Tenant demand for flexible and human-centric spaces drives office upgrades

AI is driving demand for smarter workplaces.

Demand for flexible, modular, and future‑proof office is accelerating in Hong Kong, pushing landlords to upgrade buildings to stay competitive, according to JLL's 2026 Design Perspectives Report.

"Organisations are investing in spaces that elevate experience, productivity and talent attraction, cementing real estate as an engine for business value," said Nicasio Gutiérrez, project and development services global head of design at JLL. "The interplay of adaptability, technology and human-centric design has become essential as businesses look to future-proof their portfolios in a world marked by volatility and rapid change."

The region's office market is shifting from cost-focused strategies toward operational agility. Companies are moving away from traditional construction-heavy fit-outs in favor of modular solutions such as meeting pods and reconfigurable work zones. These designs allow tenants to reuse furniture during relocations, reducing waste and supporting sustainability goals.

At the same time, adaptive infrastructure, particularly high-capacity digital systems capable of supporting future AI integration, is becoming a standard requirement in lease renewals.

Workplace strategy is shifting beyond physical upgrades and technology to focus on employee experience.

As hybrid work reshapes office use, companies are turning workplaces into experience-driven environments that prioritise engagement and wellbeing.

To attract and retain talent, organisations are adding concierge-style services, flexible shared spaces, and wellness-focused areas. Offices are increasingly designed as hubs for collaboration, creativity, and connection—offering value that remote work cannot replicate.

The report identifies four key design trends shaping the industry in 2026 and beyond. First, “hardwired flexibility” is driving the adoption of modular, plug-and-play building infrastructure that allows spaces to quickly adapt to changing workplace and technological needs, with 93% of investors reporting stronger returns from tech-enabled properties.

Human-centric design is also gaining importance as artificial intelligence reshapes work, with a growing focus on human connection and cognitive wellbeing—reflected in 71% of respondents preferring natural materials and 61% seeking digital detox spaces.

Additionally, personalised experiences are becoming a priority, as AI-powered tools enable more customised, inclusive environments, with 65% of people globally valuing unique experiences linked to community and sustainability.

Moreover, underutilised areas are being transformed into collaborative “anchor spaces,” which are designed to foster interaction and can generate rental premiums of up to 32%.

Ruth Hynes, global research lead at JLL, noted that design has become “a strategic response to continual disruption,” with flexible and tech-enabled environments directly improving resilience, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.

Ryan Wong, head of project development Services at JLL in Hong Kong, added that occupiers now expect flexible, future-ready spaces equipped with smart technologies.

“Facing the structural limitations of some older commercial buildings, landlords can pursue targeted retrofit strategies that modernise performance without full redevelopment, repurposing existing architectural fragments into functional, value-adding amenities,” he said.

The report also cited the importance of early collaboration with technical experts and stakeholders to anticipate trends and design adaptable spaces. Companies are increasingly using completed projects as “testbeds” for innovation, applying insights to future developments.