Designing a co-working space is different from designing a typical office. It’s a completely different ball game than considering how to design every inch of every room is different.
There are many things to consider, and one of that is the people who will most likely use the space. Usually, these are startup teams with only three to five people in the team or freelancing individuals who need a space aside from their home to do actual work. In fact, these co-working spaces sometimes rent a spot for a day only.
The people who need co-working spaces aren’t in it for a long haul. They most likely wouldn’t be renting for years. It would be lucky if they end up renting the space for a year or two. But still, you have to consider their needs when working without boxing them in a traditional office mindset.
So if you’re a design and build agency or professional interior design in-charged of a co-working space’s interior design, here are some things to consider:
1. Create a comfortable common space or two
Individuals who rent out co-working spaces are people who chose to escape the corporate landscape, often citing the stifling rules and environment of traditional offices as reasons why they left. They seek a more comfortable office set-up, so this is something that you should be able to provide.
Instead of working all day in one spot, you can provide them with the option of stretching their legs and working more comfortable. A common space with comfortable couches and bean bags would encourage them to take it easier. Brightening up space with large windows to let in more natural light is also a good idea. In fact, too much exposure to artificial lighting can cause health concerns.
If you have the space for it, even little nooks and corners can be converted into working spaces.
2. Utilize standing-high tables
Another way to maximize what little space you have is to install standing-high tables. Some individuals prefer standing up while instead of sitting for eight hours straight. Most millennials in the workforce are health conscious and often look for ways to keep fit even while working.
High tables can also be used for small teams when they have short huddles or standing up meetings. Instead of hogging the conference room or the pantry for quick discussions, these tables can serve as the ideal meeting place.
3. Go for wide spaces and high ceiling
The last thing you want people working in co-working spaces to feel is suffocated. If anything else, aim for a style that’s freeing and liberating, and you can do that by playing with space.
If you can change the interior, go for high ceilings to make the rooms look bigger than they really are. Avoid making them feel cramped by truly considering the size of the rooms. Don’t cramp too many chairs and tables in one place because that will just make it uncomfortable for them.
The co-working space needs to be spacious, and more often than not, it shouldn’t just be an illusion.
4. Make it feel homey
For most people opting for a co-working space instead of a traditional office space, they crave the comforts of home while working, without the usual distractions they have at home.
A co-working space can feel like if you know which elements to replicate. Modern furniture pieces are a great addition to co-working spaces, but so are soft carpets, clean pantries with free-flowing coffee and tea, and soft chairs scattered around the office.
5. Don’t be stingy with electrical outlet
Professionals who use co-working spaces most likely use laptops when working, and as mentioned earlier, they will most likely move around while working. Most of them are mobile individuals and they apply this habit even in their work environment Plan out the co-working space by determining which places they will likely use the most and placing outlets in these areas. This way, their work won’t be interrupted due to their laptops’ power.
A co-working space’s design needs may be different from a traditional office’s, but with the right considerations, it’s a worthwhile challenge for designers and business owners.
