Embracing the Future: 8 Design Trends Reshaping Real Estate in 2024
In the fast-evolving landscape of real estate, 2024 is set to be a pivotal year as sustainable design takes center stage, shifting from an option to a non-negotiable obligation. Global architecture and design firm Gensler predicts that the built environment will witness a significant transformation, with sustainability becoming a key driver for success in the industry.
1. Sustainable Design Takes Center Stage
As climate change intensifies, Gensler asserts that sustainable design will be imperative, with higher standards for products and materials, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, net-zero energy strategies, and regenerative design principles defining our future.
2. Experience Multipliers Pay Premium Dividends
In the post-pandemic era, people crave immersive experiences, and real estate leaders must prioritize creating spaces that offer phenomenal, visceral, and connected experiences. This trend emphasizes versatile spaces that go beyond a single prescribed use, fostering a sense of community.
3. Conversions Resurrect Stranded Assets
Facing uncertainties in the office market, Gensler suggests that the adaptive reuse of buildings, particularly office-to-residential conversions, offers a new value proposition. Repositioning Class B and C buildings through conversions addresses housing needs and breathes new life into stranded assets.
4. The Future of the Workplace as a Compelling Destination
With remote work becoming a permanent fixture, the focus shifts from returning to offices to creating compelling workplaces that support workers' needs, regardless of location. Gensler emphasizes the importance of agile, flexible, and sustainable office spaces to attract and retain top talent.
5. Mixed-Use Lifestyle Districts Bring Cities Back to Life
Monolithic office-centric downtowns are evolving into vibrant, mixed-use districts that prioritize diverse experiences, including retail, entertainment, sports, and housing. Gensler suggests that cities encouraging such districts through public-private partnerships can drive investment and revitalize communities.
6. Designers Harness AI for Innovation
Artificial intelligence becomes a collaborative tool, not a replacement, for designers in 2024. Gensler envisions AI accelerating ideas, providing new insights, and facilitating rapid iterations. AI-informed designs are expected to be more sustainable, better-performing, and responsive to individual needs.
7. Focus Shifts to Ageless Communities and Design for a Lifetime
With increased life expectancy, the shift is towards age-inclusive communities. Gensler emphasizes the universal appeal of flexible and multi-generational housing designs that foster accessibility and affordability.
8. 20-Minute Cities: Archetypes of Equity and Accessibility
Cities are transforming into 20-minute neighborhoods, where residents can meet essential needs without extensive travel. Gensler sees this as an opportunity for cities to innovate, build sustainable infrastructure, and address workplace, housing, and transportation issues in an interconnected manner.
2024 is poised to redefine real estate through sustainability, immersive experiences, adaptive reuse, compelling workplaces, mixed-use districts, AI collaboration, age-inclusive communities, and 20-minute cities. Stay tuned as the industry embraces these transformative trends, shaping the future of real estate.
