Planning now for tomorrow’s world
Sustainable buildings create a new user culture
New buildings need to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s world. Accordingly, architects are playing an increasingly important role, not least as social stakeholders. For buildings, sustainability is not restricted to innovative building services and climate control – a core design aspect is how a property benefits the people who live and work there.
The objective is to design spaces that give users a "home" and contribute to their well-being. Switching between open plan arrangements for team work, informal meeting zones and individual workstations creates the ideal environment for modern styles of working. Natural materials, plants and abundant light all promote a pleasant atmosphere. Third parties should also have a chance to enjoy the surroundings, so sustainability includes embracing multifunctional use of a building. At least two or three areas should be available for alternative uses.
Flexible design, sustainable quality
One factor of growing importance is a building’s use of space. Modern buildings are expected to be flexible and efficient, just like the people who use them. It is taken for granted that floor plans and usage can be adapted to suit the requirements of new tenants. In this sense, sustainability refers to decades-long use by different companies and organisations that need to spend very little on modifications – without impacting comfort or quality.
A sustainable building should
- improve quality of life and workplace quality by delivering maximum user comfort,
- support modern working structures and processes,
- create a vibrant, creative atmosphere that encourages communication,
- make highly efficient use of space and offer good value for money,
- adapt easily to new users and space requirements,
- integrate architecturally into its surroundings
- and make space, facilities and landscaped areas accessible to the public.
The resulting office space maximises efficiency while utilising aesthetic design and state-of-the-art technology, creating a work environment geared towards future needs that is simultaneously eco-friendly.