8 Tips for Designing Your New Coworking Space

From Roam to WeWork, large-scale coworking spaces are revolutionizing the way we work around the world. You may have a smaller coworking space in mind. Here are some tips to consider when setting up a communal office

Coworking spaces are booming all around the world. These spaces provide infrastructure for a new and growing workforce of people who work where, when and how they want. Unlike in a typical office environment, those coworking may not be employed by the same organization. The design of a coworking space is critical to its effectiveness and too many fall short on look, feel and function. Whether you decide to hire a designer or use online resources for cool office inspiration, this article will tell you what you need to know before developing a coworking space.

1. MAKE THE DESIGN FLEXIBLE
   The number of tenants in a coworking space is always fluctuating, which can make planning a bit of a headache. Also, if the layout of the building is set in stone (literally), updating it regularly may hurt your wallet. A large and flexible space allows you to host events or conferences and use every inch of space. Retractable walls, stackable chairs and tables on wheels are a great start. To keep the space as flexible as possible, make sure that electrical outlets are readily available, whether in the walls, suspended from the ceiling or in the floor. Install lighting that can be adjusted to set the right mood. For cocktail receptions, you may want to dim them, but during the grey, winter afternoons, bright lights are essential. 
   DESIGN TIP: Allow for space to store furniture that is not in use.
2. ‘CO’ STANDS FOR COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION
   Sticking a bunch of people in a building together and hoping they interact is… well, naïve. Communal spaces allow tenants to discover new friends, find new partners (in every sense of the word) and learn about unique investment opportunities. Serendipitous encounters are the soul of a successful coworking space; the design needs to support communal spaces so they can happen.
   Designers always say the home centres on the kitchen. It’s the same in a coworking office, where the coffee machine is a magnet for thirsty workers (or perhaps the beer tap, if you’re so inclined). If the kitchen space is comfortable, has bar stools and, ideally, has a couch nearby for casual meetings, it will encourage people to leave their desks and move around. Think Starbucks, but where you see most of the same people every day, the coffee is free, and you don’t always feel pressure to order something.
   Another obvious space is the coworking area itself. The design is important as it needs to allow for both interaction and privacy. Long banquet style tables and large round tables are both ideal to work on and also comfortable enough to strike up a conversation. Remember to include a few stand-alone (or heavily partitioned) workstations for more privacy.
   A game room is another fun way to foster interaction and encourage coworkers to meet each other. Think PlayStation or foosball table, though there are many options.
   DESIGN TIP: While you want to encourage conversation, laughter and who knows, maybe a debate about the next general election, make sure the game room is at a distance from where everyone works. If you don’t have the space, a glass or wall barrier to block sound will also work.
3. PICK N’ MIX (YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT)
   Most people who leave the 9–5 lifestyle do so because they dislike stuffy cubicles and dull, beige offices. With WiFi and new technology, the world is getting much smaller and we can work from practically anywhere. Despite this increased flexibility, however, there is still tremendous value in being close to colleagues and other people.
   Most coworking spaces have open areas and individual cubicles, but what about more interesting spaces, such as a rooftop terrace or a bean-bagged lawn, or perhaps some more focused work corners such as an airport-style lounge or a library? Think about casual work places like a café or a hotel lobby or private work pods with a charging point and enough space for your laptop. With access to a variety of different spaces, users have a positive nomadic feeling and can switch spaces according to their mood. Creating variation is about much more than just “mixing it up”, though. Different personality types work more efficiently and more happily in different environments.
   DESIGN TIP: While you want to encourage conversation, laughter and who knows, maybe a debate about the next general election, make sure the game room is at a distance from where everyone works. If you don’t have the space, a glass or wall barrier to block sound will also work.
4. TOP SECRET
   With many different companies working in close proximity, there’s a lot of confidential information flowing. Make sure all of your office walls, particularly for meeting rooms, have sufficient soundproofing. For glass it’s typically a minimum of 10 mm thick. Whether secret Christmas parties are being planned or launch dates are being discussed, privacy is key!
5. WHERE SHALL WE MEET?
   Designing a space for 20 people that is only used by two is not maximizing your square footage. Trying to squeeze 20 people into a space intended for two would be interesting to say the least. As with all work environments, meeting spaces should not only be defined by their usual layout — a room with chairs and a table — but should be created in a range of forms, such as a booth, a couch or simply a kitchen bar.
   When positioning meeting rooms, try to avoid long walks from the reception area, especially through private office areas. A common misconception is that meeting rooms need daylight. Workers are usually in them for short periods and sometimes the lights needs to be off for a presentation. ‘Co’ in coworking spaces stands for community and collaboration. More importantly, you don’t want to use up your valuable window real estate on a meeting room.
   Ideally, you will have multiple common rooms with different priorities for design. For example, Northspace, a coworking space in Toronto, Ontario, has a meeting room that is scotch-themed with free scotch tastings for members. A wide range of styles offers variety and their own unique value.
   DESIGN TIP: When designing meeting rooms, take into account three factors: size, formality, and privacy.
6. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
   “Happy Monday” is the new “Happy Friday”. Work and play are becoming synonymous and the design of workspaces underlines this new reality. Offices like Google, Airbnb, WeWork, and Northspace invest millions into design, often making references to the home. You may have a “family room” for schmoozing, hammocks for afternoon power naps, or a photo wall with pictures of you and your dog Milo. Whatever the approach, it’s important that your home-away from home is cozy, welcoming and feels personal. It’s ideal for people to also have a chance to play at work. Some fun design features to consider are a slide or firefighting pole between floors, an adult-sized ball pond or a rock-climbing wall.
   DESIGN TIP: Allocate a communal space where coworkers can share personal photos, stories or tips to encourage interaction and foster a bond with the space. It might be as simple as a readily available instant camera and a corkboard.
7. IT’S TOO COLD (OR WARM, OR DARK, OR BRIGHT)
   Temperature wars are a night e not only for workers, but also for a management team trying to keep everyone happy. It is not only a comfort thing — but temperature actually affects productivity. By the way, the optimal location for your thermostats: hidden from view. If you are commissioning an architect or designer, they may recommend an engineer for advice on heating and cooling as well as lighting.
   DESIGN TIP: If you have a big space, definitely seek the advice of an engineer. For a few thousand dollars, you may save yourself a lot of stress and money in the long run.
8. GET INSPIRED AND GET IT DONE
   No explanation needed!

Noam is Principal of Noam Hazan Design Studio.