The advent of freelancing has significantly impacted the way people do their job. It allowed for creativity to bloom and the opportunity to be your own boss. Over the years, independent contractors have made parks, libraries, cafes, museums and even public transport their place of work. Earlier it was easy to work wherever you found a place to sit and open your laptop. Today, these public places turned offices have become inconvenient. There are just too many distractions. Moreover, freelancers often experience loneliness and public places add more to the cause.
Coworking spaces, a welcomed alternative, have significantly risen in popularity. These are successful in providing a sense of belonging while maintaining individual comfort. The irony lies in the fact that the same principle is followed in traditional office spaces but the outcome is distressed employees. Design is one of the reasons behind the success of coworking spaces. Compared to the dull grey setting and artificial lighting lining the ceilings in traditional offices, the modern designs of coworking spaces in Chennai are a pleasant change.
The Significance Of Design
In a survey conducted by Deskmag, 59% of the members voted for an enjoyable atmosphere as the reason behind choosing a particular coworking space. The way a coworking space is designed plays a crucial role in keeping the members productive and happy.
Coworking spaces designed much like coffee shops and cafes are popular since the freelancers originally preferred these venues for work. Such designs make the transition from a public place to a coworking space seamlessly. Moreover, shared dining areas and break rooms act as a catalyst for networking. Isolating elements in such areas are considered examples of poor design. Fun elements like pool tables and foosball tables are great crowd pullers in coworking spaces.
Biophilic designs in coworking spaces provide for an optimal work environment. Many coworking spaces are designed to utilise the natural light through glass facades and skylights rather than have light bulbs installed on the entire ceiling. With growing concern over degrading eyesight, this is an essential factor. Internal patios, indoor gardens and plants lining the walls and hanging from the ceilings are popular in coworking spaces. These give the feeling of being outside while being visual treats.
Flexibilityin design is essential for the coworking space providers and members alike. The community grows with time, therefore it is essential to innovate the interiors keeping in mind any future additions or events hosted by other members. After all, existing members must not be disturbed every time a new person joins.
iKeva, a leading coworking space provider, has been successful in achieving this balance between flexibility and innovation. In addition to hosting meetings, iKeva’s shared office spaces have allowed for conducting recruitment drives as well as organizing seminars and workshops.
Of course, electricity connectivity and internet ports are essential elements of a coworking space design. Members must not be hassled just to keep their devices charged. these little details does also matter.
Ergonomics has become crucial in workplaces. Design conscious coworking spaces consider being ergonomically sound a priority. The colourful setting and relaxing outdoor view may keep the mind active but the body requires attention too. Therefore, a mix of round tables, standing desk, ergonomic chairs and interconnected desks are available in coworking spaces. The variety allows for quick switch in places at the slightest discomfort.
Change in scenery and setting is also essential for any coworking space. Coworking spaces provided by iKeva have separate spaces for events and conferences as well as formal board rooms and private offices within the same building. These provide different settings required for different purposes.
Upcoming coworking space designs are now integrating libraries, cafes and restaurants as well. These provide greater comfort and inclusivity to members.
How The Design Impacts The ‘Community Factor’
Members of coworking spaces are varied in multiple aspects – professions, age, stage of careers, etc. Therefore, the design of a coworking space must bring some sense of unity in the diversity that coworking spaces have. Striking the right balance through design allows for a thriving community in shared office spaces. The design must allow for effortless interaction between members. As much as possible, it needs to facilitate introvert members to communicate, allowing for some conversational magic to happen during breaks. Welcoming designs in break areas also help the cause greatly.
Why iKeva?
iKeva integrates many such thoughtful design elements which make for a perfect coworking space with space designated for varied purposes and requirements. Of course, the provision of infrastructure and amenities also provide great comfort to members. iKeva’s coworking space design is ergonomically sound and keeps up with the biophilic trend.
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