Tomorrow’s Office: designing for constant change and adaptation

An ‘adaptive office’ designed for constant change, with mobile furniture, reconfigurable layouts and modular systems enabling companies to scale and evolve, is one of the key workplace models presented in a new industry report, Tomorrow’s Office, supported by German building material manufacturer Knauf.

The vision of a constantly evolving, kit-of-parts workplace with moveable walls, mixed uses and multi-functional spaces has long been a favourite with futurists.

Now, according to report author Robert Thiemann of strategic design consultancy Betterness, agile building systems and algorithmic power are combining to turn that vision into a reality. But spaces and furniture should not be too complex to adjust, he warns, otherwise they are less likely to be used as intended and any adaptive potential could be reduced.

Not standalone models

The Adaptive Office isn’t the only future-facing workplace typology presented in the report. Tomorrow’s Office explores five typologies that collectivel make the case for space as a dynamic system. Thiemann stresses that ‘these are not standalone models to choose between, but interconnected approaches that together address the complex, layered needs of modern work’:

• The Hybrid Office supports seamless transitions between remote and in-person work, enabled by smart zoning, occupancy data, and collaborative tech.
• The Healthy Office support physical and mental wellbeing through biophilic design, inclusive layouts, and wellness-focused programming.
• The Circular Office promoting longevity, reduced waste, and alignment with ESG targets – it is built with modularity and reuse in mind.
• The Social Office fosters culture, belonging, creativity and community through hospitality-inspired design and programming.

The models are built out from an exploration of five major drivers of change – sustainability demands, generational shifts, disruptive technology, diversity and inclusion, and hybrid work – as well as interviews with leading figures in the workplace industry.

Access the Tomorrow’s Office report, produced by concept and venture studio Fragile, here.