We are living through a moment of radical transition—what some have called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, others a societal reawakening, and still others, simply, a global reckoning. Technology is evolving at a pace faster than our ability to legislate it. Climate systems are destabilizing. Longevity is reshaping what it means to live—and work—across a century. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence, automation, and hybrid work models are forcing us to ask: What is the purpose of work, and what kind of spaces will it require?
Designing for the future means thinking beyond trend reports and typologies. It means engaging deeply with the shifting nature of society itself. The workplace is no longer a static container—it is a cultural organism, a system of relationships, rituals, and resources. And its future depends on our willingness to challenge old assumptions and dream up new possibilities.
And so, we invite you to explore ten provocations through which we believe the future of workplace design is being shaped. Each one begins with a simple phrase: “The future is…”
These aren’t predictions. They are principles. They are invitations to think differently, act intentionally, and design bravely. Welcome to the future of work.
