China Academy of Arts’ Folk Art Museum, Kengo Kuma & Associates
Sophie O’Sullivan | Senior Researcher, Woven Spaces
The world we live in is complex and so too is our built environment. With growing urgency, developers must tackle a complex mix of economic, environmental and social pressures.
This challenge was neatly summarised by Adam Challis, Head of Strategy and Research at JLL, during his opening address at the London Real Estate Forum in 2024: “Uncertainty is out. Complexity is in.” Such complexity spans every facet of the market from energy performance to the experimental office and the switch to retrofit.
There is great opportunity, then, to embrace this complexity through holding space for relevance in the way in which we reimagine our commercial assets.
The current state of play means that short development cycles are still very much the norm, especially in global centres like London or New York, often driven by trends and lacking in vision over the long-term.
Relevance, in the context of the workplace, is more than functionality; a characterless cubicle with flat-pack desks, squeaky chairs and fluorescent meeting rooms. Relevance is about creating places that resonate deeply with their unique context and communities. In other words, a workplace that is built to last.
“Relevance is visionary; it is a catalyst for enduring value.”
Woven Spaces, 2025
When we embed the principals of relevance into our commercial projects, we can challenge existing models with smarter design thinking and better engineer the workplace of tomorrow.
Great (Bamboo) Wall, Beijing, Kengo Kuma & Associates
Relevance involves designing spaces that thoughtfully engage with their surroundings, users, and intended purpose. By embracing this approach, we foster a dialogue between the past and present, grounding an asset in its unique context. A building that is woven into the fabric of a place maintains its relevance over time. A space that continuously evolves, inviting layers of story and human experience as it moves through time.
“Growth in an urban environment is a more complicated phenomenon than simple replacement of what existed before; growth requires a dialogue between past and present, it is a matter of evolution rather than erasure.”
Richard Sennett
Designing Disorder: Experiments and Disruptions in the City, 2020
Burkina Institute of Technology, Francis Kéré
Through the visionary work of architects Kengo Kuma and Francis K.r., representing Japanese and African perspectives, we see that relevance is not merely a design principle, but a transformative force.
Their philosophies remind us that relevance, as a cornerstone of thoughtful design, lays the foundation for developments that harmonise with their surroundings, adapt to the evolving needs of their users, and leave a lasting, meaningful legacy.
One example is the UCCA Clay Museum, whose roof is defined by a series of undulating peaks cloaked in 3,600 handmade ceramic tiles, a direct nod to the Chinese city of Yixing’s long history of pottery production. This material choice anchors the building in its cultural and geographic context; by echoing the surrounding Shushan mountains and referencing the forms of traditional dragon kilns, the museum embodies relevance in the built environment—where design thinking speaks the language of its place, materials, and community.
The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Centre in Tokyo communicates this approach to design thinking.
“In the 20th Century, to build something monumental was the goal for many architects. But now, the goal is to blend in. To become one with the environment.”
Kengo Kuma
Kengo Kuma is celebrated for his ability to situate spaces in the context of their natural environment. His designs have enduring relevance because they are thoughtfully integrated with the environment in which they are situated in. Kuma’s projects demonstrate a profound respect for the environment, cultural heritage, and local materials.
UCCA Clay Museum, China, Kengo Kuma & Associates
village is a striking example. Built using local clay and timber, the school’s innovative design maximises natural ventilation and cooling, providing a comfortable learning hub in a hot climate.
Similarly, K.r.’s design for the Burkina Faso National Assembly reimagines civic architecture as a symbol of hope and inclusivity. The structure’s open, tree-like design not only reflects local cultural motifs but also serves as a gathering space for the community. By employing local labour and materials, K.r.’s projects empower the very people they serve, demonstrating that relevance is as much about social impact as it is about design.
“I’m an architect who looks every time at a given project, finds what is most available on site in that country, and responds in the most efficient way to the client’s brief.”
Francis Kéré
Francis K.r.’s architectural philosophy revolves around designing for social and cultural relevance, particularly in underserved communities. Born in Burkina Faso, K.r. uses his deep understanding of local environments to create impactful designs that prioritise functionality and community engagement. His Gando Primary School project in his home
Gando Primary School, Burkina eFanysoa, Francis Kéré
If you want to stay competitive, you need to create assets that are relevant.
To remain competitive in today’s real estate landscape, investors and developers must embrace relevance as a cornerstone of their strategy. As the market increasingly views the built environment as an experience rather than a product, it’s clear that relevance goes far beyond temporary measures like place activation or curated amenities. The new economy rewards thoughtful, intentional design—where an asset’s connection to its unique context generates enduring value.
Visionary architects like Kuma and K.r. have demonstrated that designing buildings as seamless extensions of their surroundings isn’t merely an artistic ideal; it’s a proven formula for success in real estate.
“A lot of the value that is created happens in the years after the development is completed. Buildings that provide more than physical space are going to be the ones that businesses choose to stay in over bricks and mortar, with rents growing at a more substantial level over time.”
Jacob Loftus, CEO, General Projects
Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Kengo Kuma & Associates
“Places that invite layers of story and experience don’t just capture attention— they create lasting differentiation.”
Woven Spaces, 2025
Relevance is more than a design philosophy—it’s a competitive edge and a pathway to creating a more connected and sustainable world.
At Woven Spaces, we specialise in reimagining existing assets to command a premium, ensuring that they remain relevant, meaningful, and impactful over time.
Do get in touch with us to learn more about our services.
Sophie O’Sullivan | Senior Researcher, Woven Spaces