How the design of workspaces i

W17 Paarl. Image supplied

How the design of workspaces is changing the way we work

The days of dull and dreary workspaces are over, but so are the days of noisy, overly decorated co-working spaces.

How the design of workspaces i

W17 Paarl. Image supplied

As with almost everything in life, there is a pendulum that swings when it comes to design in office space. We’ve moved far away from the dull workspaces of yesteryear to buzzing co-working spaces, and we are on the swing back to a more comfortable space somewhere in between.

What makes a good workspace?

With the focus of office space shifting from formal settings to more organically designed co-working spaces [insert link], designers have needed to come up with solutions to meet the changing need. Functional and attractive workspaces need a flow and need to cater to different work needs, depending on what is needing to be achieved.

Because work has shifted from sitting at a desk from 9 – 5, workspaces have adapted to allow for more creativity and freedom. Co-working spaces are allowing for freedom of movement and freedom of design that offices of yesteryear didn’t allow. Workers are encouraged to position themselves wherever they choose, depending on light, their work requirements, or even distance to the coffee station.

What does it take to be productive?

Co-working spaces need to enable workers to feel safe. They need to enjoy privacy if needed, and also need to know that their equipment is safe if they need to leave their workspace for a bit.

Co-working spaces, such as the spaces at Workshop17, create a sense of community. The cafes offer a welcoming centre, a meeting place and a hub where ideas can be shared and community can be established. The management of a well-functioning co-working space is also vital and gives workers a sense of security and support if they require it.

Giving back through mindful design

Co-working spaces such as Workshop17, have an internal design team made up of Nisha Parbhoo, Salomien Pieterse and Janri Owen. This team ensures that furnishings are locally sourced from smaller entrepreneurial companies. The designers foster good relationships with their suppliers and help build small businesses looking to grow.

An in-house design team means that they stay in touch with workers’ needs and wants when it comes to office design. The teams pride themselves on testing limitations to see what works and what doesn’t. Being onsite means they can observe how workers respond to the co-working spaces and can adapt the spaces accordingly.

Each co-working space at the seven Workshop17 sites countrywide is uniquely designed to suit different work needs. No two spaces are the same because no two suburbs are the same.

To get in on the action, contact the Workshop17 office closest to you.