Hot Topics From a Year of Transformation and New Ideas

With nearly three years of a pandemic behind us and significant economic concerns looming, the real estate and building sectors are in a moment of transformation. Now more than ever, people are attuned to the way that physical space shapes experience. As we prepare for what’s to come in the new year, we’re looking back at the topics and ideas that had the biggest impact in 2022.

Building Transformation Promises to Revitalize Cities

Office-to-residential conversions and adaptive reuse strategies could be a viable way to rescue stranded assets and update older buildings.

• We’ve developed a process for evaluating converting office buildings into multifamily residential properties — here’s what we’ve learned by assessing more than 300 conversions.
• Developers and building owners are exploring the benefits of converting Class C office into first-class residential to get a better return on their investments.
• We address how office-to-residential conversion increased the value of properties across the U.S. and Canada in this webinar.
• Here’s how the repositioning of Willis Tower is unlocking new value and reenergizing Chicago for locals and visitors alike.
• With population shifts toward suburban areas, there’s an opportunity to revitalize stranded assets and create vibrant places for people to live, work, and play.

The Future of Work Comes Into Focus

The office has an important role to play in the future of work, but only if we curate experiences and design compelling destinations.

• People want a better experience at work and it’s driving a flight to high-quality, highly amenitized Class A office buildings.
• Our latest U.S. Workplace Survey revealed what is — and isn’t — working as more people return to the office.
• To better attract, engage, and retain talent in the workplace, organizations are taking a cue from hospitality, viewing employees as valued guests.
• It’s time to start demanding more from our workplaces and office buildings.
• People-centered amenities are key as workers return to the office.
• In this webinar, our design leaders show what the workplace practice is learning from retail, education, and airports — three sectors that have had to rapidly adapt.

ESG Goals and Reporting Takes on More Urgency

Businesses are increasingly using their buildings and spaces to invest in environmental and social initiatives.

• We’re defining, measuring, and reporting ESG metrics in architecture to help businesses track the impact of their environmental and social initiatives.
• Looking ahead, we’re using our ESG analytics tools to help businesses make sound investments in environmental and social goals.
• For financial services firms, ESG commitments are an investment in people and purpose.
• Even small interventions like signage can help organizations reach their carbon commitments.

Decarbonization of the Built Environment Remains a Priority

Eliminating carbon emissions from the built environment is the key first step in meeting ambitious climate goals.

• In the U.S., new government regulations will supercharge the low carbon market.
• Our Climate Action & Sustainability leaders explain why designing for sustainability is an imperative.
• From the U.N.’s COP27 climate conference, here are 3 strategies to stem the tide of rising global temperatures.
• On a smaller scale, local governments are transforming green building polices.
• With new investments in green buildings and demand for sustainable materials, the Southeast U.S. is poised to become a hotspot for mass timber.

The Future of Cities Depends on Safe and Accessible Mixed-Use Communities

The future of urban life will be affected by how cities evolve to support a new mix of space types and modes of mobility.

• We surveyed 15,000 people in 30 global cities to learn what they want to see in a sustainable transportation system.
• Our transportation survey data also revealed how the rise of micromobility options is influencing the future of cities.
• Cities can use these four principles of mixed-use design to restore communities and future-proof real estate.
• The Urban Block Club is our new model for reviving central business districts.