Coworking Space Design Tips

Shared office spaces and coworking are becoming more popular as people look for alternatives to the traditional office. These workspaces offer several advantages, including increased flexibility, collaboration opportunities, and cost savings.

If you’re thinking about starting a coworking space, you should examine the optimal layout depending on your neighborhood, the preferences of potential members, and your goals. In this article, we’ll share 10 tips for designing a successful coworking space that will help boost productivity while offering exactly what people want.

Location Is Key

When it comes to opening a coworking space, location is critical. You want to choose a space that’s easily accessible and in a desirable area. After all, people are more likely to use your space if it’s convenient for them to get to.

Ensure There’s Enough Natural Light

One of the worst mistakes you can make when designing a coworking space is not considering the importance of natural light. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can help boost productivity and improve mood.

So, when you’re looking for a space to open your coworking business, ensure there’s plenty of natural light. Consider a space layout that allows for ample light to reach all areas by using large windows or skylights.

Create a Variety of Different Spaces

Not all coworking spaces are created equal. There’s a big difference between a space designed for productivity and one that’s nothing more than a glorified coffee shop. If you want your coworking space to be successful, creating various spaces for people to work in is crucial.

✔️ Private Offices

✔️ Conference Rooms

✔️ Lounge Areas

✔️ Open Coworking Spaces

By providing multiple options, you’ll be able to appeal to a wider range of people and their individual needs.

Think About Acoustics

Remember the last time you were in a library? It was probably pretty quiet, right? That’s because libraries are designed with acoustics in mind. The same should be thought of for your coworking space. After all, when people are trying to focus on work, the last thing they want is distracting noise.

✔️ Avoid hard surfaces like concrete

✔️ Ensure that entrances are acoustically insulated from outside noise

Incorporate Nature

In recent years, there’s been a growing body of evidence that suggests incorporating nature into your workspace can have a positive impact on productivity.  By bringing nature into your coworking space, you can create an environment that’s both comfortable and productive.

✔️ Use natural materials like wood and stone

✔️ Incorporate potted plants into the space

💡 If you’re interested in learning more about this, The Extended Mind is a great book for understanding how nature and workplace design affect work. Excellent read!

Provide Comfortable Furniture

Incorporating various seating options and plenty of tables and desks will help your members feel comfortable in your space. Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that the furniture is adjustable so that people can customize it to their needs.

Flexibility is key on a detail-oriented level. Standing desks are fantastic; desks with a wide range of adjustable heights are even better. It should be easy for members to adjust their workstations to needs like dual monitors, a laptop stand, additional USB ports, and charging stations.

Making sure your tenants have everything they need will encourage them to come back and also recommend your space to their friends and colleagues.

Invest in Technology

Investing in technology is another important tip for designing a successful coworking space. Give it a modern touch by investing in things like electronic paper display (EPD) signage, locker systems and scheduling software.

Additionally, a traditional conference room’s A/V requirements may differ significantly from those of an auditorium-style conference room, a private office, or a small huddle/breakout room. Make sure to equip your spaces based on their size, layout, and intended purpose.

Automating inventory management is a way to keep your members from wasting time troubleshooting technical issues. By investing in such technology, you can create a coworking space that’s both modern and efficient.

Promote Wellness

In light of the fact that happy and healthy people are more likely to be efficient, promoting general well-being will provide you with a space that is both healthy and promotes productivity. In addition to giving you an extra leg up on your competition. 

✔️ Gyms

✔️ Yoga studios

✔️ Healthy snacks & drinks

Guarantee Accessibility

Another important tip for designing a successful coworking space is to ensure that your space is accessible, which includes having an area that’s wheelchair accessible.

When you make your space accessible, you can create a space that’s inclusive and welcoming to everyone while also meeting their needs. This ensures everyone can get the most out of their coworking environment.

Another kind of accessibility is the convenience of availing of your coworking space. Invest in proper tools that allow members to book rooms seamlessly.

Think About Security

When designing your coworking space, it’s crucial to think about security since this is an essential consideration for many people. There are a few different things that you can do to make your space more secure, such as installing security cameras and access control for all doors and entrances.

By thinking about security, you can create a safe space that will give your tenants peace of mind.

Conclusion

Designing a successful coworking space is all about offering what people want and need. Coworking spaces are unique in the sense that they require spaces that can accommodate both the need for privacy and focus for members, while also enabling them to collaborate and cooperate with others in a friendly and productive manner.

Now you can begin with coworking space design. Keep these tips in mind to create a workspace that helps boost productivity and enhances the member experience.