Sustainable design will be a ‘non-negotiable’, says Gensler

Office-to-residential conversions, age-inclusive communities, AI-led design and compelling workplaces rather than return-to-office metrics will be some of the key trends shaping the real estate sector in 2024, according to international design practice Gensler. In the practice’s design forecast released today, Gensler has identified eight trends to watch over the next 12 months. On top of an increase in conversions to resurrect stranded assets including unoccupied B and C-rated buildings in urban cores, districts designed to support the accessibility and flexibility required for multigenerational living, the power of AI to become a collaboration tool rather than a threat and a shift in focus from office attendance numbers to the future of work, the practice also identified four additional trends. Gensler predicts sustainable design becoming non-negotiable, lifestyle-anchored mixed-use developments, a continued focus on the 20-minute city and “experience multipliers” – effectively immersive designs that will drive loyalty or boost sales such as workplaces with a clubhouse element or sports stadiums anchoring an entertainment district – will also come to the fore in 2024. The report says: “Design is uniquely valuable in times of change because it can connect and unify diverse ideas, tools, and approaches. We have an enormous opportunity to address the crises we face – but only if we are willing to use our innate creativity and problem-solving abilities to think bigger and lead with bold new initiatives.” The design forecast follows the news released last month that Gensler’s co-chief executives Diane Hoskins and Andy Cohen will become global co-chairs of the practice, effective from 1 January. Jordan Goldstein and Julia Simet, who have served as co-form managing principals since 2021 will take over as co-chief executives. At a glance: Gensler’s eight trends shaping design in 2024 Experience multipliers pay premium dividends Conversions resurrect stranded assets Sustainable design becomes a non-negotiable The future of the workplace as a compelling destination Mixed-use lifestyle districts bring cities back to life Designers harness AI to accelerate ideas and innovation Focus shifts to ageless communities and design for a lifetime 20-minute cities become archetypes of equity and accessibility Click here to read the report (external website) >> To send feedback, e-mail emily.wright@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmilyW_9 or @EGPropertyNews