Occupiers are human, and they need to be loved.

Occupiers are human, and they need to be loved.

In commercial workplace, the design and leasing discourse fixates on
ceiling heights, spaces flooded with daylight, openable windows, roof terraces.

Which makes me wonder — are we designing for complex humans full of nuance and character, or are we addressing farm animals whose choices are governed solely by biology?

Because when people have choice, they don’t decide on needs alone. They decide with emotion: identity, desire, taste, aspiration. That’s where real market distinction lies, not just for offices, but also for homes and other places of belonging.

And as much as daylight and outdoor space are important, they should be a given — not a USP.

But forget property development for a second. The Smiths’ track How Soon Is Now? has Morrissey repeating:

“I am human, and I need to be loved.”

That strikes a chord with almost everyone - which makes the line so haunting and the song so iconic.

Somehow, “I am human, and I need daylight, fresh air and outdoor space” wouldn’t resonate as much.

Would it?