The higher education residential sector will have to add 45,000 beds by the end of 2022 to keep pace with demand, according to a report by Humphreys & Partners Architects.
Higher-ed residences had 97% occupancy in fall 2021, with rents up by 3%, the report says. In 2022, Humphreys expects similar number for lease up and rents. The number of students living off campus spiked in fall 2020 after the roll out of safety guidelines and restrictions in response to COVID-19.
The report cites the following design trends in student housing:
- Walkability and proximity to campus is prized along with on-site and mixed-use components.
- Less parking per bed with more pedestrian-and bike-friendly cities.
- Going vertical on small sites is common due to land scarcity and skyrocketing land costs.
- Equal bed-to-bath ratios are the norm.
- Resort-style amenities such as lush pool-decks, lounges, and on-site laundry are desired.
- Dynamic study spaces from pods and booths to entire dedicated floors are in demand.
Related Stories
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Architects | Apr 22, 2021
SmithGroup enters partnership to support architecture programs at three Historically Black universities
The firm is providing instructors and mentors as part of a broader effort to expand the industry’s diversity.
Higher Education | Mar 22, 2021
UC Merced’s completed 2020 Project roughly doubles the campus’ physical capacity
Its new buildings are certified LEED Platinum.
Higher Education | Mar 13, 2021
Changing the ivory tower into the real world
Bowling Green’s new Maurer Center reflects a trend toward business-centric learning experiences.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Higher Education | Jan 25, 2021
Amid pandemic, college students value on-campus experience
All the students we interviewed were glad that they returned to campus in one form or another.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Smart Buildings | Oct 26, 2020
World’s first smart building assessment and rating program released
The SPIRE Smart Building Program will help building owners and operators make better investment decisions, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase asset value.
Higher Education | Oct 14, 2020
Repurposeability: The future of college campuses
With COVID-19 putting additional pressures on budgets and shutting down or restricting campus access, endless campus expansions are even less tenable.
