Brownfield office development in a circular urban economy

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Issue Date
2023-07-14
Language
en
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Abstract
The work environment is changing; the pandemic made the employee reinvent working from home. Now, hybrid working has become the new norm where employees like to alternate between days at the office and at home. This trend has effects on the office demand; people now perceive the office as a place to meet colleagues, to brainstorm, to think creatively and to socialize. The overall office attendance has dropped so downscaling is necessary to limit costs. These developments have made office spaces in the inner-city more popular and could be a potential solution for the current retail vacancy. However, transforming these Brownfield plots into new offices asks for some comprehensive planning and construction processes. This research will elaborte on the concept of inner-city Brownfield redevelopment and the way it can facilitate the emerging demand for inner-city office spaces. The concept of the circular economy will also be connected to this planning development to integrate it into the sustainable demands of the current and future urban society. Theory and the conceptual model, suggest that circularity and Brownfield development projects are holistic planning processes in which the concepts of systems thinking are applied. Several challenges mentioned in the theory showcase that it is a complex operation but is worthwhile considering the revitalization and liveability of the inner-city. Some of the main learning points emerging from the detailed case studies are that circularity can be considered as an integral part of a more holistic approach in designing a modern office environment. Aspects like sustainability, energy efficiency, inclusiveness, creativity, innovation, and collaboration are also important factors to consider. Designing an office that meets the needs of its end-user: the employee and branding a unique building identity that merges with the local community and its surroundings are factors that make these developments so successful.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen