Gensler looks to 2025: trends in the construction and real estate sector

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What developments will shape the construction and real estate sector in cities around the world in 2025? This is what the current “Design Forecast” is about, which the global architecture and design firm Gensler publishes every year.

Source: socialcut, Unsplash

Gensler experts look to 2025 and identify five trends.

The study identifies five key trends. It turns out that cities around the world are struggling with similar challenges. Among other things, it is about the change in the world of work, about the conversion of existing buildings but also about the fact that the face of cities and their neighborhoods is changing in the wake of new needs.

The latter concerns the so-called development “Lifestyle districts”, Which, according to Gensler’s experts, will give cities new impetus: They predict that by 2025, mixed-use lifestyle and entertainment districts – such as residential, dining, retail and sports – will be the focus or at least where a sense of community should be promoted and people brought together . According to the forecast, the fact that such districts are on the rise is also due to the increasing need for safe streets and reliable transport.

The forecast lists the second important trend Demand for sustainable designthat promotes innovation and value creation. Because companies and organizations worldwide are becoming more and more climate-conscious, buildings with sustainable strategies are achieving top marks, according to the press release. According to the authors, this is also driving breakthroughs in construction processes and in the materials industry; they even speak of a materials revolution. This involves, for example, the use of solid wood or CO2-free cement.

Third, the study presents the context of declining capital costs a global boom in conversions states: “Because outdated office buildings and other devalued properties are being offered at greatly reduced prices, a wave of conversion is to be expected,” the office writes in the media release. They go beyond simply converting office space into residential space and pave the way to high-quality new properties. Or rather, to creative repurposing; Retail spaces could also become sports facilities or health centers, but office space could also become senior housing.

That the discussions around affordable housing Follow actions – this is what the study predicts as the fourth trend. In 2025, affordable market-rate housing will be top of the priority list for cities around the world, it says. This comes as new financial incentives and falling interest rates come with changes to building codes and regulations.

The forecast authors consider this to be the fifth defining trend Workplace of the futurewhich has now arrived in the present: This stand is all about a positive working environment, about the inspiration and added value that builders and developers create. Landlords who want to remain competitive must concentrate on offering space in optimally equipped, first-class, conveniently located buildings.

“This year’s design forecast shows how bold, imaginative design can respond to global challenges and create real impact,” said Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, in the press release about the current forecast. “We are at a crucial turning point for our industry that requires brilliant ideas and innovative solutions.” They are optimistic that design can create “a more sustainable future” that inspires and supports people in a meaningful way. (May)

Here the whole thing «Design forecast» read: www.gensler.com