The Crown Estate and The Architects’ Journal launched a contest to define the office of the future. All UK-based architectural firms are eligible to enter, and will be asked to consider how inspiring and effective workplaces will operate from 2021 onward based on changing ways of living and working and new technology.

The first phase will entail an "open ideas" competition asking designers to respond to the challenge of designing an office space operating five to 10 years in the future. The second phase is for six short-listed competitors, which will focus on the future of one of The Crown Estate’s most prominent West End buildings.

The Crown Estate’s director of Central London, James Cooksey, said the contest's purpose is to think about an office market that is constantly evolving.

AJ managing editor Will Hurst says that whether it relates to the 3D printed office, managing the impact of climate change or engineering serendipitous encounters, workplace design is changing fast. Now the UK’s best architects are being asked to consider such trends and imagine what comes next.

For architecture firms, the contest is marvelous opportunity to work for a unique client boasting a £6B central London portfolio that's on the lookout for new talent.