Future Work

Over almost three centuries our lives and urban environements have been indelibly shaped by our place of work, and the rise of the office has driven technological innovation, transformed the lives of women in society and raised academic standards. But now, since the Covid-19 lockdown has forced millions of employees to adapt to working remotely, talk has shifted to the demise of the office with the trend for home working expected to continue well after the pandemic subsides. 

Of course, working at home is nothing new. Before the East India Company opened its purpose-built home on Leadenhall Street in London in 1729, business owners tended to live above the shop, employing clerks who lived there too and who were treated a bit like domestic servants. The advantage was that there was no commute, the disadvantage, as some of us are finding now, was that there was no escape. 

Together, we will discuss the future of work in the post-pandemic world, and what it means for the future planning of our towns and cities.

Introduction and Chair

Paul Reynolds  UDG Secretary; Tapestry, Director

Speakers

Diarmaid Lawlor  Scottish Futures Trust, Associate Director
TOWNS AND DISTRIBUTED WORKING - RHETORIC AND REALITY

Alex Cochrane  SWECO, Project Director
THE FUTURE OF WORK AND WHAT IT MAY MEAN FOR THE HIGH STREET
Lessons from Sweden

Andy Graham  TheUrbanGlow, Director
COULD CO-WORKING SPACES SAVE HERITAGE BUILDINGS

John Avery  LOM architecture and design, Director
FROM HOME TO HUB - REIMAGINGING THE OFFICE FOR A POST-COVID AGE
Global businesses are re-designing the office as a multi-functional hub to support hybrid working. What does this mean for the city and the urban economy?

Presentations

John Avery

All Speakers