Design Forecast 2016

Gensler Design Forecast 2016
above: G.T. “Mickey” Leland Federal
Building, Houston
opposite: Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole
Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse,
Honolulu
Government
Cost-effective, welcoming,
safe, and state-of-the-art
“Retail” government services will migrate
online, reducing the need for staff and
brick-and-mortar facilities as even the most
heavily serviced constituents obtain services
through digital channels. Seeking greater
efficiency, government may resemble
healthcare by consolidating some functions
into central hubs, while placing others closer
to the communities they serve. Often
this will happen in private-sector facilities,
blurring the public-private boundary.
To enhance security, physical barriers will be
augmented and potentially supplanted by
active, technology-enabled surveillance that
allows for a welcoming environment yet
protects government buildings and workers.
As their sophistication grows, these systems
will detect, deter, and counter security
threats—including drones—beyond the site
boundaries of the building.
In addition, governments will shift to
design-build and public-private partnerships
to develop and operate their facilities
without losing sight of goals for resilience,
wellness, and productivity. End-user
involvement in planning and robust change
management will increase employees’
satisfaction with the facilities they occupy.
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