Creating Uplifting Workspaces. Tips, Tricks, and a Dash of Cheeky Banter.
Rising like mushrooms in a time of need, coworking spaces have become the epicenter of collaboration and creativity. But not all are created equal. To design a space that inspires and motivates its members, it’s essential to focus on key elements that promote focus, productivity, and well-being.
Also - partly for a bit of fun and partly to satisfy my imperishable curiosity - I asked ai to create two images. The first one showing what a terrible office would look like, and the second depicting a beautiful workspace. Let’s have a look.
Prompt n.1 as follows: “The worst possible office space. Boring, dreadful, makes you want to bang your head against the wall. Fills you with a sense of existential angst”.
Blimey, that is terrifying. Disturbing, I might add. To what avail did I push to generate this monstrosity?
By looking at what not to do, we can point out what to incorporate instead to create the opposite effect. Let’s dive in.
Ditch cold hues and maximise natural light
Natural light enhances mood, boosts energy, and overall has the potential to truly uplift a space. Despite their functionality, excessively cold lights can disrupt your circadian rhythm and contribute to eye strain.
How you can balance lighting in a room:
Use large windows, skylights, or glass partitions to allow sunlight to flood the space.
Position desks and communal tables near windows for optimal light exposure.
Choose sheer or light-coloured curtains for privacy without blocking sunlight.
Incorporate plenty of plants (but don’t forget to water them!)
Plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a calming environment. Do not forget to take care of them though! Few things are sadder than dead plants in an office.
Here are some tips for creating green havens:
Use a mix of low-maintenance plants like succulents, pothos, or snake plants.
Incorporate vertical gardens or green walls to save space while maximizing greenery.
Position plants strategically on desks, shelves, and in breakout spaces.
Smartly combine organic materials
Leverage our innate biophilia and incorporate organic materials such as wood, stone, and natural fibers to create warmth and instill an additional sense of calm.
Design Tips:
Opt for wooden furniture with natural finishes. Second-hand furniture can provide some unique and cost-effective pieces. Facebook Marketplace and flee markets are great hunting grounds, especially in Brighton!
Incorporate stone elements in tables or accent walls.
Integrate cotton, wool, or linen rugs to add texture and interest in a room. Rugs also provide an added layer of sound-buffing, making them a great asset in meeting rooms or spaces that need to be a bit quieter.
Shake it up by adding inspiring and unexpected elements
Staring at a screen all day can be soul-drenching. Add some interesting visual stimuli to grab people’s interest, giving them something else to look at during their tea break.
What and Where:
Choose artwork from local artists to showcase in your space. Fun fact: this is one of WRAP’s specialities! You can learn more about our exhibiting artists here.
Create a mini-library with a selection of magazines, resources, books, and even board games. Book swaps are a great way to build your community library!
Place these elements away from primary work zones to reduce distractions (and to get people to stretch their legs!).
Add cozy breakout areas and treat everyone to little comforts
Comfortable breakout zones foster relaxation and informal exchanges. And a little bit of indulging is good for everyone so adding a few snacks and treats is a great and simple way to make people feel looked after.
Tips:
Use cozy sofas, bean bags, or lounge chairs to create various inviting spots.
Add an assorted cookie jar in breakout spaces
Organise monthly or quarterly events and get-togethers for your community. They don’t have to be anything overly complicated! Something as simple as a community breakfast (you can check our ones here!) can be the perfect occasion for everyone to feel a bit pampered.
And that’s it!
As a final curtain call, let’s now have a look at the second image generated.
Prompt n.2 was “A beautiful, contemporary coworking space. I feel motivated, uplifted, and inspired to work there. It really makes me wish I was part of its community!”. And here it is…🥁 🥁
Ha! That looks a bit familiar… (I might have cheated a bit here 😉)
Lotsa love,
Nina
