Exploring the future of workplace design at the 2026 Shanghai International Architecture Festival
Wei Tang, Shanghai Project Director, shared insights on the evolving topic of workplace design at the 2026 Shanghai International Architecture Festival last week. The forum, titled ‘UNWORKING2026: The Evolution of Future Workplaces’, was held on the first day where Wei Tang took part in a panel discussion on the theme of ‘New Changes in Working Methods and Workplace Space’. Joining her on the panel were academics, interior designers and workplace operators, all tasked with exploring the value and position of workplaces in modern society.
Using the Wuhan Alibaba Center as an example, Wei Tang charted the shift in demand over the past five years from efficiency-first focused design to a more nuanced, multifaceted ecosystem integrating efficiency, experience, culture and flexibility. This shift in design is clearly seen in the Wuhan Alibaba Center, which is built around the concept of the Ali Campus which breaks down boundaries between office and commercial function. Vertical office towers and horizontal public spaces slot together echoing the Kongming lock with the seemingly floating Ali HUB as a transition between retail and office spaces.
Wei Tang emphasised: “The core competitive edge in the future workplace design industry lies in integrated capabilities in design, community building and operations. We need not only excel in spatial design, but also in understanding the emotional needs of users and the importance of operational support, so as to create a flexible spatial ecosystem that truly adapts to future working methods.”
Panel participants further explored the foundations of workplace design. All guests agreed that the office should be an evolving open system, featuring flexible layouts and iterative spaces which can be tailored to the needs of different periods and business operations.
When asked about her vision for future workplaces, Wei Tang said: “The most representative workplace is more than just an aesthetically pleasing office area. It’s a place which always enables people to find a space that works for them and therefore makes it more attractive for them to stay. Workplace design will continue to evolve with the advancement of technology and changing human needs, and it will foster innovation, cultural development and enrich daily life.”
Read more about the Wuhan Alibaba Center here.
