Designing a coworking space is much more than just throwing together some desks and Wi-Fi. It’s about creating an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and focus while offering flexibility to cater to a variety of working styles. From the solo entrepreneur to teams of employees working remotely, your coworking space needs to accommodate different needs and provide comfort, privacy, and a sense of community.
To create a truly successful coworking space, you need to consider how to balance open, collaborative areas with private workspaces. You’ll also want to offer amenities that support modern work habits, such as high-speed internet, ample meeting spaces, and spots for relaxation. Here’s how to approach the design of a coworking space that will make your members feel at home while providing an ideal work environment.
Small Offices: A Quiet Escape for the Home Worker
One of the most important things to consider when designing a coworking space is privacy, especially for those working from home who need a change of scenery. A lot of professionals who work remotely often struggle with distractions at home, whether it’s kids, pets, or simply the temptation to do anything but work. While these professionals may not need a full-time office, they often seek out small, private offices as part of a coworking space.
These small offices provide a quiet haven where members can focus on their tasks without the interruptions or noise that come with working in a shared space. The design of these spaces should prioritize comfort and functionality. Think ergonomic furniture, adjustable lighting, and soundproofing to create a calm, productive atmosphere. For some members, these small offices will become their go-to workspace, and having them available offers a huge advantage over the chaotic, distraction-filled home office.
The key to designing these spaces is versatility. They should be functional enough for someone who may only need a couple of hours of quiet work, yet comfortable and equipped for members who may spend their entire day there.
Phone Booths: Offering Privacy in an Open Space
While open floor plans and communal areas are a hallmark of coworking spaces, not everyone thrives in that environment all day long. Many professionals still need privacy for phone calls, video conferences, or focused work that requires deep concentration. This is where the phone booth concept comes into play.
Phone booths, or small enclosed spaces within a coworking environment, provide members with a place to take calls without disturbing others or being distracted by the noise around them. These booths are typically soundproof and equipped with a comfortable chair, a small desk or counter for laptops or notes, and excellent lighting to keep things professional if someone is on a video call.
Phone booths add an element of flexibility to the coworking space. Members can step away from their desks for a private call without booking a full meeting room. They also offer a sense of privacy in an otherwise open environment, which can be a huge relief for someone juggling multiple client calls or video conferences throughout the day.
Open Work Areas: Collaboration and Community
Of course, no coworking space would be complete without open work areas designed for collaboration and community. These spaces should foster a sense of connection among members, whether they’re sharing ideas, working on group projects, or simply chatting during a coffee break. The layout of these areas should be conducive to interaction while still allowing for focus.
This is where layout design really matters. You want to offer a mix of seating options: long communal tables where members can work side by side, lounge areas for more relaxed interactions, and individual desks or small clusters of desks for those who want to be part of the buzz but still need some personal space. Balance is key. If the space feels too open and noisy, members looking for focus will struggle. On the flip side, too many private spaces can defeat the purpose of coworking altogether.
Using modular furniture can help with the flexibility needed in these spaces. Movable desks, chairs, and partition walls allow you to rearrange the space depending on the needs of the day. A coworking space may host a networking event one evening and a quiet workday the next, so having a design that can easily adapt to different uses is a must.
Meeting Rooms: Flexibility and Functionality
Meeting rooms are a vital element of any coworking space, offering a professional setting for client meetings, team brainstorms, or presentations. The design of these rooms should include all the essentials for modern work—whiteboards, projectors, large monitors for video conferencing, and comfortable seating.
But functionality isn’t everything—these rooms should also look the part. When members book meeting spaces, they want to impress their clients or feel inspired while collaborating with their teams. Adding design touches like natural light, artwork, or even plants can make the room feel less corporate and more creative, while still maintaining a professional edge.
Offering meeting rooms in various sizes is another key factor. Smaller rooms are perfect for one-on-one meetings or video calls, while larger rooms can host team events, client pitches, or even workshops. Flexibility is again the name of the game—moveable walls or sliding glass doors can help expand or shrink spaces as needed.
Communal Spaces: Encouraging Breaks and Networking
In addition to workspaces, it’s essential to provide communal areas where members can take breaks, recharge, and network with one another. The kitchen or café area often becomes the social hub of a coworking space, so it’s worth putting some thought into its design. Comfortable seating, a coffee bar, and plenty of natural light can transform a simple kitchen into a place where members can connect and unwind.
These areas should be designed with a social atmosphere in mind. Offer a mix of seating options, from high-top counters to lounge chairs, and be sure to provide plenty of charging ports for those who can’t step away from their devices for long. Including features like a ping-pong table, foosball, or even a small library adds an element of fun and can help members feel more at home.
Designing for Flexibility
The overarching theme of designing a coworking space is flexibility. Whether it’s small private offices, phone booths for quiet calls, or open communal areas for collaboration, your space should be adaptable to the varied needs of your members. A well-designed coworking space doesn’t just offer desks—it provides an ecosystem where people can work, connect, and grow.
If you’re ready to design a space that people are excited to work in, don’t hesitate to think outside the box. And if you’re still working from a traditional office, it’s time to ditch the drab cubicles and join the coworking revolution. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner—trust us, your future coworkers are waiting.
