"Instead of generous spaces, which are often empty, priority is now given to smaller and more compact spaces with a higher pulse. "

The office sector in Stockholm is undergoing a transformation. To meet the sustainability goals of the future and the changing needs of today's workforce, we architects need to design office spaces with a greater focus on reducing the CO2e footprint, while raising issues of social sustainability. But what does this mean in practice?

At Reform Arkitekter, we are seeing a clear shift in the real estate market, with companies that previously moved their offices from the city to the suburbs now returning to more central locations. Vacancies are increasing in the less central areas, while rents remain high in the most desirable parts of the city.

Instead of generous spaces, which are often empty, priority is now being given to smaller and more compact premises with a higher pulse. This means more people in a smaller space, which places new demands on technical solutions, such as ventilation and acoustics. The focus is shifting from traditional desks to new types of inspiring common spaces for collaboration and socializing.

Businesses need to learn to manage peak hours, when many people want to be on site at the same time in spaces that are not designed for maximum occupancy. This requires flexibility in scheduling and clarity from management on what is expected of employees. Requiring attendance at the office a certain number of days a week is probably not the best solution. Instead, it should explore what works together and focus on togetherness rather than attendance.

A well-planned and designed office can act as a magnet, attracting employees to the workplace, strengthening the company's brand and reflecting its values.

Another aspect is the reuse of furnishings and furniture, which contributes to a circular economy. By reusing and renewing instead of buying new, companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also save costs. Reuse also gives offices a unique character and contributes to a sustainability-conscious corporate culture.

The office of the future needs to integrate all these aspects to truly meet the demands of both the business and the world. Sustainability is not just about reducing carbon emissions, but also about creating a working environment where people thrive, develop and interact in a way that the digital workplace cannot replace.

Executive summary

The office of the future means ...

• Compact premises with a higher pulse
• New requirements for technical solutions, such as ventilation and acoustics
• New types of inspiring common spaces
• Clarity from management on what is expected from employees
• Focus on togetherness rather than presence
• A well-planned office can act as a magnet
• Recycling contributes to a sustainability-conscious corporate culture
• Sustainability is also about creating a work environment where people thrive, develop and interact
  
  

Jenny Öberg, Architect SIR/ MSA, Partner

Peter Sahlin, Architect SAR/ MSA, Partner