Illustration of a conceptual building.

Research Project Name

Building for Centuries

What We Did

The future of commercial buildings — particularly office spaces — is at a pivotal moment, shaped by evolving workplace dynamics, sustainability imperatives, and changing developer priorities. Traditional office models often focus on short-term utility, leading to high embodied carbon costs from inefficient leasing practices and buildings that don’t adapt to changing needs. We explored three distinct visions for the future office: The 600-Year Office, which reimagines the building lifespan; the Volume Concept, which challenges how three-dimensional rental models could reshape office use; and the Carbon Story Concept, which envisions how offices communicate their sustainability story to users. Together, these concepts paint a picture of how future office buildings might work — sustainable, adaptable, and long-lasting. This research considers how we can better reduce embodied carbon by designing buildings that endure, rather than constantly adapting to short-term needs. What if, instead of planning for 60 years, we designed offices for 600? By rethinking the lifespan, organization, and sustainability narrative of office buildings, we can create a future where workspaces are flexible, resilient, and future-ready.

Learn More

Team

Duncan Swinhoe, Luke Askwith, Dijana Dejanovic, Giacomo Mari, Kai Law, Jasleena Kaur, Laurence Dorrington

Year Completed

2024