After collecting over 100 trends in 33 industries for Design Forecast® 2026, we identified the 6 most important and actionable themes our clients should know now — and in the year to come.
Experience becomes the true measure of real estate value.
01
Immersive experiences such as sports-anchored lifestyle districts draw people because of the emotions they inspire and the stories they tell, not because of how big they are. Successful spaces deliver narrative connection, delightful moments, and emotional transformation to earn attention.
Baghdad Sustainable Forests Master Plan» The largest ecological development in Iraq, this project transforms a former military site into a living symbol of renewal with walkable, mixed-use hubs set within an extensive forest.
Welcome to the Next Workplace Revolution.
TikTok, Scottsdale, AZ TikTok’s vibrant workplace is a powerful recruitment tool, a 24/7 operational hub, and a physical manifestation of the company’s commitment to its people.
02
With competition for talent heating up and businesses doubling down on their national footprints, organizations are taking bolder steps to evolve their workplace interiors than at any point since the pandemic. Their goal: reconnect people with purpose and deliver daily strategic value that attracts talent, drives culture, and sparks innovation.
Agility and Intelligence Turn Volatility Into Advantage.
03
As uncertain trade policies, high borrowing costs, and volatile supply chains drive up construction costs, design agility is a strategic imperative. Developers that combine predictive cost intelligence, data-driven insights, and real-time collaboration can anticipate disruptions, pivot quickly, and keep projects on track in an unpredictable market.
Digital Twin Concept by Gensler» Gensler’s installation at the Time Space Existence exhibit hints at what’s possible with advanced technologies and digital twins. By leveraging proprietary and public data to model projects virtually, we can help clients navigate challenges before they happen.
Ai Revolutionizes What’s Possible in the Built Environment.
Volvamos a la Fuente, Mexico City » A Gensler Mexico City team used AI to prototype and render a strategic plan to tackle water shortages in the capital with a series of rainwater catchment systems placed in neighborhoods around the city.
04
More than just an accelerant, AI is a creative force that’s ushering in a bold new era of design and placemaking. By uncovering the hidden patterns of how people experience buildings, it empowers designers to prototype, adapt, and reimagine space at a scale and speed never before achievable. AI is revealing opportunities that help organizations compete in an age where innovation, not just efficiency, defines success.
NEW USES FOR EXISTING SPACE TYPES SHAPE A CHANGING URBAN BLUEPRINT.
05
As uncertain trade policies, high borrowing costs, and volatile supply chains drive up construction costs, design agility is a strategic imperative. Developers that combine predictive cost intelligence, data-driven insights, and real-time collaboration can anticipate disruptions, pivot quickly, and keep projects on track in an unpredictable market.
If cities can’t survive tomorrow’s climate, they won’t succeed today. Extreme weather is only increasing in impact and speed, which means the urban real estate of the future must be flexible, durable, and regenerative, or risk becoming a liability.
Hospital of the Future» Gensler’s prototype for the hospital of the future minimizes environmental impact and integrates seamlessly into the community fabric.
