How can buildings and businesses be prepared for the future?

Wolfgang Kradischnig (CEO, DELTA Group) and Marc Guido Höhne (Managing Director, Consulting Division, DELTA Group) venture an optimistic look into the future of the construction and real estate industry with concrete proposals.

What must buildings of the future look like in order to be fit for the future?

Wolfgang Kradischnig: We need to radically rethink our approach: no additional land should be sealed, but rather built on existing land. Buildings need circularity and the smallest possible ecological footprint. Flexibility of use is also crucial: spaces that can be adapted to changing requirements.

And what must companies do to be fit for the future?

Marc Guido Höhne: Companies become fit for the future when they understand sustainability and responsibility not as image cultivation, but as part of their DNA. It is not enough to find nice words – it is crucial to act credibly. This starts with management setting an example of what they demand and with clear values being anchored in the corporate strategy. Only when ecological, social, and economic responsibility are consistently taken into account in decisions can authenticity be achieved instead of greenwashing. Sustainability therefore means showing attitude, thinking long-term, and creating a corporate culture that not only withstands change but actively shapes it.

What is the key to success in projects and in the company?

Wolfgang Kradischnig: People. Success comes from diversity, creativity, and the commitment of those involved. Our vision is to be a “pioneer for better worlds.” Every contribution counts, both in projects and in the company. One key is sustainability reporting. Companies need to be aware of their impact on the environment and society, and this impact needs to be quantified. This includes stakeholder surveys that provide an outside perspective, supplemented by the inside perspective of employees. Only this 360-degree view shows where you really stand.

What are the next steps?

Marc Guido Höhne: We need partners who share our values, ideally right from the start of the project. It is important to have a clear vision of the future, an open culture of error, and a willingness to learn from every project. That way, we take a step forward every time.

Image: Delta Pods Architects