We are at the beginning of a transformative decade — one where, for many, the home will be the most important place in the world. How can we ensure young people feel safe, represented, connected, and optimistic about the future? How can we close the gap between their ideal homes and our present realities?

Home truths

We teamed up with Dazed Studio to explore what spaces, objects and activities that constitute the feeling of home for 18 to 24-year-olds. Based on answers from more than 1,000 respondents, plus interviews with experts, our report IMPERMACULTURE unfolds what those definitions look like and why.

We learned that home can be people — the friends, family and communities that nurture and sustain us. Home is now more closely tied to a sense of self and belonging, with in-person connections forming homes away from home and soothing digital fatigue. Widespread displacement has separated young people from ‘home’ in a permanent sense — home is portable and in flux. With shared living becoming the norm, the bedroom becomes home. And it needs to deliver safety, security, and mental and emotional well-being.

Home is more than a space

Across the globe, living conditions vary wildly, and the concept of home naturally shifts with them. Yet, we also found striking similarities, with many young people voicing similar hopes and fears. These youth perspectives reveal glimpses of the future of life at home. What it could be — if we design for need, aspirations, equity, safety, and connection.