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The Millennial generation has certainly made their mark on the learning environment. The demand for creating a collaborative environment is the cornerstone of the Millennial Movement.
In regards to the education facility, the Millennial population has, for the most part, graduated out of the system. The next population trend to contend with is Generation Z, who are now well into college or in the workforce already, as they often opt to start working right out of high school.
Gen Z is different than the Millennial – not in a revolutionary way, but enough that they deserve attention. This reality offers new challenges for universities trying to provide environments designed to support not just one generation, but all generations, ranging from Boomers to the newest Zs.
Not everyone is using the Gen Z terminology. Some call them Next Gen, Gen Wii, Gen Tech, and – my favorite – Digital Natives. Whatever you call them, move over, Millennials!
Generation Z are those born between 1995 and 2010. They represent the largest group in the market: 24.3% of the population with an impressive $3 billion in buying power. In comparison, the Millennials are only 22.1%.
Generation Z has these key qualities:
These are just a few traits, but it’s more than enough to start considering how Gen Z will impact the campus. As a manufacturer of commons, dining, and classroom space, we need to help institutions understand a few things.
Zoning
Zoning will continue to be key. Recognizing that the Zs don’t need collaboration and enjoy independent work, zones help accommodate multiple needs in the space. This trend lends itself to using booths to divide space. Effective, high-impact nooks can be created in a cost-effective manner. Wall benches allow small groups to grow into larger groups, but two booths facing each other create truly intimate spaces. The traditional booths provide solitude to those that are alone and deep engagement for small groups. Booths also create a sense of privacy and security, which was first discovered by behaviorist Dr. Abraham Maslow in his Hierarchy of Needs.
Posture
Posture still matters and giving the choice to lounge, work at task level, or perch continues to be a feature of any well-designed public space. Nothing improves human interaction more than eye contact, so sitting or standing eye contact matters. We love creating points of “positive collision” at perching or standing height, which allows for quick, effective communication.
Technology
Technology is not optional. This almost seems cliché, but it’s true. While laptops often have a 10-hour battery life, apps today are gobbling that up. If you want to see panic, look into the eyes of a Gen Z student who is about to run out of battery.
Charging options must be visible and easily accessible, whether it’s wireless via induction technology, USB-C for DC charging, traditional USB-A, or AC duplex power. Don’t skimp! Having plenty of power available communicates to people that they are welcome to be there using the outlets. It helps build your team environment and a relationship with the college.
Sound
Hard surfaces are still popular today for durability and a clean environment. Acoustics and the noise created by high reverberation rates should be considered when creating productive spaces. Clearly, Gen Z is a smart and productive group. They don’t love the concept of benching and have a limited attention span. If you have an open plan, you must create quiet space for people to sit and think.
Connecting with Nature
The connection that Zs feel with the environment plays into the Biophilia design trend. Biophilia is a topic that is so important, the U.S. Government has an entire department devoted to researching it. Essentially, biophilia is incorporating natural elements inside the building, such as live plants, flowers, and water elements. It’s been proven to help people deal with stress, reduce sick days, and overall feel happier in the space.
Gen Zs matter. Any university that wants to obtain the very best this group has to offer should shift attention to the nuances that make them feel different and design with their interests at heart.
Steve Cohen is the Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Falcon and Thonet (available under E&I’s CF Group contract). Falcon’s expertise lies in developing creative environments in a cost-effective manner for cafeterias, classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, and lobbies. Thonet provides stylish and durable seating solutions for the education market with a focus on sustainability.
