It occurs every couple of years, a shift that is seismic when it comes to the way that we are living our lives which fuels changes in human behaviours so dramatic, that it changes the overall concept of an office that we once knew. Modern technology is very similar in this regard. Quickly becoming a catalyst behind a large shake-up that the “office” has ever experienced, from location to design, and more importantly to well-being, it is the overall shift of this generation. And as difficult as it might be to imagine or believe that app-controlled meeting rooms and robotic-security guards are only the beginning. There is still far more that is about to unfold.
So you may be wondering what a workplace from the future is going to look like? We spoke with 6 office-space experts including commercial surveyors from across the world to give us their interpretations as to how, and where, we can expect to be working ten years into the future.
Norman Foster happens to be a very well-known architect in just about every country. He is now 82, and over the years he was the designer responsible for a few of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the Reichstag Dome, Bloomberg HQ and City Hall in London, along with the $5bn new Apple Campus 2 based in California.
What Will The “Office” Look Like In 10 Years’ Time?
Norman Foster: He says everything will be greener. Younger people will start choosing an office building based on lifestyle and facilities and also in sustainable credentials. The future generations are going to be far more demanding and question a lot more about what potential employers plan to do when it comes to tackling climate change. So he thinks there will be a shift whereby creating working environments of good quality that are more responsible when it comes to sustainability will become good not only for business but also the environment.
What Can We Expect To See More Of – And What Will We See Less Of?
Norman Foster: An increase in sustainable features and nature. And maybe a decrease in real-estate developer involvements. An overarching trend has much to do with entrepreneurs that will be pushing the latest ideas associated with design forward. Steve Jobs initiated Apple Park, which was then put into action by Jony Ive (chief design officer), along with his own team and with support from Tim Cook (chief executive). Based on this rule, the developers are now just following the markets, where the entrepreneurs are the ones leading it.
What do you believe will become the biggest single driver of change in association with how we work in the next decade?
NF: He believes that social agendas are going to be the largest driving force along with technology. Along with attempting to overcome the fear of change.
Tanya Wood is a director for Soho Works, a workplace offshoot for the hospitality group along with the member’s club Soho House. She is responsible for overseeing this group’s coworking-spaces based in London’s Shoreditch along with future potential expansion plans.
What Will The Office Look Like In 10 Years’ Time?
Tanya Wood: In 10 years time we can expect that workplaces will be a lot more comfortable- places where people will choose spending more of their time, which will be free from the formalities and pressures associated with traditional offices. With an increase in working hours that are more flexible already, many workers are spending far less of their physical time in a formal office. They are interested in spaces that enhance and cater to their “working” lives. This could include access to social space or gyms, bedrooms or even provisions for studios along with specialist facilities or equipment that supports the content creators.
What do you believe is going to be the largest single driver for change, when it comes to how we will be working over the next 10 years?
TW: Evolving socioeconomics. She says this means improved gender equality( and sharing responsibilities for childcare), an increase in international travel, along with new technologies that will bring about a society which will need and want more choice, independence and autonomy when it comes to their working lives.
How do you think this is going to impact the built environments in our cities?
TW: The traditional office spaces are already under immense pressure, which means the landlords of offices will have to adapt in order to remain relevant.
How do you think this will impact on how we will be using our homes?
TW: In future years we can expect that workplaces will start to complement our home life a lot more. When the office is catering to more of the aspects of our lives, our homes can truly become sanctuaries.