{"id":3657,"date":"2019-11-13T16:15:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-13T21:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/discover-more\/blog\/coworking-space-design\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T00:34:33","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T04:34:33","slug":"coworking-space-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/coworking-space-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Ideas for Coworking Space Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dave Clifton<\/strong>
\nContent Strategy Specialist
\nSpaceIQ<\/p>\n

Designing the ideal coworking space is difficult, to say the least. A diverse group of occupants expect workspaces that suit their unique styles. Attracting members or one-time users requires marketing to myriad industries. In the coworking world, one coworking space layout does not fit all.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, coworking spaces have one key advantage: flexibility. Unlike traditional work environments, coworking businesses gravitate toward agile, innovative designs. The 1-to-1 desk ratio in a typical office isn\u2019t the norm. Instead, a successful shared space design is one that allows individual workers to mold the environment to their unique needs.<\/p>\n

Take a look at five coworking space designs and how to create a welcoming environment\u2014no matter the person or nature of their work.<\/p>\n

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1. Open-air benching<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Open-air benching is the epitome of modern work spaces. There\u2019s no assigned seating or special considerations. It\u2019s just a table and chair, waiting for someone to occupy them.<\/p>\n

It may seem utilitarian, but open-air benching is all most people need to work. In the age of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, there\u2019s little use for full-sized desks or offices. Even the most utilitarian area becomes a veritable workspace when there\u2019s room for a laptop and a few documents.<\/p>\n

For coworking facilities, open-air benching takes many of the logistics out of space planning. Count how many seats there are and fill them as-needed. There\u2019s no need to worry about who\u2019s seated where.<\/p>\n

Read more: Coworking space benefits and the workplace evolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Pods and neighborhoods<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pods are a more consolidated form of benching. In true shared space design, these workspaces limit the number of people\u2014usually between three and six\u2014to create a sense of closeness. Small groups foster networking and collaboration, and they\u2019re great for social workers.<\/p>\n

Pods also bring the advantage of controlled seating. Coworking facilities can delineate pod assignments in numerous ways to foster a great work environment: a graphic design pod for artistic professionals; a programming pod for software engineers; pods for people who love jazz music. The options are limitless and bring people together on common ground.<\/p>\n

3. Private collaborative spaces<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Though they demand larger swaths of dedicated square footage, private collaborative spaces are the standard for groups. Startup companies, small businesses, and study groups need private space to collaborate uninterrupted. In coworking spaces, that can mean a room away from the main work areas.<\/p>\n

A coworking space may only need one or two of these types of spaces to support groups. Or, they may have larger spaces set up for groups that can be used by individuals when not booked. Offering these spaces by request only is a smart way to prompt bookings and get a sense of utilization rates.<\/p>\n

4. Workspace zones<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Splitting coworking facilities into zones helps operators better manage them. Zones can create a sense of belonging among frequent guests.<\/p>\n

Colors are a great way to delineate areas:<\/p>\n