What does the workplace of the future look like? How do we deal with a world where technology drives change at such an accelerated pace? What type of work will people do in the future? How will people commute? How does geopolitical unrest, climate change and Artificial Intelligence chance how we work? Can we future-proof buildings and businesses?
Emerging Themes
Through research, interviews, experience and imagination, we examined the workplace through three lenses: the worker, the commute, and the building, and five key themes emerged:
Flexibility is Paramount
Future-proofing is not possible, but future-flexing is. The most successful workplaces are designed to adapt to the changing world around them. Whether it means enabling flexible work to attract the best talent, selecting sites with future development or exit strategy in mind, or shifting technological investment away from hardware toward open-architecture software, companies need to plan with transition in mind.
Technology is the Ultimate Enabler
Advances in technology continue to serve as the ultimate driver of innovation and change in the workplace. Technology dictates how, when and where we work and collaborate. Technology allows smaller companies to connect and collaborate in previously unaffordable ways. It enables the flexibility that workers seek while enabling meaningful cost savings for organizations of all sizes.
Everything is Connected
The Internet of Things will become more aptly described as the Internet of Everything as emphasis shifts from products and gadgets to omnipresent networks that are fast, smart and invisibly integrated into our surroundings. The immense amount of data these networks capture fuels efficiency, innovation and invention, from personalized environments to driverless, flight-enabled cars.
Personalization is Prioritized
We continue to create environments that enable peak productivity across a highly diverse population. Right now, that means inclusive design, flexible work schedules and offices that promote choice and control. As time goes on, these choices will become increasingly automated and personalized as big data enables the development of adaptable environments to suit individual needs.
Environmental Threats Necessitate Change
As a major contributor of atmospheric greenhouse gasses, buildings and transportation have already made significant strides in reducing environmental impact, but expectations will continue to rise as our buildings are required to adapt to changing global landscapes. With rapid development across the globe, architects and designers are responsible for ensuring that these structures do more good than harm.