Come Fly With Me – Coworking spaces around the world
Coworking spaces are a way of the future.
Increasingly, industry giants and boutique agencies are seeking niche spaces in fruitful locations at which to expand their culture. Each space has its own character, often antecedent of the philosophies which underscore the initiative. Despite this vibrant amalgam of spaces, each coworking space is aligned in its fundamental intent: to foster a creative community.
Coworking spaces are a way of the future. Increasingly, industry giants and boutique agencies are seeking niche spaces in fruitful locations at which to expand their culture. Each space has its own character, often antecedent of the philosophies which underscore the initiative. Despite this vibrant amalgam of spaces, each coworking space is aligned in its fundamental intent: to foster a creative community.
Let’s take a look at how others are doing it.
First stop: Crew Collective – Montreal
Image Credit: Aerial View of Buildings
This coworking space inhibits a former Royal Bank dating back to the 1920’s. Workers occupy the 12,000 square foot space, profusely endowed with marble mosaic and bronze. Most notable however is the 50-foot vaulted ceiling designed by Angelo Magnanti, an Italian figure of architecture, donned with gilded chandeliers. Respectably, the building’s legacy has been well maintained, with architect Henri Cleinge finding a natural partition for example in the original bank teller.
Cleinge architects discussed the project with Archello, stating how the teller serves as “a testimony to another era, which could thrive with a new function redefining its purpose.” One of the main concerns was the harmony between flow and boundaries: “the environment was meant to create a flow and possible interactions between permanent and temporary workers, nurturing co-working in the tech community.” The use of glass walls as transparent borders is an example of this duality.
Second stop: Dojo – Bali
Image Credit: The Beach Culture of Bali
Dojo is a stark visual contrast to the aforementioned Crew Collective. This is a hip, double-storey venue, featuring a pool encircled by lush tropical gardens. Even better, Echo Beach is a one-minute walk away. As stated on their website, Dojo centres itself on “real lasting human connections and moments,” affirming that “it’s not about fancy buildings… or how big the coworking space is.” In fact, its intention lies in the translation of its Japanese title, with ‘Dojo’ meaning ‘place of the way.’ Effectively, this endeavours to be an international and local community in pursuit of an enhanced quality of life, fostered through work-life balance, collaboration and positive social and environmental change.
Through their “cogiving sector,” the Dojo Community works towards general community amelioration. For example, they are currently involved in “finding ecological solutions for a cleaner and greener island and ocean, entrepreneurial-skills development for underprivileged children, sustainable tourism, and bringing clean water to rural Indonesia.”
Third stop: NeueHouse – Hollywood
Image Credit: Hollywood Sign
As stated in Forbes, NeueHouse Coworking Space is “a private cultural and collaborative space for prominent creatives, artists and entrepreneurs.” It operates within the original CBS Studios, first opened in 1938. As noted by Forbes, this world first building built intentionally for broadcast has seen historic artists from the likes of Lucille Ball, to the Beach Boys, to Bob Dylan. The most notable element of this space is the former Hollywood sound stage, reimaged to create an inspiring coworking space.
CEO Josh Wyatt (credits: co-founder of Generator, head of Equinox developments) gave insight via Forbes into why he remains unphased by “800-pound gorilla” coworking competitors such as WeWork and Knotel. Grandmaster of the hospitality industry, Wyatt emphasises the impetus of design as a physical foundation which triggers a sustained emotional experience. Wyatt forecasts as we enter a period of increased digital impact, visuals are going to get more and more important.
“One of the greatest compliments that I received from a mentor of mine was when he said, “You built Generator to last after you and the team left.” It really is a testimony to how great design can permanently impact a building and a customer base.” – CEO Josh Wyatt
Fourth stop: Village Underground – Lisbon
Image Credit: Lisbon City, a place of culture
Village Underground is described via its website as an “international platform for art, culture and creativity.” Interestingly, its quirky infrastructure is comprised of shipping containers which serve as coworking spaces, and two double-decker buses utilised as a restaurant and conference room (oh, and there’s also a skate ramp). As ascertained by Elle UK, this is a “kooky hub… the place for artists to work.”
So, what is our takeaway? Effectively, inspiration lies everywhere. Coworking spaces are made with the very purpose of fostering creativity and connection. Thus, one would do well to invest themselves passionately into such a space which in turn will give back.
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