What could the next generation’s ideas mean for the workplaces we design, manage and use?
On 22 October, NCG Global joined the BCO NextGen Ideas Competition as Gold Partner and Technology Partner. Six finalists presented proposals exploring how our industry could use AI more thoughtfully, share knowledge more effectively and get greater value from existing buildings, furniture and materials.
With NCG CEO Tom Proctor involved in judging, our support reflects a belief that fresh thinking deserves both a platform and practical help to move forward.
Following the key takeaways we shared on LinkedIn, we’re taking a closer look at the ideas - and the questions they raise for the future of the workplace.
Using AI while protecting learning and judgement
Two proposals explored how AI could improve the way we work while preserving the knowledge and experience that good decisions depend on.
Ewan Howell of Arup presented The Training Ground Charter, a proposed framework for using AI to improve efficiency while protecting professional learning, judgement and accountability.
It raises an important question: if AI takes on tasks that junior colleagues traditionally learned from, how do we ensure they still develop the understanding to assess the results?
Peter Joaki of Knight Frank presented The Living Brief, an AI-enabled approach to tracking changes to project briefs and capturing lessons for future projects. As requirements evolve, the reasoning behind a decision can become difficult to follow. Making that history easier to access could help teams understand what changed, why it changed and what they can learn.
Together, these proposals highlighted the importance of using technology to support people’s capabilities and make knowledge easier to share. Efficiency matters, but so does retaining the judgement to use it well.
Making reuse part of the planning process
Two further proposals focused on keeping valuable resources in circulation.
Stephin Abraham of Gensler presented Space Loop, connecting visual space planning with reusable furniture listings. By helping teams identify existing pieces that fit their requirements, the proposal brings reuse into the design process from the outset.
Leelou Coppleman of OD Group presented Resource, a proposed database linking available and future reclaimed materials with project demand and design tools.
Both ideas address a practical challenge: choosing to reuse depends on knowing what is available, when it will become available and whether it meets the project’s needs.
For workplace teams, the takeaway is to consider reuse early enough to influence decisions. Better connections between information, supply and demand could help make that easier.
Seeing the full value of existing buildings
Ben Mead of Cundall presented Carbon Compass, a proposed platform bringing together building performance, tenant experience and commercial data to guide investment in existing offices.
The idea encourages a broader view of value. Decisions about buildings need to account for how they perform environmentally, how people experience them and how they work commercially.
From NCG’s perspective, this reinforces the importance of connected information. Collecting data is one part of the task; making it accessible and useful to the people responsible for a building is what helps it inform action.
Opening up space to support communities
The winning proposal, Civic Stack by Alla Elmahadi of P&G, explored how underused commercial space could deliver greater community value.
The proposed booking and certification platform would enable controlled community use of spaces that already exist.
It prompts a question for owners and occupiers: could space that sits unused at certain times serve a wider purpose?
For NCG, it also raises practical considerations around delivery. Booking systems, access control, connectivity and support would need to work together to create a straightforward experience for visitors and building teams.
We look forward to helping develop Civic Stack through our work on the Ideas Incubation Committee.
Turning fresh thinking into practical progress
Across all six proposals, common themes emerged: protect human judgement, connect fragmented information, reuse more of what we already have and measure value more broadly.
The next step is to test ideas in real settings, bringing industry partners together to learn what works and refine the approach.
That is why NCG values being involved. As a technology partner for real estate, we help connect workplace ambitions with the infrastructure, systems and ongoing support needed to make them work for people.
Congratulations to all six finalists and to Alla Elmahadi for the winning proposal. Thank you to the BCO for creating a platform for fresh perspectives and giving the industry ideas to take forward. Watch the highlights from the event below.
Planning changes to your workplace in 2027? Talk to NCG about how technology can support your people, your building and your ambitions.
