The construction industry is on the cusp of a transformative era, where the intersection of sustainability, technology, and human-centric design is reshaping the way we build and inhabit spaces. As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are emerging that will fundamentally alter the design and refurbishment of workplaces, retail stores, and mixed-use developments.
At the heart of this evolution is a renewed focus on the ‘street to seat’ experience. This holistic approach considers the entire journey of employees or consumers from their surroundings to their final destination, whether that’s a workplace, retail store, or leisure facility. Developers and employers are increasingly recognizing that the quality of this journey can significantly impact talent attraction, workplace attendance, and the revitalization of urban centers. High-quality shared amenities, end-of-commute facilities, and surrounding retail and food options are becoming critical components of this experience. For instance, investing in gyms, outdoor spaces, and unique space designs can create a seamless and enjoyable journey that enhances both functional and experiential aspects. This trend is particularly driven by younger generations, with 84% of Gen Z agreeing that cities need to offer new experiences to stay relevant. This shift is prompting a surge in flexible retail designs that support brand collaborations and pop-ups, innovative landscape designs for events, and investments in street art to activate ‘in-between spaces’.
Social connection and community building are also emerging as paramount in attracting people back to physical spaces. After years of fluctuating office attendance, the top reasons for coming into the office are now centered around social interaction and office culture. Designers are increasingly focusing on creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging and shared experiences. This involves thoughtfully designed social spaces that can be reconfigured for various activities, visual connectivity that fosters a sense of community, and an understanding of the spectrum of spaces for different interactions. In retail and hospitality, group dining spaces, gamification, and technology are bringing more innovative design solutions to social spaces. This trend is supported by research showing that positive consumer scores for Quality-of-Life are significantly connected to social factors, highlighting the importance of social wellbeing in urban environments.
Adaptive reuse and retrofit of existing buildings are gaining momentum as global trends of aging building stock, supply shortages, and increased ESG requirements drive the need for sustainable practices. Effective strategies for existing buildings will go beyond energy efficiency and functional upgrades, taking a more holistic approach to retrofit design. This includes supporting talent and visitor attraction, brand strategy, community impact, and improved health and wellbeing. Sustainability demands are driven by both corporate commitments and changing employee expectations, with younger generations choosing to work and live in environments that demonstrate sustainability credentials. This trend will see increased use of natural and recycled material palettes to create tangible links between an organization’s sustainability journey and visual identity, an important factor in talent attraction. At an urban scale, sustainability-focused mixed-use regeneration will be key for ‘destination places’ centered around green spaces, community access, and ‘science-led design’ that showcases sustainable credentials.
AI and advanced technology are accelerating opportunities to integrate data and research in design, driving a shift towards ‘science-led design’. From predictive building analytics to data-driven design tools, AI is emerging as both a driver and enabler of change across the design field. This convergence brings an exciting opportunity to widen collaboration between designers and fields such as psychology, bio-medical, and robotics. The use of data, specialist analytics, and predictive tools for ‘science-led design’ has been gaining traction, promising to enhance not just efficiency but also the integration of data in creative processes. This trend underscores the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in construction and design, paving the way for more innovative and sustainable solutions.
As developers and occupiers look to invest in the design and refurbishment of their buildings, these trends are reshaping the industry. The focus on experience, AI, and sustainability is not just about building structures; it’s about creating environments that enhance wellbeing, foster social interaction, and promote sustainable living. This human-centric approach is set to redefine the future of construction, driving innovation and setting new standards for what it means to build for the future.
