The number of co-working spaces has been increasing steadily in Singapore over the past few years. The increase in the size of co-working space has been 70 per cent since 2014 (as of the end of 2017), which shows a growing demand for such flexible workspace arrangements.
Joining a co-working space is easy – most of the time, no contract or complex arrangements will be required. In addition, more people are opting for freelancing, telecommuting and self-employment options. Launching a co-working office is a great idea but for the project to be successful, it will have to feature the right interior design.
Some of the office interior design elements do apply to co-working spaces but the nature of the arrangement is different. As a result, interior designers working on such projects will need to have a good idea about the manner in which co-working spaces are utilised and the essentials that professionals will be looking for.
If you’re just getting started with the establishment and the maintenance of a co-working office, you’ll need to keep the following interior design essentials in mind.
Flexibility Is the Number One Essential
Companies tend to maintain a more or less stable number of employees, which is why furniture choices and spatial utilisation will be pretty much a constant.
In the case of co-working spaces, the number of tenants will change all the time. This is the main reason why flexibility is going to be the biggest office interior design essential. Occasionally, the space will operate below its full capacity. In other situations, you will have to find a way to fit yet another person in.
A flexible space is defined by a layout that is easy to change. If you have to, you will get to remove desks quickly for the purpose of hosting a lecture. If you have to, you will rearrange the desks to accommodate a bigger team.
These goals can be accomplished through the use of retractable walls, smart furniture, stackable chairs and even tables on wheels. You should definitely work closely with your professional Singapore interior design firm about the selection of the right furniture and fixtures. Once you acquire the essentials and you organise them within the available space, you will get to easily modify the appearance of the office upon necessity.
Coworking Is All about Collaboration
While collaboration is very important in standard office interior design, it happens to play an even bigger role in the world of co-working.
These work spaces are popular because they encourage communication and collaboration between similar-minded individuals. Even when the teams specialise in different areas, they can learn from each other, foster professional relationships and identify new growth opportunities.
Interior design plays a key role in encouraging collaboration.
Open spaces and the lack of dividers or cubicles are defining for co-working interior design. The same applies to chill-out and relaxation areas. A comfy sofa or bean chairs and a coffee machine can do miracles when it comes to breaking the ice.
If the space is large enough, it should also feature secluded areas for brainstorming and creative exchange. It may even be a good idea to have a gaming room that allows for effortless conversations in a casual setting.
While such areas are essential, interior designers should make sure they are far away from the general work area. After all, most professionals have to focus and loud chatter or laughter will make it difficult to handle complex tasks or assignments.
Quality Lights for Every Area
This is far from a co-working interior design specific. Proper light is one of the most important elements for successful interior design, whether commercial interior design, retail or residential.
Just like all other aspects of the office design, lights should be flexible. Whenever the floor plan has to be rearranged, lights will also have to be designed in a way that matches the respective use of the space.
Adding a personal light to each of the office desks is one of the simplest ways to accomplish the goal. This way, tenants will have the power to decide whether they need brighter light or they’re comfortable with the dimmer office lights.
Having motion sensor-activated lights and lights with dimming or brightening abilities will also give you a lot of control over the ambiance as well as being environmentally friendly. Luckily, contemporary technologies make the implementation of such light systems a pretty simple task.
A Little Bit of the Home Appeal
Co-working spaces are a lot less stiff and formal than other offices. Thus, bringing a bit of the home to the workspace is going to work quite well.
Pictures, live plants, throw pillows, rugs and cushions in the relaxation areas will make the tenants feel at home. The office area should focus on functionality and clutter-free appeal. Relaxation spaces can be designed much more like the typical Singaporean living room.
If you don’t feel like home design is compatible with your concept, find inspiration in café design. Many freelancers and telecommuting professionals are used to working in coffee shops. Thus, borrowing a few elements from these spaces will bring some warmth to the overall concept.
Good co-working office interior design is all about finding the balance between work and play. Maintaining flexibility and starting with a good concept will make it much easier for you to make the most of the space, to choose the right furniture and accessories.
Choosing the right Singapore interior design company for the job will be the next essential.
As you’ve seen already, co-working spaces have their specific. These modern and flexible offices appeal to a younger crowd and they emphasise aspects that aren’t necessarily prominent in a corporate environment. This is why you should take your time to identify the right interior design team for the job.
Home Guide has a lot of experience, knowledge and we’re also proud of our creative vision. Our team works hard to understand what clients are looking for and to offer a tailored solution. Are you attempting to execute a co-working space project? Contact us today and we’ll be more than happy to partner up with you on bringing the vision to reality.
