The Return of the City
Our Survey Reveals How Perceptions Have Shifted From 2021 to 2023 Across 15 Global Cities
The Gensler Research Institute plays a vital role in unlocking innovative design solutions needed to navigate a changing world.
Our network of researchers and thought leaders create the insights our designers and clients need to address their toughest problems. The Institute is organized into six pillars of research expertise with a focus on Workplace, Cities, Health, Lifestyle, Equity, and Resilience. We fund over 50 global research grants annually.
![A group of people in a room.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/92430/1024x576 (3)_1718374046.jpg)
Research
Designing for Racial Justice 2024
We leveraged years of research and Gensler’s most recent survey data in cities and communities across the U.S. to understand the historic and current inequity and to profile how to move beyond these challenges with design action and innovation.
![A group of people in a room.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/91022/1024x576_1712077777.jpg)
Research
Global Workplace Survey 2024
Gensler’s workplace survey reveals what matters most to design high-performing workplaces and proposes a new precedent for measuring workplace performance.
![Walt Disney World Swan Reserve reception](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/84379/EXI_HospitalitySurvey2023_1024x576_1684242939.jpg)
Research
Hospitality Experience Survey 2023
As travel ramps up, our survey explores the growing blend of business and leisure travel, new definitions of luxury hospitality experiences, and heightened guest expectations.
![A group of people standing outside a building.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/92810/240626_Shifting Carbon Neutral_Congo_1024x576__1720553623.png)
Research
Shifting Carbon Neutral Into Drive: The Congo Basin Institute
We partnered with UCLA’s Institute of Environment and Sustainability to investigate design methods for carbon neutral buildings in the Congo Basin of Cameroon.
![A person walking up a flight of stairs.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/89216/231013_CFOW_1024x576_1701441960.jpg)
Research
The Carbon Footprint of Work
We quantified the true carbon cost of office work in multiple scenarios and cities to understand the best ways to reduce total associated carbon emissions.
![A person riding a bicycle.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/88043/Climate Action_Survey2023_1024x576 (1)_1696008302.jpg)
Research
Global Climate Action Survey 2023
We surveyed residents in eight countries to understand how they are experiencing extreme weather and the steps they are willing to take to combat climate change.
![Shape.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/86813/230627_SustainableShade_1024x576_lowres_1689770416.jpg)
Research
Sustainable Shade Structures
We researched how to offset the effects of extreme heat in at-risk communities through community co-creation of shading structures.
![A person standing in front of a wall with a colorful design.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/90047/240131_PostPandemicLearning_1024x576_1706738496.jpg)
Research
Fostering Lifelong Learning at Universities in Latin America
We conducted research at five universities in Latin America to understand how learning landscapes can support different modes of learning.
![A group of people sitting at tables.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/89796/240104_Education_Bipoc Experience_1024x576_1704923141.jpg)
Research
Education and the BIPOC Student Experience
We conducted research with a diverse group of New York City school students to understand how to create inclusive school buildings that feel welcoming and supportive for all.
![A few women working at a desk.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/83630/GERMANY_WorkplaceSurveySpring2023_1024x576_1682704278.jpg)
Research
Germany Workplace Survey 2023
We surveyed office workers in Germany to understand how they are using the office now and their ideal workplace of the future. We found that office workers value the office for social interaction and connection with their team.
![A person standing on a staircase.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/83202/UK_WorkplaceSurveySpring2023_1024x576 (1)_1681918558.jpg)
Research
UK Workplace Survey 2023
We surveyed UK workers to understand how employees prioritise and experience workspace as work continues to evolve.
![A group of people sitting at a table.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/83300/MIDDLE-EAST_WorkplaceSurveySpring2023_1024x576_1682102548.jpg)
Research
Middle East Workplace Survey 2023
Our survey of office workers across Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait reveals opportunities to make critical workplace changes to adapt to new workplace expectations.
![A group of people.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/83023/230414_BLD_Adjusting for Bias_1024x576__1681505025.jpg)
Research
Adjusting for Bias in the Workplace
We sought to understand how to address the impact of bias in the workplace and developed a process for engaging in conversations around equity and inclusion.
![People sitting at tables outside.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/91403/City Pulse 1024x576_1714158349.jpg)
Research
The Return of the City
We examined how global perceptions have shifted from 2021 to 2023 across 15 global cities to understand the obstacles and opportunities facing cities today.
![A group of people ride skateboards down a street.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/79337/post--CPS_Fall22_Blog2--1024_1670976321.jpg)
Blog
What the Rise of Micromobility Means for the Future of Cities
One trend that emerged from Gensler’s survey of 15,000 residents in 30 cities may change how we navigate urban life: micromobility is more popular than ever before.
![633 Folsom building solar shades close-up](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/78842/landing-1024x576_1668544056.jpg)
Sustainability
Climate Action Through Design
Our Climate Action Through Design Report presents solutions for transforming the built environment to achieve a net zero carbon impact across our portfolio and the broader design industry.
![People sitting on yellow and blue blocks.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/77886/project_Intel_1024x576_04_1504300248_1024x576_1663263512.jpg)
Research
The Culture of Innovation Diagnostic
Gensler’s Culture Strategy team developed a diagnostic framework that uncovers the key factors to activate an intentional culture of innovation.
![Diagram, engineering drawing.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/76086/GRI_ListeningMode2.0_1024x576_1656003296.jpg)
Research
Models for Co-Creation and Partnership with the Black Community
We investigated how Gensler can empower and engage Black communities with inclusive design models of partnership.
![A group of people outside a building.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/76714/GRI_SportsExperienceSurvey2022_1024x576_1658502739.jpg)
Research
Sports Experience Survey 2022
With live sports at a turning point, it’s more important now than ever to understand what people value in a live sports experience, and how venues can adapt and deliver.
![A group of people sitting in a living room.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/82291/work-02-508x508_1680136914.jpg)
Work & The Workplace
Through our global research on effective workplace experiences, we unlock new solutions and strategies that define the future of work.
![A city with many boats in the water.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/82074/cities-508x508_1679678015.jpg)
Future of Cities
Through our global research on urban experiences, we are redefining the future of cities as ecosystems of multiuse, multi-generational, 20-minute neighborhoods.
![Fifth + Tillery outdoor walkway](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/82078/resillience-508x508_1679680366.jpg)
Sustainability & Resilience
Our sustainability research reveals practical design solutions and strategies for reducing our carbon impact and leading the building industry toward net zero energy.
![Gensler’s hospital of the future prototype](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/91829/future-of-healthcare-hospital-of-the-future-508x508_1715896388.jpg)
Future of Healthcare
Our research on the future of healthcare investigates how healthcare design is shaping patient and worker experiences and benefiting communities.
![A group of people walking around a park with buildings in the background.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/82087/equity-508x508_1679685570.jpg)
Design for Equity
Our research explores equitable and inclusive design solutions to create diverse spaces for our clients and communities around the world.
![A couple of men looking at a large sculpture.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/82091/lifestyle-508x508_1679685896.jpg)
Lifestyle Experiences
Our research uncovers the design thinking that defines vibrant, mixed-use lifestyle districts, attainable housing, retail, and hospitality experiences.
![A group of people standing in a room with a stage and lights.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/89130/df24-banner-confidential-client-2000x1425_1701194645.jpg)
![A group of people standing outside a building.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/92810/240626_Shifting Carbon Neutral_Congo_1024x576__1720553623.png)
Shifting Carbon Neutral Into Drive: The Congo Basin Institute
We partnered with UCLA’s Institute of Environment and Sustainability to investigate design methods for carbon neutral buildings in the Congo Basin of Cameroon.
![Diagram, engineering drawing.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/92632/240625_Redefining the Future of Urban Wellness_1024x576__1719502586.png)
Redefining the Future of Urban Wellness in China
We created a framework and adaptable urban design toolkit to promote wellness in Chinese cities at the neighborhood level.
![A group of people in a room.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/92430/1024x576 (3)_1718374046.jpg)
Designing for Racial Justice 2024
We leveraged years of research and Gensler’s most recent survey data in cities and communities across the U.S. to understand the historic and current inequity and to profile how to move beyond these challenges with design action and innovation.
![People gathered on AT&T Discovery District lawn](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/88285/webinar-magnetizing-people-places-power-of-brand-1024x576_1697146797.jpg)
Magnetizing People & Places Through the Power of Brand
Gensler’s Brand Design and industry leaders delve into a conversation about the power of brand strategy and storytelling.
![Cassels Brock & Blackwell lounge](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/87681/Cassels-Brocks-1024x576_1694553121.jpg)
Global Workplace Comparison & The Opportunity for Canadian Workplaces
Gensler Toronto and Vancouver leaders unveil the gaps and opportunities in the Canadian office market, based on findings from the Global Workplace Comparison.
![Confidential financial firm Singapore office](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/86726/webinar-apac-global-wps-comparison-2023-1024x576_1689192464.jpg)
Unveiling Global Workplace Comparison: Building the Future of Work in APAC
Gensler’s workplace leaders from across our APAC and Greater China offices delve into core conversations on the future of work in Japan, India, China, and Singapore.
![North Michigan Avenue Oak Street Beach rendering](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/93029/blog-north-michigan-ave-1024x576_1721256522.jpg)
Reimagining North Michigan Avenue: A New Era for Chicago’s High Street
Gensler’s study envisions a series of interventions to create an engaging experience on one of the world’s most iconic high streets.
![Logo.](https://static2.gensler.com/uploads/image/92296/NCR_46_1024_1717610063.jpg)
Tech Is Broadening Its Impact by Embracing Communities
To appeal to top talent, tech companies have pushed their focus beyond their workplaces to embrace their surrounding neighborhoods.
![People walking under a large arch.](https://static1.gensler.com/uploads/image/93034/ATT-DD-GlobeVideo-Still2-1024px_1721258899.jpg)
Designing with Intention: Creating Emotional Connections Through Immersive Experiences
In this Q&A, Gensler’s global leaders of Digital Experience Design and Entertainment unpack the concept of experiential architecture and what makes an immersive experience.
![dialogue NOW logo](https://www.gensler.com/uploads/image/38246/filename/dialogue_now_masthead_1618248672.png)
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