How to Design a Coworking Space in 2023
Design a coworking space that stands out from the rest…
In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, the coworking space provides an environment for innovation, opportunity, cohesion and, most importantly, flexibility. Not only does it enable like-minded individuals to come together and work collaboratively, but it also tends to ‘feel’ more casual and noncommittal.
Fancy grabbing a flat white and responding to a few emails over by the pool table? Or, maybe you feel like heading over to the on-site gym for an hour before you get started on your accounting.
That feeling of autonomy that you get when walking into a co-working space isn’t an accident.
Coworking spaces are carefully designed to ensure that workers can enjoy the best of both worlds – independence AND community.
So, if you want to know the secrets of successful coworking office design and keeping your workspace modern, read on to find out more…
What is a Coworking space?
You could argue that any space designed for coworking is essentially a coworking space. But if that’s the case, how would one differ from the traditional office environment?
Unlike the traditional office building, in which a single company might occupy the entire premises or a particular floor, coworking spaces are designed to be used by multiple companies or freelancers. For example, although company A might have a dedicated room for its staff, that room might be situated next to company B, and both will have access to the same conference rooms, communal kitchen and open-plan offices where individuals from different businesses can work side by side.
With that being said, it is still possible for a single company to occupy just one coworking space.
Nowadays, it can be difficult for staff working in bigger companies to get to know all of their colleagues. Due to Covid-19 and the rise of remote working, newer staff members may have only ever communicated with their colleagues by email or over Zoom.
So, for large organisations with 150+ staff members, coworking spaces enable different departments to get to know each other and work more closely together in one building.
Why Might You Want to Design a Coworking Space?
If you’re thinking about investing in a coworking space, that might just be a smart idea!
With the right location, amenities and design, investing in a coworking space can be a profitable venture that caters to an ever-growing demand.
Whether you’re looking to acquire a new building for your own company, refurbishing your existing space or opening up new premises for multiple businesses and entrepreneurs, you must ensure that the design of your coworking space is well thought out. From the layout to the furniture and decor, every single element requires careful consideration!
That leads us nicely onto our next section…
The Importance of Design in a Coworking Space
The interior design elements of your coworking space are more important than you think.
Nowadays, owners of coworking spaces are pulling out all the stops to design the most imaginative and appealing workspaces possible. From swings and games areas to themed rooms and Karaoke booths, modern coworking spaces are a far cry from the traditional, gloomy grey office buildings of the past.
To ensure that your coworking space design stands out from the rest, think about your USPs.
Perhaps you’ve secured an office space in the heart of a great city and you want to reflect this within your design. Shout about your location by incorporating large murals showcasing popular landmarks or meeting rooms that are themed around different parts of the city!
Maybe you want to focus on sustainability and healthy living?
If that’s the case, don’t forget to include lots of biophilic elements and offer a dining space that promotes healthy eating.
Think carefully about your office furniture choices…
When choosing office furniture for a coworking space, it’s vital to consider factors such as comfort and durability. Task chairs should be adjustable to accommodate different body types and styles of working, while desks should be spacious enough for people to spread out their work, with plenty of leg room underneath.
Of course, it’s a great idea to get playful with bean bags and hanging chairs but you also need to be able to provide the basics.
Creating a Multi-Functional Kitchen Space for Coworkers
In the past, we wrote about the best ways to design an office kitchenette. In that article, we talked about encouraging staff to take proper eating breaks so that they can take time to refuel and unwind before heading back to their desks.
With a coworking space kitchen/cafeteria design, the dining table might just be someone’s desk for the day! To make sure that your dining area doubles up as a workspace, it’s important to offer ample sockets for laptops and phone charging. What’s more, you’ll need to illuminate the space appropriately so that staff can stay productive and won’t fall victim to eye strain.
How do you choose the best office lighting for productivity?
Large windows that allow natural light to flood in are the best choice for your kitchen/dining area however if natural light is limited, warm gentle lighting such as floor lamps and soft pendant lighting will work too.
Provide space for small and large groups
When it comes to the kitchen furniture, make sure that you offer both small and large tables. Teams within coworking spaces often host meetings within cafes and dining spaces, so larger tables are required in order to facilitate this. For those wanting to work autonomously or with one other colleague, a small break out booth or 2 seater table is ideal.
And, don’t forget the tea and coffee!
Tea and coffee are absolute must-haves when it comes to the office kitchen. A cosy tea station or coffee bar will be the first port of call for most workers first thing in the morning. So, keep your hot drinks station easily accessible to avoid overcrowding.
Design Collaborative Meeting Rooms and Conference Suites
For those that want to host important meetings without being overheard, conference suites are a must.
Conference suites are essential to any coworking space, providing a dedicated and comfortable spot for teams to brainstorm ideas, conduct interviews, host events or simply connect with other members.
By giving teams somewhere to discuss sensitive topics in private, they’ll have the freedom to voice their opinions discreetly without worrying about unwanted interruptions or distractions.
When designing a meeting room or conference space, it’s essential to incorporate multimedia displays and interactive tools, as these can help facilitate collaboration by giving everyone the opportunity to share ideas easily.
Make the most of multifunctional furniture!
Another great feature that you can add into a conference room is moveable furniture. Allowing teams to re-configure the space is particularly helpful for when they want to carry out activities or make room for equipment.
Incorporate Smart Technology into your Coworking Space Design
Nowadays, most people expect some level of smart technology to be available within a coworking space.
Adding smart technology helps to make operations more efficient and provides staff with a smoother workplace experience.
A good place to start is by determining which technology will best suit your space’s needs. From voice-controlled lighting and temperature regulation to automated cleaning services and interactive whiteboards, there are so many ways to make use of smart tech, but you need to decide which features to prioritise.
In order to choose the most valuable smart technology for your coworking space, think about the types of people that will be using it and how the technology will benefit them. For example, if you know that your space will be occupied by tech companies, not only will you need to ensure that they have everything they need to carry out their jobs, but you might also want to offer some more cutting-edge tech solutions that will draw them in and you give you an edge over other coworking spaces.
Once you have decided upon your smart technology features, integrate them into the workspace through an app or web portal. That way, your members will have complete control over their working environment.
Coworking Spaces Designed by Experts
Designing a coworking space is a big task. That’s why we’re on hand to help!
At McFeggan Brown, our team of experts specialise in creating custom workspaces that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients. We use the latest smart technology, collaborative tools and design features to ensure that your workspace provides maximum efficiency and comfort for employees.
In need of a complete office refurbishment?
Let us help you create a coworking space that cultivates productivity, creativity, and collaboration today! Give us a call on 01275 464 220