‘Rethinking space – why agility is the foundation of modern spatial solutions’

A conversation with Armin Burri, Managing Director of Orgatent AG, spatial strategist and Executive MBA candidate at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland.

What happens when space is no longer thought of as a rigid shell, but as a strategic resource? Armin Burri, Executive MBA candidate at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), advocates a radical change of perspective in how we deal with space. In conversation with RÖDER, he explains why agile space design is becoming a key competence for companies, cities and institutions – and what role temporary and modular structures play in this.

Armin, if space is a resource, how does that fundamentally change our view of buildings, offices or event spaces?

Armin: Today, space is no longer understood as just a physical shell, but as a strategic resource, similar to capital, time or talent. This means that space must be able to adapt to new working models, volatile markets and changing user needs. When companies, cities or event organisers have rigid structures, they lose their room for manoeuvre. Modular space solutions offer crucial flexibility, especially in industry and logistics, where production and storage space often has to be created under high time pressure. On the other hand, those who see space as a mobile infrastructure gain a real flexibility advantage, whether in the innovation process, space management or crisis management.

Instead of ‘concrete for eternity,’ we now think in terms of modularity and temporariness. What do architects and builders need to learn about agility in space in the future?

Armin: Agility does not mean chaos, but rather targeted adaptability. This starts in the design phase. Instead of planning 30 years into the future, you should ask yourself whether a space will still serve the same purpose in three years. Builders and architects must therefore learn to think about spaces iteratively and design infrastructure in such a way that it can be converted, expanded or dismantled with as little effort as possible. Temporary solutions, such as modular halls, offer exactly that: predictable investments, rapid responsiveness and architecture that adapts to users rather than the other way around.

How do hybrid forms of work and new work influence your thinking about space utilisation? What role do temporary spaces play as a ‘breathing infrastructure’?

Armin: Hybrid working creates variable presence and thus variable space requirements, sometimes too much space, sometimes too little. Classic room concepts are not up to this dynamic. Temporary spaces can function as a ‘breathing infrastructure’ here. They can be set up, adapted or dismantled at short notice. For example, for temporary projects, events or seasonal peaks. In combination with flexible furniture and digital tools, this creates environments that are not only efficient but also people-centred. That is agility in action. Such modular space solutions are particularly valuable for industrial applications such as production peaks or seasonal logistics requirements.

If you could build a city of the future, what role would temporary space solutions play – and would you even consider ‘permanent’ buildings?

Armin: The city of the future will not be cast in concrete, but conceived in variants. Temporary space solutions enable urban resilience. Whether for emergency accommodation, education, health or mobility. They can activate areas where permanent structures are not (yet) feasible or approvable. Of course, there will still be permanent buildings, but they will be supplemented, expanded or even relieved by modular additions. Modular space solutions offer a scalable alternative to conventional buildings, especially in urban logistics hubs or when short-term space is required in industry. This creates an urban fabric that responds to change instead of becoming rigid. And by the way: thinking temporarily automatically means thinking in a resource-efficient way, which fits perfectly with ESG and the circular economy.

You talk about how interior design needs to become ‘mobile’. What can companies do today to avoid failing tomorrow due to rigid structures?

Armin: Companies should start thinking about their space strategy as a portfolio. Which spaces are fixed, which are variable? What can be organised on a temporary basis? And how flexible are our contracts, infrastructures and processes really? Those who plan early on with modular space solutions, such as scalable halls or temporary expansion areas, ensure operational resilience. The best space solutions are created where architecture, operations and strategy go hand in hand.

Thanks, Armin.