This trend is all about the ways in which space is being revised to offer additional functionalities and respond to a more resourceful use of public and private space. Think of mixed-use space, micro-living solutions, amenitization, and company towns.

This macro-trend highlights our growing desire for authenticity and the pursuit of self-interests. It has strong links to the experience economy whereby consumers are choosing to consume experiences rather than purchase products.

This macro-trend is about the rise in the number of companies that have a philanthropic arm, or are re-centering their offerings to be more holistic in terms of user-experience, social, and environmental impact. There is a greater awareness of ethical concerns amongst brands and organizations, reflected in more purposeful and strategic brand building.

Physical and digital space are complementary and integral realities of the workplace. Sub-trends include holoportation, video conferencing, and the augmented world.

The concept of equality are being replaced with the concept of equity. The difference between the two is that whereas equality seeks to make everyone equals, often through one size fits all approaches, equity seeks to level the playing field for equal opportunity for everyone, with solutions being customized for each individual.

This is all about the optimization of the human body. Sub-trends include the knowledge economy, trans-humanism, and the wellness economy.

The macro-trend of the ‘health room’ is that of the sentient and responsive interior environment. Programmable habitats are achievable by using smart sensors and biometric data.

With digital working styles come the production of enormous amounts of data. Additionally, new services and tools for monitoring one another are growing in use.

This macro-trend deals with the rise of affordable mass customization through new technologies and open-sourced algorithms. Think of multi-purpose furnishings, 3D printing, and open-sourced goods.

Automation technologies, artificial and emotional intelligence, computerization, smart algorithms… the future is certainly directed for a digital and robotic rethink.

As technology becomes more pervasive, a counter movement looking to unplug and reconnect with the ‘real world’ is growing. From digital detox retreats to napping clubs, this flavour of the wellness economy is gaining momentum.