Millenial Cities

There is much interest in the demographic that currently makes up a third of our population, as well as the largest consumer group in the world. People born between 1980 and 1995 are referred to as the millennials. We are the first age group to grow up with the Internet, and are also the most educated.

There has been a very broad description of who we are. We’re undeservingly labeled as narcissistic and entitled. Because the “me, me, me generation” grew up at a time when we can get information much easier than the older generations, we are considered to be less patient.

Studies about millennials show that we are delaying marriage and parenthood, and are also apparently more conscious of our health. We’re eating smarter, exercising more, and smoking and drinking less compared to Gen X and the Baby Boomers. We want to make a profound impact on the communities and society, and it is this intention that attracts us to a career that makes a difference. The millennial generation’s lifestyles and preferences, as well as our creativity and innovation, will be transforming urban areas in the coming decades. 

1. URBAN ‘BURBS

If our parents’ ideals were a big house in suburbia, young professionals nowadays aspire for more practical homes in or near the center of the action.

There is an assumption that millennials will always be content with living in their shoebox apartments in the middle of the city, or stay with their parents. What will happen when they start raising a family? This gave rise to the “urban suburbs.” Millennials are gravitating towards traditionally suburban areas that are being transformed with walkable streets and a mix of land uses. 

2. ‘18-HOUR CITIES’

Cities such as Denver and Pittsburgh have been attracting millennials because they provide the cultural diversity and amenities of a big city, but have more affordable housing options and greenery than the likes of San Francisco and New York that are busy 24/7.

In the Philippines, there is growing interest in cities like Iloilo, Laoag, Angeles, General Santos, Dumaguete, and Cagayan de Oro. As a city planner, I see this as a driving force toward decentralizing Metro Manila which can solve many of the headaches that arise from living in a megacity.

3. ACCESS, NOT OWNERSHIP

Millennials value very much being accessible to mobility and amenities, but not so much ownership. The US, for example has seen the lowest rate in driver’s license application for Americans 16-24 years old in the last 50 years. With property values soaring in city centers, there is a trend towards condominiums with smaller units but give access to shared amenities such as gardens and gyms. Some even suggest that dining rooms and kitchens may become extinct for millennial housing with developers providing common facilities instead.

4. SHARING ECONOMY

The “sharing economy” has clearly disrupted industries such as transport and hospitality. There is evidence that car-sharing apps, such as Uber and GrabCar, help lessen car sales. Twelve car share vehicles can decrease the demand for 30-150 cars. It is also the market’s way of correcting excess capacity. AirBnb earns extra income for owners of properties that would otherwise be vacant, while providing accommodation options for travellers.

5. ACTIVATING OUR STREETS 

In the local scene, we’re seeing streets being transformed by millennials. “Backwell” (back of Rockwell, Makati), or the neighborhood surrounding Burgos Street, used to have a totally different character. My guy friends would say that previously, one could not walk there without being offered a massage or a Viagra. Today, however, that area is dotted by establishments such as Tambai, H&J, El Chupacabra, Senor Pollo and Z Hostel that make up the hipster vibe that adds to the diversified excitement of Makati these days. I hope to see some of those streets pedestrianized soon.

6. FACE TIME

Technology has changed the way we interact with each other. It has made it possible for us to have a relationship with someone in another continent, and strengthen friendships through chats and posts. Contrary to popular belief that social media will replace face-to-face interactions, millennials actually spend more face time out with friends and work colleagues (but with eyes still glued to their mobile screens). Retail and the food scene will then continue to do well in years to come.

7. REDEFINING THE WORK PLACE

Offices are veering away from cubicles. There’s a preference for the open plan layout coupled with huddle rooms and communal areas that encourage exchange of ideas. An employee occupies a space three times smaller than the average 25 years ago.

While there are more young professionals and entrepreneurs that work outside the traditional office, they are still most effective working within a community. We will be seeing more co-working spaces such as Impact Hub, A Space and Acceler8.

8. QUALITY OF LIFE

Flexible work schedules afford people more time to pursue passions outside work.  The inner artist/triathlete/yogi comes out to play, not just on weekends or after work, but during the rush hour or midday. This luxury is factored in when choosing the community where to live.

This generation is more conscious about healthy eating (my parents never heard of quinoa, kale or gluten before); being fit and active. We’re smoking and drinking less (thanks in part to sin taxes and government warnings).

We care more about where we source our food. Tracing farm to plate never mattered a great deal to most pre-millennials. Quality of life amenities like parks and open spaces, public art and better air quality are on our list, too.

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These links were some of my references and are good reads in understanding millennials:

www.goldmansachs.com/our-thinking/pages/millennials/, www.uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Gen-Y-and-Housing.pdf, www.nation.time.com/millennials, www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/are-these-12-types-millennials-160688

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