What global trends are likely to influence workplace design in the UK?

Exploring these trends and applying them to the UK market marked the beginning of the roundtable we attended at the Workspace Design Show in London last week. “What can we learn from international trends to shape the future of the UK workspace?” was the opening question of the debate chaired by Jenn Celesia from Kindred, in which we participated together with Mecanoo from the Netherlands (Arne J. Libjers) and the English Chris Simmons.

 

Yolanda Cerezo again shared her experience of more than 10 years working with the UN and other multilateral clients, this time with a new approach: its application in the UK environment. These were the keys that she highlighted as fundamental in an environment where multiculturalism is part of everyday life.

1. The value of direct and open dialog with clients.
2. Respect for local cultural aspects and for each of the nationalities that will use the spaces designed.
3. The importance of creating collective and collaborative spaces.
4. Flexibility in the design, allowing for easy changes in the configuration of the workspaces.

Other very important issues raised during the discussion included:

1. The importance of common spaces and the opportunity to generate them on first floors and rooftops.
2. Bringing buildings closer to society, with public use functions.
3. The accessible and inclusive design of the spaces, taking into account the diversity of the users.

It has been a great honor to contribute to these discussions. We look forward to returning next time.

March 13, 2025

Architecture