Three Important Things To Consider When Designing PBSA/BTR/Co-living and PRS

Here at Nelson and Long we have collectively been providing design expertise in the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector for over 15 years. We have seen the evolution, from mundane beech bedroom furniture and basic amenity spaces to design-led considered spaces that cater to every student’s wants and desires. Throughout the years new ideas and expectations have been thrown into the mix such as Build to Rent (BTR), which is still in its infancy (although the offering design-wise is very advanced) and co-living which, when first proposed, seemed to be alien to some, but now more than ever is something to embrace and celebrate. The concept of creating communities, bettering the resident’s experience, and adding value by elevating the offering provided is a good business model that attracts customers and it's easy to see why. PRS slightly varies in the terms of the provision of larger scaler amenity spaces, but all these concepts were built with similar fundamentals – the idea of creating homes. However, the execution is different. Having designed across these sectors it’s evident that there are clear crossovers of key design components and considerations and that’s what we want to explore further here.  

All these concepts cater to different demographics, but people are people, and we crave and require similar things to thrive, prosper, feel valued, and supported. A good analogy would be a garden. We are all plants, but we need water, food, and sunshine to grow. Without one of these things, it would be hard for a plant to thrive and without considering, equipping, and facilitating the following points, a design can be lacking too. 

Flat lay by @nelsonandlong

Wellbeing 

We often refer to wellbeing in our blogs and there’s a very good reason why. It is imperative to a successful design – simple as that! Thinking about and understanding not just the resident, but the user journey is crucial to achieving the best customer experience as it encourages a good sense of wellbeing because they will feel valued. Wellbeing is a multifaceted concept and there are various ways to measure it, but in layman’s terms, are you as a provider giving all residents the means to be happy and supporting them to flourish? If so, you are successfully considering and aiding wellbeing. It’s important to cater and equip for all ages, personality types, genders and lifestyles amongst a lot of other factors. That’s why research into different demographics is key to getting the best out of a space and providing appropriate solutions. And something that should be step one of the process, because if you don’t understand who you are designing for how can you get it right?  

Design by @nelsonandlong

Creating Communities 

Across all these sectors there is one common denominator that seems to be encouraged – creating communities. Creating communities doesn’t necessarily mean socialising (although that is one aspect) it’s more about a feeling, an energy – the purpose of a space. With the right vision and thought, communities can be established. Implementing activities such as classes and utilising the external space for things like allotments, and BBQs (just to name a few) gives the residents a sense of ownership (whether it’s a short or long-term stay) because they are able to contribute to their “home”.  

A provider plays a big role in creating communities. By offering the means such as an app, forum or WhatsApp group, for instance, encourages residents to engage and communicate about what is going on. The addition of well-maintained and inclusive amenity spaces backs this up and creates a sense of self-worth and an environment that supports. On a smaller scale, Private Rented Sector (PRS) schemes may not have a central hub to socialise, but the same values apply. Equip the residents with a way to interact with each other and most will. People who live in the same building or neighbourhood have all come looking for some of the same things, so they already have common ground – it’s just about building on this. If the last few years have taught us anything, people crave and enjoy human interaction and support - community spirit really is unmatched.

Design by @nelsonandlong

Responsible Design   

Responsible design is key to providing a sustainable and socially conscious scheme whilst appeasing the residents. From the makeup of a building (if it’s a new build) to the interior, every finish should have careful consideration where possible. It’s great to see a massive shift in the last few years of designers sourcing responsibly. Of late, here at N&L we’ve used repurposed furniture in a large section of an amenity space, recycled yoghurt pots into reception desks and reupholstered furniture - it’s a subject we are eager to learn about so we can include more things into our work going forward. Although the makeup/interior of a building is a great way to implement responsible design it’s also about setting up the staff and residents to use the space responsibly. Incentives could be used to encourage the switching off of radiators and lights, or a means to illustrate how people are using energy and how they can limit it, where possible, could be introduced. 

Providers should be creating a futureproof offering that caters to the residents’ needs and aligns with their values. Whether that be including creative spaces, quiet/down-time zones, thinking of inspiring uses of space, including multifunctional and inclusive spaces – the list goes on and on. 

Gen Z are the most socially conscious generation to date. They have many issues to tackle in the future such as climate change - as we all do, but unfortunately their generation the most in some respects. So, we must think about them and the future when designing. It’s not about forgetting the past, but embracing and providing for their future.

Design by @nelsonandlong

There is no perfect formula to getting the best interior space, as our needs are ever changing and adapting to the world around us, but we think considering wellbeing and creating communities, all backed up with responsible design, is a really good combination that provides considerate, reactive and adaptive interiors that will allow and encourage residents to feel happy and cared for.