Global Occupancy Planning Benchmark Report 2025

The global pandemic has significantly disrupted business and the workplace, accelerating existing trends in the commercial property sector such as health and wellbeing, activity-based working, flexibility, and space utilization. Sustainability, smart buildings, and the digital workplace are also integral to the evolving office environment. As organizations prepare for employees to return, ensuring safety is a primary concern, especially considering the need for physical distancing as highlighted by scientific advisors. Managing desk occupancy and people's movements in accordance with government guidelines poses a significant challenge. While complete elimination of virus transmission risk is impossible, organizations are obligated to minimize it. Determining the optimal number of people who can safely occupy a given space is increasingly pertinent. Initially, in-house facilities management teams can address these issues pragmatically, but as more employees return and guidelines evolve, the complexity will increase. Arup's Space Explorer is a data-driven tool designed to assist with these challenges, applicable to offices, laboratories, retail spaces, and other venues where people gather. It combines space planning functionality with intelligent modeling and simulation of human movement to help organizations worldwide manage their return to the office. Space Explorer enables architects to quickly replicate existing layouts and test various scenarios to optimize desk usage or redesign spaces for maximum occupation under government regulations. Generative techniques rapidly optimize layout adjustments to achieve the highest possible occupancy. The tool also allows for testing the placement of business units and teams, using iterative mathematical optimization to mitigate potential issues related to daily physical interactions. After establishing a layout, Space Explorer integrates with Arup’s MassMotion pedestrian modeling software. MassMotion, developed in-house, uses pioneering research into human movement to analyze pedestrian flow through physical spaces. The latest version of MassMotion includes experimental behavioral modes that allow for dynamic testing of physical distancing scenarios. Simulations are conducted using client-agreed input parameters, such as the frequency of trips to restrooms, tea points, and printers, as well as inter-floor travel and stair usage. The simulations identify areas where social distancing breaches are unavoidable, such as circulation routes and lobbies. While some breaches are unavoidable, improvements can often be made by reconfiguring furniture layouts and implementing one-way systems. By comparing iterations, the software clearly indicates which interventions are beneficial or detrimental. Critically, the software identifies workspaces with disproportionately high exposure, often near aisles. Instead of a blanket approach of avoiding all aisle seats, which can lead to significant capacity loss, Space Explorer allows for targeted mitigation by removing specific workspaces or local furniture rearrangement. The seamless integration of Space Explorer and MassMotion facilitates rapid testing of multiple layouts, enabling organizations to present various options to clients. This analysis helps senior management communicate the measures taken to ensure a safe workplace, complementing other interventions like air conditioning modifications, enhanced cleaning, and touch-free devices to build staff confidence. Simulations conducted on Arup’s London office, for instance, showed a significant reduction in close contact time when operating at 30% capacity with 2m distancing compared to 100% capacity. While Arup does not make health risk assumptions, the difference in exposure is notable. The tools developed during the pandemic are expected to have lasting utility, providing insights into staff interaction and informing the design of future office spaces as organizations continue to adjust to new operational norms and densify their occupation in a safe manner. #OfficeSpacePlanning #Covid19Impact #SpaceExplorer #MassMotion #SocialDistancing #WorkplaceSafety #BuildingSimulation #DataDrivenDesign #CommercialProperty

The 2024 World Green Infrastructure Congress (WGIC), held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from September 3–4, served as a platform for advancing solutions in inclusive green infrastructure, sustainability, and urban resilience. Rebecca Mills, a leading sustainability strategist, compiled key takeaways from this global event, highlighting overarching themes and specific project insights. The congress focused on five primary themes: regeneration and biodiversity, technology and innovation, climate resilience, community engagement and equity, and health and wellbeing. Discussions on regeneration and biodiversity explored nature-based solutions like green roofs and vertical greenery to enhance urban biodiversity, promoting ecological health and resilience through integrated urban planning. Technological advancements were also a significant focus, with presentations on AI for urban forest monitoring, digital tools for mitigating urban heat islands, and innovative methods for sustainable water treatment. Climate resilience strategies included flood mitigation, sustainable urban design, and leveraging green infrastructure for climate adaptation. The importance of community engagement was underscored, emphasizing equitable access to green spaces and the socio-economic benefits of urban greening initiatives. Finally, the congress addressed the connection between green infrastructure and public health, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can improve mental and physical well-being for urban residents. The Awards Dinner at The Dome, Auckland Museum, featured hospitality from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, fostering relationships between indigenous communities and global green infrastructure leaders. Several project spotlights and insights were shared, focusing on nature-inclusive cities. MVRDV, a Dutch architecture firm, presented their work on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, emphasizing innovative green roofs, urban farms, climate adaptation strategies, and accessible public green spaces. Case studies included "Op het dak" in Rotterdam, a bistro pop-up on a rooftop garden, and "RoofScape" by MVRDV NEXT, which visualizes Rotterdam’s rooftop potential for various programs. "De Trap" in Rotterdam, an MVRDV installation, showcased how civic pride and public engagement can be fostered by activating derelict urban spaces with green infrastructure. "The Standard green wall" in Brisbane, designed by Woods Bagot and Fytogreen, was highlighted as Australia’s largest fire-compliant green wall, featuring diverse plant species and winning a World Green Infrastructure Award. The congress also delved into nature-based solutions through performance design and monitoring. Dr. Margaret Stanley from the University of Auckland presented on optimizing greening efforts by designing urban environments that reflect unique local ecosystems. Her key messages advocated for planting indigenous species, prohibiting invasive species, promoting less manicured green spaces for increased biodiversity, supporting local wildlife, and co-designing with indigenous communities. Dr. Stanley stressed that context-specific, ecologically appropriate solutions prevent negative impacts like invasive species spread and ecological degradation, fostering healthier urban ecosystems. The i-Canopy project, led by Anouk De Brock, focuses on dedicated monitoring of vertical greening systems using advanced techniques like Leaf Area Index and AI to assess performance factors such as air quality and temperature regulation, optimizing maintenance and contributing to sustainable urban environments. Professor Piotr Wężyk’s project on Detecting Urban Tree Species in TLS LiDAR 3D Point Clouds Using AI Technologies demonstrated the use of LiDAR and AI to identify tree species in urban settings, providing scalable methods for monitoring urban tree populations. Yi-Jung Lin presented the Component-Level Embodied Carbon Database for Landscape Hard Works in Taiwan, which quantifies the embodied carbon of landscape materials, enabling design choices that significantly reduce carbon footprints. The Wild West End project in London exemplified successful nature-based solutions through partnerships, demonstrating how collaboration between public, private, and community stakeholders can transform urban areas with greening initiatives. Ultimately, the congress emphasized that New Zealand cities, such as Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, and Christchurch, can leverage these insights to become more inclusive urban environments. By integrating green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, these cities can enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and create healthier, more livable spaces. The holistic approach, combining technology, community involvement, and ecological awareness, positions Aotearoa New Zealand cities to become global exemplars of sustainable urban living, capable of withstanding climate change impacts, enhancing public health, and providing vibrant spaces for future generations. The event was a collaborative effort by the World Green Infrastructure Network, the University of Auckland Creative Arts and Industries, and Design for Nature, with support from various sponsors. #GreenInfrastructure #UrbanResilience #Sustainability #ClimateChange #NatureBasedSolutions #Biodiversity #UrbanPlanning #TechnologicalInnovation #CommunityEngagement

The start of a new year often brings a desire to refresh and reorder one's living space, with an emphasis on creating a calmer, more intentional, and easily manageable home environment. Experts in organizing and storage anticipate five key trends that will shape home organization in 2026, offering practical strategies to integrate these concepts into daily life. One significant trend is smart multifunctional storage, particularly beneficial for those living in smaller spaces. Furniture pieces with hidden or dual-purpose storage, such as ottomans, benches, and side tables, are gaining popularity for their ability to keep items accessible while minimizing visual clutter. When selecting such pieces, prioritizing neutral or timeless designs ensures adaptability as home aesthetics evolve. The second trend focuses on eco-friendly storage materials, aligning with the ongoing popularity of biophilic design. This shift sees a preference for sustainable options like bamboo, recycled timber, glass, and fabric alternatives to plastic. There's also a growing movement towards repurposing existing furniture, encouraging individuals to re-evaluate their current possessions for new storage solutions rather than making new purchases. Hemitage and vintage-style storage constitutes the third trend, reflecting a renewed appreciation for nostalgic designs, richness, depth, and character. This includes heirloom pieces, heritage wardrobes, and classic dresser cabinets that celebrate craft and personality. These items can serve as both functional storage and chic centerpieces in various rooms, with sources like charity shops, secondhand stores, and online marketplaces offering opportunities to acquire and revive such furniture. The fourth trend addresses digital organization, a rising concern as digital clutter becomes as overwhelming as physical mess. This involves creating manageable systems for overflowing inboxes, consolidating cloud storage, and curating photo albums. The approach emphasizes tackling digital areas of frustration one at a time, implementing clear naming conventions, and well-organized folders to streamline file management. Finally, the daily reset routine emerges as a crucial trend for maintaining long-term organization. This involves dedicating a short period, typically five to ten minutes each day, to tidy up spaces and prevent clutter from accumulating. This routine, often set as a daily reminder, is more sustainable than infrequent, large-scale tidying efforts. When shared among household members, it becomes a collective effort to keep the home organized. These trends collectively offer diverse approaches to achieving a more organized and harmonious living space in the coming year. #OrganizingTrends #HomeOrganization #MultifunctionalStorage #EcoFriendlyStorage #VintageStorage #DigitalDeclutter #DailyResetRoutine #InteriorDesign #SustainableLiving

The latest week on 'The Block 2024' saw the competing teams unveil their rumpus and office spaces, alongside finishing their hallways and attending the crucial Domain Buyers Jury night. The Buyers Jury event holds significant weight, often predicting the competition's ultimate winner. This year, underdogs Ricky and Haydn secured the win, earning an additional $50,000. Maddy and Charlotte, despite a challenging 'hell week,' successfully delivered their rumpus room and converted their office into a lounge, aiming for a self-contained guest retreat. The judges, Shaynna, Marty, and Darren, praised their simplified styling, effective lighting plan, and custom finishes. They highlighted the transformation of a window into a door as a 'genius' move, creating a dual-income potential for the property. This strategic change echoed the success of previous winners, Tess and Luke, who also incorporated a guest retreat. Courtney and Grant, despite a hallway win and a bonus point, received negative feedback for their office space. Marty criticized its placement on the mezzanine, calling it a misuse of valuable real estate and linking it to their mezzanine ensuite. Shaynna agreed, noting the low ceiling and poor acoustics made the office feel uncomfortable and poorly suited for a private workspace. The rumpus room, while aesthetically pleasing and 'Instagrammable,' was deemed less functional for a long-term inspection by Marty, who suggested converting it into an additional bedroom suite. Ricky and Haydn, previously struggling, celebrated a turning point with their rumpus and games area. Their decision to create an entertainment-focused 'fun house' resonated with the judges. The room featured a race track print with 'Phillip Island' written on the wall, heavy curtains, and a sofa bed, allowing for conversion into an extra guest bedroom. The mezzanine games room, complete with a pool table, Pac-Man machine, Street Fighter II, and a bar cart, was lauded for its fun factor and strong emotional connection, indicating high rental potential. Kylie and Brad faced significant criticism for their monochromatic office/lounge area. The judges expressed confusion over the space's purpose and layout, with Darren stating they 'dropped the ball' and Shaynna remarking it looked as though the couch was simply 'dropped' into the room. The curved leather couch by the glass balustrade was particularly disliked, described as creating a 'peep show' effect. The adjoining lounge space was also deemed disproportionate and uncomfortable, leading to Marty's final assessment of it being the 'most uncomfortable room' of the season. #TheBlock2024 #RumpusRoomDesign #OfficeSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealityTV #HomeDecor #GuestRetreat #EntertainmentRoom

The article highlights that transitional design, emphasizing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, is a leading trend for the 2025 build season. This movement is influenced by changing lifestyles and expectations for product performance. Homeowners are increasingly seeking seamless living experiences, impacting the types of products in demand, which are now characterized by multifunctionality, style, and high performance. Historically, seamless indoor-outdoor design was a feature exclusive to high-end custom homes. However, it has evolved into a widespread expectation across various homeowner demographics, from young families investing in their first patio to luxury buyers undertaking estate remodels. Consumers desire living spaces that effortlessly connect with the outdoors without compromising comfort or aesthetic appeal. This shift necessitates careful consideration of materials, layout planning, and the functional role of outdoor products in residential construction. Retailers are observing a significant increase in consumer interest for high-performance exterior surfaces, durable weather-resistant furnishings, and versatile products suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. To effectively meet these evolving buyer expectations, building professionals require access to products that are not only durable and visually appealing but also easy to install. The focus extends beyond mere functionality to incorporate bold design elements that enable joyful living. Homeowners are looking for products that convey their individuality and personal narratives. This preference translates into a demand for unique materials, craftsmanship of heirloom quality, and design details inspired by global aesthetics. An example of this trend is Feeney’s offerings, particularly their designer line, the Feeney x Kerrie Kelly LaserCut Collection. This collection integrates both form and function, providing distinctive railing infills that merge traditional and innovative design concepts. Sustainability continues to be a critical factor in purchasing decisions. Both builders and retailers anticipate a growing demand for eco-conscious choices, including low-VOC materials, energy-efficient upgrades, and environmentally friendly products. These sustainable options are expected to maintain high aesthetic value, especially in outdoor and transitional spaces. The article suggests that positioning product offerings at the intersection of form and function, while incorporating sustainable features, will be key to meeting consumer demands in the upcoming build season. Feeney’s railing solutions and customizable systems are presented as examples that can help customers achieve the desired seamless and stylish indoor-outdoor transitions. #TransitionalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HomeDesignTrends #2025BuildSeason #SustainableBuilding #ArchitecturalProducts #FeeneyInc #HomeRemodeling

The year 2025 witnessed significant trends in home remodeling, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, driven by homeowners' increasing focus on wellness, technology, personalization, and functionality. This overview compiles insights from five industry professionals: Angie Roseman of Beazer Homes, interior designer Cara Woodhouse, Leif Lindner from IFA smart home expo, Amy Chernoff of AjMadison, and Nancy Keenan of DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors, co-founder of the America at Home study. Their observations provide a retrospective on the remodeling landscape of the year. From a market perspective, Chernoff highlighted a substantial surge in luxury homebuilding, both primary residences and vacation homes, across the South, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. This led to a heightened demand for premium appliances. Financing options also became more crucial as homeowners navigated rising costs, with frenzied buying cycles often influenced by tariff-driven pricing. A demographic shift was also evident, as the America at Home Study revealed that younger generations (Gen Z) view homes more as flexible, functional spaces aligned with personal values rather than primarily long-term wealth-building assets, a departure from the perspective of older generations. This viewpoint necessitates tailored communication and specifications for younger clients. Both Beazer Homes and Cara Woodhouse Interiors noted a growing trend towards multigenerational households, impacting space planning to emphasize flexibility, privacy, and accessibility in kitchen and bathroom designs. The homeowner mindset in 2025 was characterized by uncertainty, leading many to delay purchases or time them around sales events to circumvent price increases. Despite this, there was a consistent demand for wellness across financial, physical, emotional, and mental dimensions, even if satisfaction levels lagged behind aspirations. Homeowners sought personalization and simplicity, alongside a growing interest in sustainability, particularly among Millennial buyers who prioritized energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials without compromising comfort or quality. Upscale clients also demonstrated a preference for unique design elements and a “surprise factor,” such as architectural details, sculptural light fixtures, or unexpected color accents. Wellness trends deeply influenced design decisions, with bathrooms evolving into private decompression spaces. Demand increased for spa-like features, natural lighting, and flexible layouts that support personal rituals and relaxation. Products like Zip Water HydroTap faucet systems, offering filtered, carbonated, and boiling water, saw sharp sales increases, reflecting a consumer desire for convenience, performance, and sustainability. Key drivers for home purchasing decisions included whole-home water filtration (70%), whole-home air purification (69%), and better-equipped kitchens for home cooking, indicating a strong expectation for homes to actively support physical and emotional well-being. Technology continued its dominance, with smart home features becoming essential rather than optional, especially for younger homeowners. AI integration in smarter appliances saw a resurgence, delivering practical benefits and heightened interest at expos. Automated controls that anticipate and learn homeowner preferences, alongside seamless interoperability between brands through standards like Matter, became key discussion points. Sustainability also emerged in tech, with companies focusing on energy and water efficiency, leading to innovations like multifunctional appliances that merge household tasks and even recycle water. Touchless faucets also gained popularity in both kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchen trends highlighted their increasing importance as central to daily life, with cooking and baking topping the list of activities homeowners are doing more of. Appliances are expanding beyond traditional kitchen spaces into bars, outdoor kitchens, and wellness areas, emphasizing customization and modularity. Hidden or panel-ready appliances facilitated integration into cabinetry, reflecting a broader trend of appliances blending seamlessly throughout the home. Induction cooking also gained significant traction, with two-thirds of kitchen professionals predicting it would be the most popular cooking type in the next three years. Lastly, outdoor living evolved from a luxury to an expectation, with homeowners investing in comfortable, functional environments for year-round gathering and cooking. Durability, sustainability, and electrification were key concerns, with pizza ovens remaining a staple and new cabinetry materials blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The industry concluded 2025 with optimism, with steady project pipelines underscoring a continuous demand for new kitchens and baths despite economic challenges. #RemodelingTrends #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeWellness #SmartHomeTechnology #Sustainability #MultigenerationalLiving #LuxuryHomebuilding #OutdoorLiving

The Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan, intended to address social justice and environmental issues through increased urban density and the elimination of single-family zoning, is facing challenges, as evidenced by a district court decision halting its enforcement on environmental grounds. This plan, once hailed as a model for progressive planning, aimed to provide more affordable housing, reduce racial and economic segregation, and protect the environment by allowing up to three housing units per property. Historically, urban planning has followed various trends. From the late 19th century to the 1950s, rapid urbanization, driven by industrialization and economic opportunities, led to significant city growth but also racial segregation. Post-World War II, suburbanization became prominent due to aging city infrastructure, the appeal of cheaper land, the rise of automobiles, and 'white flight,' resulting in racially and economically segregated metropolitan areas, with the Twin Cities being noted as one of the most segregated urban areas in America. The New Urbanism movement emerged as a response, advocating for a return to cities, increased density, and mass transit. This theory, inspired by Jane Jacobs, argued against suburban sprawl, deeming it economically inefficient, environmentally harmful, and a contributor to segregation. While people did return to cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, this led to new problems. The existing racial and economic segregation persisted, and redensification resulted in gentrification, rising rents, and an affordability crisis, with the Twin Cities experiencing one of the nation's worst housing shortages. The Minneapolis 2040 plan's strategy of eliminating single-family zoning aimed to increase housing supply and address affordability and desegregation. However, the anticipated outcomes have not fully materialized. The housing market is diverse; developers prioritize profitable projects, which are typically not for low-income housing. The argument that increased housing supply automatically lowers overall costs has mixed evidence, particularly for low-income households. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that zoning changes have led to increased housing costs in low-income neighborhoods, signaling speculation and gentrification, with national investors acquiring properties in areas like North Minneapolis, displacing existing residents and failing to provide affordable or racially integrated housing. Densification has not effectively broken down segregation or led to more affordable units, nor has it addressed mortgage lending discrimination. Judge Joseph Klein's decision on the Minneapolis 2040 plan highlighted potential environmental problems associated with increased densification that were not adequately considered. Public health factors also present new considerations for urban planning. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted urban design, with many individuals opting for remote work and avoiding mass transit. This shift has led to questions about the long-term necessity of increased mass transit options and has driven up costs per passenger. Many city residents moved to suburbs or more remote areas seeking more affordable and spacious housing, and this trend appears to be sustained, indicating a generational shift towards hybrid and remote work models. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of public health in urban design, suggesting that density might not always be the optimal solution for future health crises. Homeownership remains a significant part of the American dream, representing a crucial wealth asset and a pathway to the middle class. Despite the housing challenges, planning solutions currently implemented may not adequately address segregation and affordability. Urban planning theory must adapt to these new realities, integrating public health considerations into building design, transportation, and city layouts. The pandemic's influence on telecommuting suggests a potential reevaluation of the demand for mass transit and the exclusive concentration of housing units in traditional urban cores. #UrbanPlanning #Minneapolis2040Plan #SingleFamilyZoning #HousingAffordability #RacialSegregation #Gentrification #NewUrbanism #COVID19Impact #MassTransit #Homeownership