Home, Work, Play: Participatory Design to Promote Socio-Spatial Well-Being for Urban and Rural Hybrid-Working Generation Rent

Abstract

This study examines how hybrid-working young adults within England’s “Generation Rent” experience well-being across urban and rural settings, addressing barriers to homeownership and the reliance on either the Private Rented Sector (PRS) or co-residence with family. Using an embedded mixed-methods approach, the research combines survey data from 193 respondents, with cultural probes, focus groups, thematic analysis, and participatory co-design. Case studies in Clerkenwell (urban) and Bungay (rural) were selected to explore socio-spatial relationships between home, work, and play. Results indicate no statistically significant difference in overall well-being between PRS and family co-residence, although PRS respondents showed greater variability, with urban residents generally reporting more stable well-being linked to accessibility and third spaces. Rural participants valued nature and family support but faced isolation, limited amenities, and fewer workspace options. Co-designed multi-use development prototypes revealed that biophilic design, flexible co-working environments, and strengthened social infrastructure can support socio-spatial well-being for hybrid-working young adults.