City Pulse 2023:
The Future of Downtowns
How can central business districts adapt to a changing world and deliver great experiences?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research
Global Workplace Survey Comparison 2023
We surveyed office workers around the globe to understand how the workplace should evolve to meet their needs.
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.
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.
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.
Research
Mexico Workplace Survey 2022
We surveyed office workers in Mexico to understand how they are using the office now and their ideal workplace of the future. As they return, employees want scheduled, purposeful interactions.
Blog
3 Surprises Impacting the Return to the Office
Our workplace research uncovered three surprising truths impacting the new role of the office, and what might bring workers back.
Blog
10 Spaces That Are No Longer Optional to Create a Great Workplace Experience
What amenities can bring people back to the office? Here are 10 spaces that have the greatest impact on workplace effectiveness and experience.
Research
Canada Workplace Survey 2022
We surveyed Canadian office workers to understand their preferred mix of experiences in the office to get work done.
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.
Research
U.S. Workplace Survey 2022
The future of the office is about creating the right experiences. Beyond collaboration, employees want the office to be a great place to get work done.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research
City Pulse Survey Spring 2022
Our City Pulse Survey Spring 2022 surveyed city residents in 25 cities across the world to understand how residents are feeling about their cities through the lenses of affordability, work, and safety.
Work & The Workplace
Through our global research on effective workplace experiences, we unlock new solutions and strategies that define the future of work.
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.
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.
Future of Healthcare
Our research on the future of healthcare investigates how healthcare design is shaping patient and worker experiences and benefiting communities.
Design for Equity
Our research explores equitable and inclusive design solutions to create diverse spaces for our clients and communities around the world.
Lifestyle Experiences
Our research uncovers the design thinking that defines vibrant, mixed-use lifestyle districts, attainable housing, retail, and hospitality experiences.
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.
Designing for Place and Purpose in the Metaverse
We investigated the nature of the metaverse and how designers can employ it to create differentiated immersive experiences that delight users and solve challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Key to a Better Workplace? Understanding How and Where People Work Today
Our global workplace research uncovers insights into how new work patterns can help design better workplaces for the future.
Writing the Next Chapter of Sports and Entertainment in Kansas City
Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein and Studio Director Greg Brown detail the evolution of sports and entertainment design and why expanding into this market offers unmatched opportunity.
What Can San Francisco Learn From Successful Building Conversion Programs in Other Cities?
By taking cues from other cities, San Francisco has an opportunity to make it easier to repurpose buildings, address the housing crisis, and revitalize downtown.
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