Access vs. Ownership: Rethinking How We Design for Shared Possibility

Ownership traditionally implies control, permanence, and exclusivity. In the varied markets that we serve, ownership may refer to those who own property, buildings, or specialized equipment – or it may refer to departments, programs, or services provided.

Access, by contrast, shifts the focus from who owns the space (or similar), to who can use it, how, and when. Models that shift from ownership to access create a powerful dialogue about how resources are distributed, experienced, and valued – and often encourage resource efficiency, invite participation, and solicit cross-collaboration.

At IU Indy’s Innovation Hall, the shared lab spaces, expansive makerspace, and centralized clean room, are open to multiple disciplines for use – and the resulting cross-collaboration is driving growth, innovation, and meaningful advances in a variety of fields.

Leading supplier Endress+Hauser’s recently completed Innovation Center, partners with major distributor George E. Booth Company’s Indianapolis Headquarters to share industrial dispatching space – prioritizing speed of service over proprietary use – resulting in reduced real estate costs, and immediate collaboration for customer centered solutions.

As we look to our community partnerships, we are seeing strategic initiatives rooted in this ‘access vs. ownership’ model to support the creative economy, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and innovation across the board. For example, performance halls with not only shared spaces, but shared equipment and scheduling resources. Co-working spaces with high-dollar-value tools and amenities open to all members. Wellness centers and public parks offering programming, partnerships, operational support, and gathering spaces that emphasize inclusion, flexibility, and shared use.

Forward-thinking clients are embracing this shift, and our partnerships create spaces and places that empower users to engage, innovate, and evolve without the constraints of traditional ownership models. Whether it’s a multi-disciplinary classroom, a flexible hospitality venue, or civic space serving multiple communities – access driven design unlocks greater utility, and return on investment. By prioritizing access over ownership, we deliver spaces that are not only responsive to today’s needs, but resilient for tomorrow’s possibilities.