase longevity, underscoring the essential role of community-centric design in promoting overall health and quality of life.
The future of the design industry will center on creating spaces that encourage community and connection, because we have a responsibility to build and design communities where people thrive.
Source: “Consumer Emotional States 2023” WGSN, March 28, 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/world/asia/bangkok-thailand-benjakitti-park.html?smid=url-share
Source: Balz, Emilie, “What Spa and Wellness Spaces Can Teach Us About Transforming Behavior,” Gensler, October 1, 2024, https://www.gensler.com/blog/spa-wellness-spaces-transforming-behavior?q=community%20space
