New buildings will be developed with multiple functionalities in mind: combining work and living areas, retail and services. As the circular economy becomes a foundation of the built environment, buildings will be developed to provide flexibility for alternative future uses. This flexibility is reflected in all layers of the building.

• The location should allow for changes in the building environment;

• The exterior should allow changes in appearance, structure, material and design to facilitate reuse;

• The structure should allow changes to floor plans, allow for additional construction, underground extensions or changes in building function;

• The plan should allow flexible design for multiple purposes and simple reconfiguration. For example: in office buildings there should be room for discussions, video or phone calls, relaxation, brainstorming, etc. The plan should allow for easy changes over time;

• Services such as air conditioning and building sensory management will provide flexible energy management and flexibility to adapt the environment to individual requirements;