Design
Why a lot of familiarity and a little novelty might make sense
Designing a new workplace full of novelty and innovation? Be careful what you wish for. New research suggests that people respond well to familiarity when it comes to our surroundings
Signal File: this week’s headlines explore design at the intersection of tradition and novelty
This week’s signals reveal how blending traditional practices with new technologies is shaping adaptive and sustainable design for the future of work
How purpose-led workplaces can help navigate today’s office challenges
From underused offices to employee frustration, the answer lies in creating intentional, purpose-driven workplaces that truly support people
Power of the pattern: a stressful view or a feelgood factor?
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that repetitive patterns on building façades are raising our stress levels. But some patterns and shapes achieve the opposite effect
The big debate: will building standardisation stifle local creativity?
New hospital building programmes are today at the centre of a tense battle between standardisation and deregulation. Will workplace design fall into the same trap?
Shapeshifter offices: what happens when our spaces start to feel us back?
From mood-sensitive materials to neuroadaptive lighting, workplaces are beginning to adapt not just to tasks – but to emotions, postures and personalities
How biophilia supports wellbeing in virtual reality environments too
The restorative power of biophilic design has long been evidenced in the academic world and implemented in the professional one. New research suggests it works equally well in VR
Thinking space: three innovative uses of AI in the built environment
From recovering rubble to reading a city’s mood, these AI use cases suggest a new kind of built environment that can listen and understand us in real time
