It’s no secret that following the pandemic, the corporate landscape underwent a seismic shift. With hybrid work models becoming the norm, many sprawling office spaces in urban centers have been left underutilized. This presents a unique opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges of our times: housing shortages and the climate crisis.
By repurposing old workplaces into residential apartments, we align with the innovative concept of the 15-minute city, creating environments where all residents can meet most of their needs within a short walk or bike ride from their homes.
40% of companies have downsized their office space post-pandemic.
And we expect this trend to continue to grow. With Virtual Reality lurking in the scenes and more Gen Zs entering the workforce, the office WILL become a destination, rather than an everyday reality. The question now is: how can we use this change to shape a better future? How can we design to solve for our world’s most pressing challenges. Because when there’s change, there is opportunity.
At the heart of this opportunity is Systemic Design.
Systemic Design an approach grounded in the principles of systems thinking. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of our urban ecosystems and designing solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously. Systemic Design doesn’t just look at the immediate function of a space; it considers the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts, ensuring that the transformation of office spaces into residential areas contributes positively to the fabric of our cities..
Here comes the concept of the 15-minute city.
The 15-minute city is not just an urban design idea; it’s a new way of life that can help to combat climate change while enhancing the quality of life. As NPR reports, this model fosters local living, reduces the need for cars, and cuts down on carbon emissions. By transforming vacant office spaces into housing, we can contribute to this model, creating vibrant, multi-use neighborhoods that are not only sustainable but also inclusive and diverse.
Now is the time.
The current layout of underutilized office spaces presents a canvas for innovation—a chance to blend residential living with the amenities that define modern urban life. Imagine repurposed buildings where the ground floors buzz with shared working environments, fostering collaboration and community in the same spaces. A place that also offers gym amenities, supermarkets and apartments, all in one. This goes beyond offering residents a space to live, but a space to thrive. It’s not just about creating homes, but about crafting ecosystems that cater to work, wellness, and social interaction within the same footprint, embodying the essence of the 15-minute city and paving the way for a sustainable, interconnected future.
If you’re a developer, you have an important role to play in this transformation.
Developers have a pivotal role to play in this transformation. By partnering with design firms that specialize in Systemic Design, developers can reimagine and repurpose underutilized office spaces to meet the housing demand. These collaborations can lead to innovative solutions that are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially beneficial.
How we help.
At STIRIXIS Executive, we understand the intricacies of such transformations. We partner with developers, investors, and owners to innovate spaces, create value, and bring to life new destinations. Our talented professionals will discover new opportunities, ensuring that every project we undertake contributes to the systemic design of spaces that stand the test of time.
The Best of Both Worlds.
STIRIXIS Executive is the brand of STIRIXIS Group (www.stirixisgroup.com) which focuses on Systemic Design for Businesses. STIRIXIS Exclusive, another brand under the STIRIXIS Group umbrella focuses on residential spaces. By partnering with our company to transform the Offices you rent into a Residential Centre, you get the best of both worlds: a deep understanding of the business context and state of the art residential design.
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