NextGen Design
Shaping the spaces that connect, educate, and inspire the next generation of young adults.
Curioso’s Louie Sison joins Chelsea Kloss (LV Collective), Brittney Hepler (Marriott), Lisa Pasternack (Four Seasons) and Barry Howard (Core Spaces) to discuss designing spaces for the next generation — BDNY 2024.
When we first dipped our toes into next-generation design, we asked ourselves, “What if the places young people live, learn, and grow could do more than just provide shelter? What if these environments could actively shape their mental, emotional, and physical well-being?” For us, this idea isn’t some far-off fantasy—it’s central to our belief in the power of intentional design—and it’s transforming the way we think about next-generation spaces. We approach these spaces with care and consideration, understanding that design goes beyond aesthetics. These environments foster growth, inclusivity, wellness, and community, requiring a deep understanding of how physical spaces shape human behavior—both individually and collectively.
In considering the impact of design on young lives, we need to look beyond the physical space and take on a broader perspective. Educational philosophies like Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) learning emphasize a "whole-child" approach that focuses on nurturing every aspect of a student's development—not just their intellect. Design plays a key role in supporting holistic growth by creating spaces that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being from early childhood through university. Thoughtfully designed environments encourage self-awareness, social connection, and creativity. Designing for the next generation means incorporating these holistically driven principles into every detail.
Young adults today are already invested in this type of holistic living space and are seeking out communities that do not simply support healthy living, but actively promote it. Companies like LV Collective are leading the way, creating “experience-based environments” that push the boundaries of health and harmony. At LV Collective, students are respected as young adults, and their living spaces are designed to reflect this. Rather than prioritizing only durable, hard-wearing finishes that you might expect, LV creates environments that students feel proud of—fostering a sense of ownership and collective care. In this way, students see themselves as being reflected in a mature, caring, and community-driven living space.
Sweetwater by LV Collective
With personal growth comes community development. Though Gen Z's digitally connected existence might scream "antisocial," the desire—and need—for true community persists. Purpose-driven design considers thoughtful communal spaces and encourages organic connections and supportive interactions. At Core Spaces, this looks like ample study lounges, cafes, and recreational spaces where students experience the benefits of communal living. Food and beverage spaces play a big role, offering students regular, genuine points of connection to staff, other students, and their broader community. These environments nurture relationships and foster a sense of belonging, while still offering students the privacy of early adulthood. These “together but separate” spaces give students the opportunity to both deepen interpersonal connections and strive for personal growth.,
The Pier by Curioso & Core Spaces
Beyond residential design, we’ve seen notable brands rethinking next-generation hospitality experiences. The Ambassadors of the Environment program at Ritz Carlton Reserve is a standout example; what used to be simple, primary-colored playrooms have evolved into immersive, meaningful experiences that connect children—and their families—with nature, culture, and environmental stewardship. By replacing traditional play spaces with educational programs rooted in the local environment, these experiences help future generations foster a sense of responsibility for the world around them. They teach young travelers to engage meaningfully with their surroundings, sparking curiosity and a lifelong connection to the places they visit.
As designers, our work goes far beyond the aesthetics of a space. Whether it’s a student housing complex or a luxury resort, the spaces we create are environments for growth—physically, emotionally, and socially. Brands and developers are pushing the boundaries of what housing and hospitality experiences can be, using design as a powerful tool to engage and nourish the next generation. Through thoughtful, intentional design, we can shape spaces that connect, educate, and inspire—building a future where every environment is a platform for positive change, beginning with the youngest and most impressionable among us.