We developed a language and framework around the changing performance drivers for commercial office buildings (COB). We took this as an opportunity to aggregate the findings from Gensler’s other building- and work-related research projects, including research on high-performance building envelopes, environmental mapping, and CO2 mapping; as well as findings from Gensler’s workplace surveys and Workplace Performance Index (WPI).
We integrated the findings from these projects with additional secondary research and case studies to create a toolkit for discussions with clients, brokers, and engineering partners to facilitate more productive discussions and higher-performance building design solutions.
Our goal was to identify and articulate the drivers of change in the commercial office building market, and to develop strategies for how great design can help achieve business objectives relevant to today’s market.
Historically, office buildings had one business objective: to be built and run as economically as possible. While value remains important, tenants and owners alike have begun to demand flexible office buildings that address a wider range of performance drivers and even organizational or business objectives. This shift in thinking has added new demands to the design and development of office buildings, and the demands continue to grow.
Today’s buildings and workplaces must promote workforce productivity while operating efficiently with regard to water, energy, and recycling. They must convey corporate identity and promote employee well-being while respecting the bottom line by providing efficient and flexible spaces. Essentially, today’s office building must achieve exceedingly high levels of performance to be successful.
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