CURATING
C OWOR KI NG SPACE AS A THIRD
PL ACE
JOANNA LIM YIN 2018
CURATING
C OWOR KI NG SPACE AS A THIRD
PL ACE
This book has been submitted to the Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), to fulfill the requirment for the award of the degree of Master of Architecture Department of Architecture Fakulti Alam Bina (FAB) University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Copyright Š 2018 Designed by
Joanna Lim Yin All right reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by an electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Book cover design by Joanna Lim Yin and the image by Waraporn. Software used from: Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Indesign, Book size: B5, Font: Minion Pro
First edition: Dec 2018
CURATING
C OWORK I NG PL ACE AS A THIRD
PL ACE
AC K NOW L E D G E M E NT
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to people have given me tremendous support throughout this whole journey. First and foremost, I will like to express my deepest gratitude to my final dissertation supervisor, Ar. Chan Wai Lai, for encouragement, guidance, critics and friendship. Not forgetting Assoc. Prof. Dr Syed Ahmad Iskandar, as my second supervisor, who has guided me through all stages in completing this dissertation with illuminating instruction and incredible patience. The support and advice from thesis panels, Assoc. Prof Sharifah Salwa Syed Mahzar and Dr Leng Pau Chung. My fellow postgraduate friends should also be recognized for their support and assistance at various occasion and their views and tips are useful and helpful. Lastly, I am grateful to all my family members and dearest friends for their unconditional love and continuous encouragement.
Image source: Carlos Quimpo, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENT
11 ABSTRACT 13 INTRODUCTION 14 Background Study 15 Problem Statement 16 Research Aim 16 Reserach Objectives 16 Research Questions 16 Scope of Study 17 Significant of Study 17 Research Methodology 17 Summary and Conclusion 19 LITERATURE REVIEW 20 Introduction 21 Evolution of Workspace 25 Coworking Definition 26 Unfolding Coworking 29 Development of Coworking 30 Socio-cultural Ecosystem of Coworking 34 Workspace Design Principle 46 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 47 Introduction 48 Methodological Framework 50 Data Collection 51 Summary 52 CASE STUDY 53 Introduction 54 Case Study 1 Station F and Evaluation 62 Case Study 2 Federal Center South Building 1202 and Evaluation 70 Case Study 3 Expensigy Portland Office and Evaluation 76 Case Study 4 WeWork Office and Evaluation 82 Case Study 5 The Hive Lavender and Evaluation 89 Summary 90 ANALYSIS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 91 Introduction 92 Summary and Analysis of Case Studies 94 Design Strategies for Interactive Workplace 95 Summary 96 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION 100 REFERENCES 104 APPENDIX
AB ST R AC T
Several developing countries in South-East Asia has experience rapid urbanisation in 1900s. However, 19-century suburbanization process started at the southern part of Kuala Lumpur has caused the shifting in population and industries, leaving city center to be developed into financial instructions with more employment than entertainment centers only. Masjid India neighborhood which is proposed as the study area, is one of the earliest settlements of Indian Muslim that offer strategic location for merchants from Indian continent as it is situated adjacent to the confluence of Gombak and Klang River. However, the lack of diversities in commercial activities attracts limited users and has caused the decrease in its urban vitality due to lack of users’ choice. Coworking spaces are transforming the landscape of cities, small town and suburban corridors with its considerable growth. (Wagner and Watch, 2017) Its growth across Kuala Lumpur and globally has fosters the cross-disciplinary approaches to urban growth and development. Its significant rise has generated crowd moving through an area which is impactful to urban vitality. This paper aim to curate coworking space as a focal point to entice innovative coworkers and public community to ensure Masjid Indian neighborhood’s vitality and its sustainable development. The objectives are to explore the concept of coworking space before investigating the efficiency of workplace design. Towards the end of the research, design strategies to design a successful space for interaction which facilitates coworker is accumulated. A qualitative research method which mainly consisted of literature review, case studies and on-site observation is conducted. Findings from the studies suggest strategies to be integrated into interactive coworking space design to attract vast community in the effort to revitalize the Masjid India Neighborhood. Lastly, this research is further utilized to assist in the design thesis project.
0 1 I NT RODU CT ION
Image source: Author
BACKGROU N D STU DY A city is a complex and multi-faceted entity resulted from well-developed civilization. A city comprises places where a wide variety of activities take place. Suburbanization has left city center with financial institution with more employment and less entertainment center due to birth of new townships. The prolong unhealthy working conditions in the office has further support a phenomenon where inner city decrease its liveliness after working hour. According to Jacobs, the essence of living in a city lies in lively diversity providing broad choices for people which should be accessible to everyone. Diversity, a multidimensional phenomenon (Tuer, Royne, and Murray 2001, 320) can be associated with mixed land uses which includes greater variety of housing types, building densities, household sizes, ages, culture and incomes. Development in city should be diversified enough, with attractive built forms and interactive landscape. Attractions does not imply solely of mix of retailing, but a good mix of arts, cultural or entertainment facilities, education, health or other services, and the availability of space for living and working to keep a city centre alive. Urban revitalization comprises a set of strategies to regenerate social and economy aspect of a city. It addresses issues like economic restricting, unemployment, social deprivation and exclusion. (Ntshona, 2013) In Malaysia, urban regeneration has implemented initiatives to attract visitors and promote a “return to the city” to revitalize city center and restore activity. (Rashid et. al, 2013) This study acknowledges the actions and strategies which were taken to address problems in Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the effort to restore city’s attractiveness by increasing economic value in urban area apart from creating comfortable and safe neighbourhood, the concept held by coworking community which embrace openness to new people, new idea, innovation and other communities to be integrated into urban fabric to arouse more city worker’s sense of identity and belonging to all. Hence, coworking space is integrated into urban fabric seeking connection between surrounding, human and nature, where not only coworkers work but allowing surrounding community to learn and play, as a third place that share a goal or creating environments that foster connections and creativity.
PROBL EM STAT EME NT Developed along the edge, Masjid India scape has more coarse grain and dense building blocks which diminished its only landmark, Masjid India, making the neighborhood less permeable to public. Besides, monotonous business commercial activities at Masjid India limit users, discontinue its liveliness throughout the day and eventually threaten local trade and small business and its sustainable development.
The issue from the site study are as follow:
LOW SIGNIFICANC E OF K L ANG RIVE R
L AC K OF P U BL IC PA RTIC I PATION
L AC K OF U R BAN P U BL IC SPAC ES
The existing development has disregard the existence of Klang River which was once the catalyst for the settlement development.
Monotonous business commercial activities attracts limited users and threaten the local trade and small business.
Lack of urban void and pocket space in Masjid India neighbourhood development.
River loses its significance due to its new solid concrete embankment to prevent the flood.
Lack of variety of activities to prolong people to stay in the neighbourhood. Images source: Author
Overcrowded five-foot way indicating a need for more facilities to facilitate social life.
RESEA RC H AI M This paper aims to curate coworking space as a focal point to entice innovative coworkers and public community to ensure Masjid Indian neighborhood’s vitality and its sustainable development.
RESEA RC H OB JEC T I V E S Coworking space is an office or working environment which is shared by people who are self-employed or work for different employers. Everyone protrudes different physical needs and psychological needs based on his or her activities. Based on the aim, a few objectives in this research is outlined as below.
1 2 3
To explore the concept of coworking space. To investigate the efficiency of workplace design. To accumulate design strategies to design a successful space for interaction in coworking space to allow community integration and fosters the social interaction and dialogues among individuals.
RE SE ARC H QU E ST IONS There are there research questions identified before this research.
1 2 3
What is the definition of coworking space? Does the concept of interactive workplace being implemented in coworking spaces? How to create serendipitous encounters among coworkers to facilitate interaction?
S C OPE OF ST U DY Coworking space is significant for providing a social platform for collaboration and social networking. Collaboration is about creating something beyond the capability of the individual collaborator. It involves multi-level of interaction, socialization and trust building to nurture collaboration. Hence, this study focusses on accumulating design strategies to design an interactive space to foster social encounters between coworkers and public for interaction to take place.
SIG N I F IC A NC E OF STU DY The finding of this study will not only be a learning paradigm for coworking space for coworkers but also establish zones as social platforms for public community participation to stimulate social interaction and to extend liveliness of Masjid Indian Neighborhood.
RESEA RC H M ET HOD OLO GY A qualitative research method is used to identify design strategies to design coworking space. The research’s data is collected through literature review, case study and field survey. Data collected will be analyzed through content analysis and qualitative
SUM M A RY & C ONC LU SION Literature review has responded to urban revitalizing effort by suggesting curating coworking space as a third place which offers not only coworkers and public community a place to work, learn and play to ensure its sustainability in Masjid Indian urban context. To retain coworking members, a workplace should maintain its attractiveness by creating an interactive place to allow coworkers to feel supported in the space by satisfying their basic needs over the course of their working day. While interactive workplace creates internal dynamics and impact to its users, its impact on the surrounding is limited. Therefore, coworking space seek connection between surrounding by creating active urban public space to stimulate interaction in public to extend liveliness of Masjid India neighborhood.
Image source: The Origins of Herman Miller’s, Mode of Work (http://online.fliphtml5.com/zzkm/gmjb/#p=1)
0 2 L I T E R AT U R E R EVI EW I N T RODU C T ION This chapter reviews the existing literatures on the issues relating to the subject matter. The whole studies are conducted quantitatively which focus on coworking space, coworker and its workspace design. There are two segments in this chapter. The first segment elaborates the sociology of coworking space through its development and socio-cultural aspect of the space users (coworkers). The second segment accumulates the design principles for workplace from different authors. In conjunction, a set of design parameters that primarily concentrate on designing successful space for interaction is set up after comprehensive study.
EVOLU T ION OF WORK SPACE DE SIGN The elements of workspace physical setting have evolved during the last two centuries and it is associated with three different economic sectors which can be identified from key stages of industrial evolution – mining and agriculture (primary), manufacturing (secondary) and the service industry (tertiary). The shift from the production of goods to the service industry (70%) was a critical point in workspace evolution (Nigel, 2009). Emergence of new types of complex business activities with managerial systems require more sophisticated settings to enhance employees’ performance. The evolution of workspace design (Augustina Radziunaite, 2016) is illustrated in Flowchart 2.0.
13 th CENTURY
20 th CENTURY
(YEAR 1904)
Workspace design started in 13th century when the intellectual production that was previously attributed to the religious world began to move amongst that of science and commerce when traders, engineers and artists began to utilize place to perform their work task. Work model for industrial setting as labor process was broke down into detailed tasks to improve efficiency. During the era of steel revolution, in the world first administrative building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a workplace had adopted first known open concept. CHARACTERISTIC: Steel girder open office, straight and linear arrangement which enabled management level overlook open office. Workplace that provides air conditioning, furniture that absorb noise and custom furnishing such as rolling chair.
20 th
CENTURY
(MID 1960s - POST WAR )
A new workspace design concept called Burolandschaft or office landscaping was developed by Wolfgang and Eberhard Schenelle.
CHARACTERISTIC: Workspace were arranged in cluster to promote teamwork and collaborations. Workers were encouraged to customize their workspace. Hierarchy diminished due to the informal layouts with open space and flexible furniture. CHARACTERISTIC: Workstation have lower partition for privacy, often described as cube farms or cubicle seats. The importance of ergonomics in space design: Human Scale and Measure of a Man is published by Henry Dreyfuss and Niels in 1970s.
21 st CENTURY
(POST INDUSTRIAL ERA)
21 st
CENTURY
(BIRTH OF CREATIVE CLASS)
The rise of technologies especially the internet allows the change in working environment. CHARACTERISTIC: The unpredicted markets and patterns rely on teamwork for productivity and large flexible space to adjust based on the individual’s needs. The usage of internet provides workers freedom to perform work tasks without attachment to a geographical location. New work modes concept such as free address, caves, commons, hives, clubs, hot desking, flextime, and telecommuting were introduced.
Formation of new social group which was referred to as the “creative class” was caused by the rise of IT. Creative workers needs to be in creative setting hence the migration patterns.
CHARACTERISTIC: Open office with biophilia spaces which focus on flexibility to foster interaction and collaboration. Workplace can be fun, playful and more casual. Certain spaces such as breakout seating, acoustic pods for privacy when needed and meeting space are Flowchart 2.0: The evolution of workspace design
From the timeline, we can observe that workplace design has been flexible in response to the operation needs, as well as the preference of the style of work of workers. It includes the spaces to support work where high level of interaction and collaboration is necessary and where more focused and individual work is undertaken.
Image source: Waraporn, 2016
C OWORK I NG DE F I NI TION s ourc e
WIKI 2011
DeGuzman and Tang
2012
A set-up with diverse group of people working alongside each other, sharing the space and resources.
A work style in which people of differing occupations and jobs gather and share the same workplace and enhance each other through actively communicating and sharing wisdom and information.
Satani
2012
An open plan office environment which professionals (in good-neighbors and goodpartners configurations) work alongside.
Spinuzzi
2013
A range of different spaces according to institutional purpose that is provided for coworkers (co-location) with the presence of activities and tools to stimulate the emergence of relationship and collaboration .
Parrino
2015
A shared workplace among individuals who has common core values that is self-directed, collaborative, flexible and voluntary work style.
Rus, A. and Orel, M.
A place that gathers independent creative class together working side-by-side along each alone, recreating a community of work.
Table 2.0: Definition of Coworking Space
U N F OL DI NG C OWORK I NG Coworking space emerged and has rapidly influencing global social and organizational scenario. Its growth has proven to be beneficiary to urban neighbourhood, offering an alternative, more sustainable basis for local development (Merkel, 2005; Oakley and O’connor, 2015). What is coworking space exactly? Co-working originally use to describe a practice of working together on the same task with colleagues or clients (Buksh and Davidson, 2013) However, coworking, without the hyphen, emerged in 2005 by an independent IT specialist in San Francisco - Brad Neuberg, who used the term to describe the physical setting which offer spatial and social infrastructure to freelancers, entrepreneurs and other individual workers who were seeking freedom and independences like himself (Neuberg, n.d). The definition of coworking space given by separate entities are summarized in Table 2.0.
BE GI NNI NG In the beginning, coworking space is an exciting alternative setting for people who are longing to escape the confines of cubicle walls, the inconveniences of working in public venues such as café, or to avoid getting overly comfortable (distraction) and isolation from working solo at home (DeGuzman and Tang
L ATE R As coworking spaces expanded, more and more coworking spaces are built on the second fundamental aspect which aims to activate the social process. Coworking has oriented to create physical space that cultivate interaction, social networking, collaboration (Capdevila, 2014; Spinuzzi, 2012) and building community (Adler et. Al., 2008) by combining best elements of workspace to maximize member’s productivity (Botsman and Rogers 2011). Here, a network of people who is either self-employed or freelancers is linked together for production and work (Moriset, 2014) by shared networks and resources (Kenline 2012). The function of this informal public working place is similar to that of a ‘third place’ (Oldenburg, 1989) which is neither company nor private places. Moriset (2014) underlines the convergence of a third place like ‘neutral ground’ (flexible basis), ‘leveler’ (absence of social barriers), ‘accessibility’ and those citizen space which associates with openness, collaboration, accessibility and community.
Image source: Diana Hlevnjak, 2018
NOW The central of activity of coworking spaces has developed to a more structured and institutionalized organization, with defined roles and tasks which focus on a specific services and activities with specific needs and purposes. Hybridization between coworking spaces and other different type of spaces is the latest trend in the market (Moriset, 2014). Tuning coworking space into a learning hub attracts not only new member but public around the neighborhood, companies and other entrepreneurs in learning new skills. This connected learning is seen as a platform to reach out, bringing new opportunities for new work, potential business partner or even public services. This trend has seen in the birth of spaces like flexible office (offer rental solutions but not promoting collaboration), incubators (startup spaces for the development of business and innovative projects), accelerators (a space where companies host intensive program) and maker space (a space where people and startup can develop/test ideas using shareable manual or automated tools). Underlying all “third space�, regardless of its size, the services provided by coworking spaces are both membership and drop-in service. Membership is a service targeting individuals who use the facilities or space on regular basis, ranging from limited days a week to monthly rental. Besides, there is a range of utilized spaces being offer in the market, it can be either flexible (hot desk) or fixed (permanent desk or private office). Therefore, the membership varies. As for drop-in service, this refers to fee payable to utilize the facilities provided in the space based on appointment or reservation.
Image source: Diana Hlevnjak, 2018
DEV EL OP M EN T OF C OWOR KI NG The concept of coworking diffuse since the year 2006. Its number increases dramatically from 30 spaces in 2006, to 7,800 spaces by 2016 with approximately 510,000 members around the world (Global Coworking Survey, 2016). The diffusion in coworking space can be characterized by some phenomenon described below.
asp e c t
a sp e c t
MOTIVATION
SERVICES PROVIDED
OPERATORS Operation focus to create new connections with other people or association to expand business opportunities (finding new clients) and renting infrastructure (office rental and increase revenue).
Apart from providing basic facilities and utilities in coworking spaces, operators are proposing more and variegated activities inside the space. For example, services which focus on business are training programs, business development programs and coaching. Services and infrastructure which are not work related for specific target are nursery and child-care, or discounts for commercial services in the area.
COWORKERS There is a shift in focus from connections, social relations and community to quality of infrastructure offered in spaces. They are also interested in knowledge sharing by the events promoted by the spaces (workshop and training session).
COWORKER Accommodate only freelance professional initially but expanded to small companies, startups and employees. Hence, there is the increase in the need to have permanent workspace instead of flexible one.
COWORKING SUSTAINABILITY AND PROFITABILITY
LOCATION
There are two different sources of income in coworking space, direct or indirect income. Coworking spaces seize the opportunity to acquire new clients or projects through renting of space and infrastructures.
OPERATOR STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION
NETWORK OF COWORKING SPACES
Operator of coworking spaces have been more structured and organized with more explicit and defined rules and roles. It is no longer operated by a community manager but other coordinators such as marketing and project coordinator to provide better service to the space tenants. .
More and more coworking spaces are expanding in size, providing extra room for user and business to grow. Some spaces have transformed their name into branded local or global chain. These global chains such as Wework and NextSpace initiates a creation of coworking spaces network which provide coworkers with coworking “visa� that allow coworkers around the world to have membership to use facilities and services of spaces in the networks, free of charge.
Location of coworking spaces concentrate at business cities but slowly expand to suburban cities.
S O C IO - C U LT U R AL EC O SYSTE M I N C OWORK I NG SPAC E C OWORK I NG AN D C OM M U NI T Y
Coworkers are, conceptually, individuals who work together with other attributes in the same physical place. This definition does include freelancers, small-scale entrepreneurs and organization member who work in the creative or IT industry. In several studies, “sense of community” has been resonates highly as a reason to work in coworking space (Foertsh, 2015; Puzi et al, 2015; Brodel, 2015). One of the distinct function and benefit from coworking according to young workers (“gainers”) (Colleoni and Arvidsson, 2015: 169) especially startups and new entrepreneurs with limited work experience is to build their “social capital” and learn from more experienced professionals (“givers”). Through this, coworking space primarily offers “sense of community” and counter isolation among independent professionals. Spinuzzi (2012) and others (Merkel, 2015; Parrino, 2015) observed that many coworkers are simply working alone, together, sharing a physical space without much interaction. Therefore, the role of coworking space “hosts” or managers in curating and facilitating encounters and interactions among coworkers has brought to attention to create the “sense of community”.
Image source: Waraporn, 2016
In order to distinct coworking community from traditional community, Rus and Orel (2015) proposed to call coworking community a community of work. Based on sociology research by Ferdinand Tonnies’ Gesellshaft, a german sociologist, the concept of community in modern era is built on the common understanding between members which unites them emotionally despite of their differences. The social structure of traditional community has made possible values such as solidarity, commitment, mutuality, and trust (Frazer, 1999). In fact, these features have casted social exclusion by setting invisible boundaries. It is the similitude among members that binds individuals and make it skeptical to outsider. (Bauman, 2001). Unlike traditional community, coworkers’ community of work focuses on supporting individuals in their pursuit. Coworkers community embraces openness to new people, new ideas, innovation, and other communities. They commit to work together alone in the coworking spaces and are committed to information and knowledge sharing and devoted to help other members in problem solving. Therefore, this new community relies on the diversity of people with different skills and knowledge that are willing to share and collaborate to thrive. In Spinuzzi (2012) activity theory framework, two behaviours can be observed from coworking community, named neighbours and partners. Good neighbours enjoy working in parallel (on their own, individual projects) with others. They focus more on the attributes of coworking spaces facilities as part of their professional image. On the other hand, good partners recognize other coworkers as potential business partners and collaborators. Their converge point is community activities and platforms which are provided by the operator as part of the social networking tool.
Image source: Waraporn, 2016
IN T ER AC T ION A N D C OL L AB OR ATION
Individual
Expertise acquired by experience and familarity with information
IO N RA CT TE COMMUNICATION IN
CREATIVITY
Passing on of information
Working together towards a common goal
N O TI RA O AB LL CO
KNOWLEDGE
Activity between two or more people affecting each of them
IN
TI O N V
EN
AT IO N INNOVATION
Individual
Mental/ social process of generating new ideas
IN
Organised facts and data
FO RM
Individual
First occurence of idea for new product or process
Successfully implementing new idea to make a radical change in thinking , product or process
Figure 2.0: The interaction-innovation cycle. Source:https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/02632771111101322
Image source: Author
Several authors have observed interactions among coworkers who demonstrate their willingness to share their skills and services to support other members in the coworking space. Coworking activities appear in various format, most are unstructured and in selfdirect format which is active in participation but serendipitous in learning experience (Bilandzic, 2013). This occurrence is due to an emerging creative and innovative (quaternary) economy that has eclipsed previous knowledge economy. The game has changed, it isn’t about math and science anymore, it’s about creativity, imagination and above all, innovation. (Business Week, 2005) In this shift within business economy, it is essential that workers strive to capitalize their ideas and creativity. In order to achieve that, interaction is the key in generating new knowledge and ideas collectively (Nigel, 2009). Figure 2.0 illustrates the cycle from interaction to collaboration for better understanding of these overlapping activities in most coworking spaces. In the figure, the cycle commences when some information, organized facts and data is generated by an individual who is ready to communicate to others. If an individual response to such information, whether agree or disagree, an interaction occurred. Interaction transpire during the process of information sharing, decision making, idea generating, problem resolving and socializing when more than one individual is involved.
If an individual response to such information, whether agree or disagree, an interaction occurred. Interaction transpire during the process of information sharing, decision making, idea generating, problem resolving and socializing when more than one individual is involved. The more social interaction, the stronger relationship to enhance knowledge exchange and to accelerate the innovation cycle. (Cross and Parker, 2004) In some events, the innovation cycle includes collaborating with other individual. Collaboration is about creating something new beyond the capability of the individual collaborators. It brings two or more individuals to work towards a common goal in creating new product. Therefore, whilst collaboration is more complicated than interaction per se, interaction helps to build trust which is prerequisite for collaboration. The cycle recognizes that innovation involves both solitary work and social interaction. To achieve good social learning, coworkers need opportunities for self-directed exploration. Physical proximity is acknowledged for such event. Research shows that it takes up to 15 minutes to recover the “state of flow” or level of concentration when focusing on a task is being interrupted. Therefore, the right balance of spaces for interaction and concentration is imperative for coworking space design.
WORK SPAC E DESIGN PRI NC I PL E S Increasingly, architects and designers are tasked to redesign more activities-oriented workplace to “create communities”, “foster interaction”, “facilitate collaboration” and “create serendipitous encounters”. Through several insights towards the whole nature of coworking culture, like every workspace, coworking spaces’ design revolves basic parameters to create an interactive space in order to accommodate teams with a mix of personality17. A social science literature reviewed there are 5 key parameters for creating a successful space for interaction regardless of the personality of the users – proximity, privacy, functionality, legitimacy and accessibility. (Fayard and Weeks, 2005)
Image source: Toffu Content Library
PROX I M I T Y
The role of “proximity” in knowledge exchange had been widely discuss in multiple literatures in relation to coworking. According to oxford dictionary, proximity is a state of being near to somebody in distance or time. According to Tobler’s first law of geography, “everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things”. The underlying principle being that spatial factors are able to concentrate and facilities interactions and exchange (Genrtler, 2008). A person’s nearness (adjacency & visual availability) influence whether they initiate an interaction (Schein, 2010).
Figure 2.1: Horizontal and vertical proximity relationship (Source: Author)
25% 20% 15% 10% 5%
Frequency of communication
30%
ALLEN’S CURVE
8m
16m
24m
32m
40m
48m
56m
64m
72m
Distance of seperation
In Allen’s Curve from 1977 as shown in Figure 2.1, the frequency of communication decreases when distance among individual increases. In the graph, workers were much more likely to communicate with colleagues who were within a horizontal distance of 30 meters. The probability for people to communicate effectively dissipates beyond 10m, beyond 50m is impossible (Allen & Gunter Henn). On the other hand, vertical proximity is always seen as a major separation. (Kraut et. al. 1988) Being in a different office, different hallways, separate building is a liability. Team members are not able to function together effectively and sometimes not at all.
Therefore, single story or same floor locations are preferred over multiple stories as vertical separation has more severe effect on communication & collaboration. Although study suggests that close physical proximity, for example, sharing neighbouring office at the same floor, increases collaboration but as technology accelerates, coworker can stay connected digitally 20% more likely and emailed four times as frequently as colleagues in different locations (Waber, 2014). To sum up, proximity in a coworking space is considered as a resource that is needed for coworkers as a support to create a certain art scene (Llyod, 2004; Currid, 2007; Lange, 2011) and to develop knowledge through face-to-face interactions (Cohendet et al., 2014; Pratt, 2014)
Graph 2.1: Allen’s curve, 1977 (Graphic source: author)
PRI VAC Y Privacy is a sense of perceived visual and aural privacy. As coworking space accommodates coworkers with different personality types; openness and interaction are not for everyone.
EYSENCK’S (1967)
ROTTER (1966)
central personality theory
personality theory LOCUS OF CONTROL
INTROVERTS prefer to spend more time engaging in solitary activity which requires a formal, familiar, conforming and traditional space.
INTERNAL believes behaviour is guided by own personal decision and behaviour. In this case, he or she is more likely to be self-motivated, less supervision is needed.
EXTROVERTS are more gregarious individuals who are content in social gathering that prefer to work amongst coworkers.
EXTERNAL believes that behaviour is guided mostly by outside influences, who may require more supervision.
In the paradox of coworking office open plan environments that allow more interaction but simultaneously cause more distraction through noise and interruption (Broadbent, 1958)24, the challenge lies in designer’s hand to establish an office design that not only welcome occupants with different personalities by established spaces that displace, reduce, reduce, avoid distraction but also contain various interactions and collaboration.
Many
Auditorium
Video conferencing room
Project space
Circulation spaces
Low
Level of collaboration
Large meeting room
Amphitheatre
Teamwork spaces
Corridors
Discussion spaces
Informal booth
Phone booth
Work desk
Reading corner
Lounge
Enclosed
Open Space based on openness
In the paradox of coworking office open plan environments that allow more interaction but simultaneously cause more distraction through noise and interruption. Hybrid office design allow zonning based on chart above where active zone should be located away from quiet zone, at the same time maintaining their close proximity.
Graph 2.2: Level of collaboration versus space based on openness (Source: author)
F U NC T IONA L I T Y Functionality of workspace refer to the suitability of space which is affected by the layout and style of furniture, the equipment and services provided, the environmental conditions and the capacity of it. Coworking space are highly active with different activities happening simultaneously. Schein (2010) observed interaction changes from users’ action through space and time. Therefore, it is important for designers to understand coworkers working behaviour before constructing a functional workplace. A qualitative research done by Herman Miller identifies 10 behavior types in workplace a shown in Table 2.2. 10 behavior of workers are then categories into alone (solitary work) and together (social interaction).
CHAT An incidental and impromptu interaction with colleague. It offers a chance to catch up, ask a quick question, or seek out an opinion.
WARM UP, COOL DOWN Engagement of team member for last-minute adjustment to a presentation or an opportunity to discuss the content of the meeting to set next steps and ensure alignment.
SHOW & TELL A planned gathering to present and share information among teams, clients, colleagues or organization. The activities range from informal status to regimented and rehearsed speeches.
CONVERSE A purposeful interaction between two to three colleagues who address a defined topic.
CO-CREATE Generation of new ideas, problem-solving among group, with digital and physical tool involved.
DIVE & CONQUER; HUDDLE Spontaneous collaboration for a team to address an urgent issue or discuss and receive instruction for a plan of action.
CREATE An event when a person engages with a specific content associated with their role. This activity is a reflect the mix of concentrative, individual task that help move all work forward.
CONTEMPLATE An opportunity for individual to pause and consider the best way forward in their work or ignore it momentarily and provide respite.
PROCESS & RESPOND A work which is generated by work that drive work forward such as response or generate feedback loop of emails, phone calls, texts and messages, which does not require extreme attention or deep thinking.
Table 2.1: 10 behaviour type in workplace (Source: Herman Miller’s The Living Office, Graphic: Author)
L E G I T I M AC Y Legitimacy explains a valid reason is needed for being in the space. Workers need a valid reason for being in the space where activities take place. In another word, a range of spaces should be provided to workers to support their activities, strengthen their connection with colleagues and help fulfil their specific purpose. As nature of work changes, spaces are catalysts for interaction, creativity and innovation as well as for solitude, concentration and contemplation. A key to design a functional coworking space is to response to coworkers work behaviour by providing a choice of work-settings to support specific task with various environmental preferences (Oseland, 2009). Herman Miller further elaborated 10 purposeful settings to associate with 10 different mode of work identified in functionality as listed in Table 2.3.
PLAZA Chat Converse Process & respond
MEETING SPACE Show & tell
LANDING Warm up & cool down
JUMPSPACE Process & respond Chat
COVE Huddle Converse Co-create
WORKSHOP/ FORUM Show & tell Co-create Dived & conquer
HAVEN Huddle Converse Co-create
HIVE Process & respond Create Chat
CLUBHOUSE Huddle Divide & conquer Co-create
Table 2.2: 10 purposeful setting in workplace (Source: Herman Miller’s The Living Office, Graphic: Author)
AC C E S SI BI L I T Y Lastly, accessibility refer to the easy access and the known availability of spaces for interaction. Spaces for impromptu meetup need to be conveniently located with appropriate visual access and easily accessible. Oseland (2009) highlighted the importance of sociopetal space- designed to bring people together, to make available in workplace where people can socialise, celebrate and share without disturbing others. Setting aren’t the only things that help people work better together. It is the circulation space that conduct people. Planned circulation space enhance user’s experiences and are able to become an active connective space.
Image source: http://iphone5retinawallpaper.com/wallpaper.php?tag=&id=5553
SUM M ARY The study reviewed that under the guise of attractive interactive and collaborative coworking space, the pattern does not appear to be “natural�. The evidences have highlighted the role of coworking space managers in mediating. For a coworking space to serve as focal point in an urban neighborhood to ensure its business sustainability, it must not only provide stimulating activities to actively promote interactions and knowledge exchanges among coworkers but also provide effective physical setting for occurrence of such events. Five key interactive space design parameters which were identified can be implemented as coworking space design guideline. These design parameters are also utilized to extract appropriate designed strategies from related case studies and to justify the findings and discussion in the later chapters.
0 3 R E SE A RC H M ET HOD OLO GY I N T RODU C T ION This chapter will describe the methods that will be used for this research. A research methodological framework as shown in flow chart 3.0 is laid for better understanding and make easier for collecting related data and information for this research. Hence, the expected findings should be obtained in parallel to the research objectives. There are two segments in this chapter. First segment will explains the overall methodology for this research in the framework and the second segment explains the research methods and tools for data collection.
Developed along the edge, Masjid India scape has more coarse grain and dense building blocks which diminished its only landmark, Masjid India, making the neighborhood less permeable to public.
# 1 To explore the concept of coworking space
Besides, monotonous business commercial activities at Masjid India limit users, discontinue its liveliness throughout the day and eventually threaten local trade and small business and its sustainability.
1
PROBL EM G E NE SI S
# 2 To investigate the efficiency of coworking space design #3 To accumulate design strategies for designing a successful space for interaction
2
R E SE A RC H AI M
This paper aims to curate coworking space as a focal point to entice innovative coworkers and public community to ensure Masjid Indian neighborhood’s vitality and its sustainable development.
Flowchart 3.0: Methodology Framework
3
R E SE A RC H OBJECTIV ES
Primary data collection # Field survey Secondary data collection # Case Studies # Literature Review
4
R E SE A RC H QUE ST IONS
# 1 What is the definition of coworking space? #2 Does the concept of interactive workplace being implemented in coworking spaces? #3 How to create serendipitous encounters among coworkers to facilitate interaction?
5
RESEA RC H MET H D O LO GY
Design strategies for interactive coworking space
6
DATA ANA LYSI S
# 1 Content Analysis # 2 Visual Analysis #3 Qualitative Analysis
7
F I NDI NGS
DATA C OL L EC T ION
LITERATURE REVIEW Instrument: Content Analysis • Evolution of workplace • Understanding the rise of coworking space • Understanding sociology of coworkers • Design principles related to interactive workplace design
CASE STUDY Instrument: Cross sectional collection of data • Understanding workplace design in both coworking space and other offices • Critical analysis on the design approach and unique features
FIELD SURVEY Instrument: Visual Analysis and Interview • Understanding workplace design for coworkers in Singapore
P R I M A RY DATA collection is carried out in two separated visits. The first set of data were collected through on-site observation during site study at Masjid India Area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The community activity and movement pattern are observed and recorded passively through sketches and photographs as well as headcount. The second set of data were collected through on-site observation during case studies to coworking space in Singapore. Space planning of each case studies were mapped, and coworker’s interaction were recorded through photographs. This information is significant for further integration of coworking culture as urban magnet in Masjid India Area.
SE C ON DA RY DATA is collected through journal and articles. The literature review provides better understanding on the rise behind coworking space in global labour market and the impact of space planning towards coworkers behaviour in the space. Most of the information was gathered through previous researches done about ways to increase interaction and collaboration in workspace. Through literature review, it is understanding that in order to foster the interaction between coworkers, a balance is required to distribute social nodes for spontaneous interaction and make easily accessible. Apart from literature review, 6 case studies are evaluate based on their workplace space planning and design strategies.
SUM M ARY This chapter described the chosen research methods which are used to achieve the research aim and objectives. The finding from the data collection are then evaluated and discussed in the following chapter.
01
04
02
05
03
0 4 C ASE S T U DI E S I N T RODU C T ION Research reveals that innovation is increasingly collaborative, involving more people during the process. As interaction underpins both collaboration and innovation, it is important to understand the insights of design strategies which have been stirring in workspace design. Concrete case knowledge is more valuable for social sciences than the vain search for predictive theories and universals (Flyvbjerg 2006: 2011). Therefore, case study is selected as a qualitative research method to understand the boundaries and pattern in design, as well as cross cases for similarities and differences. Maximum variation in purposeful sampling strategies (Patton, 1990) is utilized as framework to select purposeful sampling. In this chapter, five different case studies across different continent were selected. Despite their diverse variation in size (rented workspace or office building), these case studies were selected as they have protruded interesting traits in their internal space design for workers. As a result, some of the design strategies from the case studies will be adopted and implemented into the concept to design an interactive space for coworkers.
CASE STUDY 1 STATION F Station F is an adaptive reuse project by Wilmotte & Associates that transformed an old transshipment hub for trains and trucks into world largest technology startup incubator.
Sprawling over 34,034 square meters, station F is subdivided in 3 distinct zones.
Facing the large paved esplanade, share zone is created and dedicated to public to exchange ideas and improve conversations. Chill zone at the end of the building also allows public integration with 24 hours restaurant which is open to public. Create zone, heart of this incubator, is where more than 3000 coworkers will be based.
Each zone then separated into three vertical zone based on three parallel naves, featuring prestressed concrete arches in the hub. Among three naves, the central nave is dedicated to activities with higher level of collaboration.
SHA R E Z ON E Share zone is the zone with the highest level of interaction and collaboration in Station F.
Work & Meet
Work & Meet
Lab & Retail
Cafe & Post Auditorium
Fab Lab Amphitheatre Cafe
Retail Auditorium
Management
Post
Forum space, amphitheater and auditorium for meeting up, sharing skill and technology can be found at the center. Most of the time, theses huge event spaces are left empty, being flexible enough to be transformed to caters for both day and night events for public and external partners involvement. Parallel to amphitheater, Fab lab and retail allows startups to prototype their products by and utilize facilities provided such as 3D printing and laser cutting, before showcasing. At first floor, temporary work station and meeting rooms are provided for entrepreneurs to meet their external partners and clients. A smaller event space (junior stage) which is a more intimate stage with powerful equipment for demo pitches of startups. Adjacent to this junior stage, there is a game area with soccer table engages both coworkers and guests.
Product launching at open platform above auditorium (Source: Station F)
Game area beside junior stage (Source: Station F)
C R E AT E Z ON E Heart of Station F where coworkers will be based.
ZONNING
Work desk
Multifuntional space Work desk
The central nave is a multi-functional and community space which are suitable for smaller events. Both side naves are functional homes to all the startups as highlighted in orange. Startup who has signed up for either Fighters Program or Founders Program can utilize all the facilities provided, which includes unlimited internet, full access to printers, meeting rooms, coffee and snacks provided at the pantries. These open-plan work spaces are subdivided into 4 villages and are supported by 4 bundles of facilities which is highlighted in yellow.
CIRCULATION
The long rectangular space which has made easy in way finding for startups. The central nave has the primary connectors to all the space in this zone, followed by internal staircase which is behind every facilities bundle. As it is an open-plan design, secondary connectors are used to link all staircases, facilities containers and workstation together.
WOR K SPAC E DE SI G N FACILITIES CORE
Each facilities core in create zone comes with kitchen pantry, skype box and meeting rooms which are easily accessible from all direction.
Meeting room setting (Source: Station F)
Luminating number labeling on meeting room container (Source: Station F) These different setting of meeting spaces are set up inside white containers with luminating numbers the further create the sense of community working in individual village
VISUAL CONNECTIVITY All 24 containers have full glass side facing the central nave to allow other coworkers to gain insight and choose meeting paces that fit their needs. This allow coworkers to be visually connected while physically separated.
Y-shaped work desk at highest floor with daylight penetration (Source: Station F) Since create zone act as a gathering place for all small and scattered tech startup in France, an open-plan concept is adopted to design the workspace. Furthermore, special designed Y-shaped modular tables are provided to allow conversation exchange while working among coworkers.
DAYLIGHTING
Glass roof is installed at the center of the arches to allow daylight penetration into every spaces and sufficient daylight for coworkers.
E VA LUAT I ON The design features of this workplace will be analyzed based on 5 design parameters mentioned in previous chapter. The analysis is listed in the table below.
Score Score
PROX IMIT Y
Description Score Description
Open-plan office with standardized Y-shaped desk which has no dedication for solitary work but promote interaction (conversation exchange) among strangers. HIGH
Description
PR I VACY
MEDIUM
Workstation: Y-shaped work desk Meeting rooms: Warm white light lit room with a range of proper table and chair to beanbags Lounges: Sofa and ottoman set for casual gathering Event related: No permanent furniture to allow flexibility in transforming based on events’ needs
Score
F U NC T IONAL I T Y
Workspace were arranged in village setting with support facilities to promote interaction among coworkers. Internal stairs and atrium space help to connect startups at different levels.
HIGH
Description
L EG I T I MAC Y
HIGH
Teamwork related: Meeting rooms with different setting and discussion corners Amenity: Kitchenette, pantry and lounges Event related: Amphitheatre, auditorium and multiple scale event spaces
Score
AC C E SSIBI LI T Y
Description
HIGH
Description
Par am e ter s
Clear and linear circulation space under atrium roof with high visibility towards meeting rooms which were arranged along it.
Table 4.1: Evaluation table for Station F
Federal Center South Building (Source: Archdaily)
CASE STUDY 2 FEDERAL CENTER SOUTH BUILDING 1202 Federal Center South Building 1202 is a redevelopment project designed by ZGF Architects that transformed an existing warehouse on a 4.6-acre brownfield site into a high sustainable regional headquarters for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Northwest District. The oxbow design of the building allows building design to be energy effective and the indoor workplace environment to be both function and flexible to accommodate the consistent changing team-based work of the engineers (Archdaily, 2013).
The U-shaped form of the 1202 building is an integrated strategy to greatest flexibility and collaboration
ZONNING Through the understanding of engineer’s behavior in their workplace, the architect enhances the idea of collective community by centralizing all common services and facilities at the social heart of the building as highlighted in red. The common services which 700 employees share are multi-purpose room, kitchenette, library, focus room, computer training room, conference rooms and discussion rooms of different sizes which accommodates a minimum of 4 people to a maximum of 20 people.
3-storey main building houses permanent work desks for employees with two main different settings, private office that is highlighted in red and open office area that is highlight in orange. Other office spaces which are available includes department room, high density shelving for storage, kitchenette and focus room. Carefully separate workstation between services unit allow 8 zones to be planned across the whole floor, dedicating different workers based on different work task.
CIRCULATION Social heart and main building are linked with bridges and stairs that are cladded with reclaimed timber to connect people throughout the building under glass atrium roof with lush internal landscape.
Atrium bridges and stairs connecting to social heart (Source: Archdaily)
In order to increase interaction across the whole floor, internal planning plays an important role. Adjacent to social heart of the building, architect allocate a primary corridor as connector. Secondary connector was laid in the center of the U-shape building forming the backbone across the office floor encouraging more movement internally. Permanent desks are arranged in a group of 4 with circulation space parallel to both connectors to increase permeability across the whole office floor, forming yellow branches, creating fish-bone circulation pattern.
Several informal seatings, and “touch down� work surfaces and discussion rooms as highlighted in yellow are adjacent connectors to encourage impromptu collaboration between colleagues (Archello, 2018). The shared communal space became an important connective tissue between departments that were previously segregated.
Touch down spaces adjacent to the connectors (Source: Archdaily)
WORKSPACE DESIGN
Workstation in oxbow building (Source: Archdaily)
U-shape work desks allow both solitary work and impromptu discussion among team member simply by turning the direction of work.
E VA LUAT I ON The design features of this workplace will be analyzed based on 5 design parameters mentioned in previous chapter. The analysis is listed in the table below.
Score
PROX IMIT Y PR I VACY
Description Score Score Description
F U NC T IONAL I T Y
HIGH Workstation: U-shaped work desk, overhang cabinet, under table storage and a mobile storage Meeting rooms: Warm white light lit room with warm white paint contrast with black meeting chair and darkgrey carpet; white boards for interaction Lounges: Sofa and ottoman set for casual gathering and dining set for discussion and dining
Score
L EG I T I M ACY
Dedicated zoning for solitary work and highlevel collaboration work (common services) which are separated with atrium and lush internal landscape.
HIGH
Description
The private work desk prioritized solitary work was arranged in cluster. Corridors are used to not only connect but facilitate serendipitous encounters from main building to central collaboration spaces.
Centralizing common facilities increase tendency for serendipitous encounters while transitioning from one place to another. Teamwork related: Meeting rooms (2-10pax), conference room (20 pax), training room and multi-purpose room Service -related space: Shelving & utility Amenity: Kitchenette, pantry and lounges
Score
HIGH
HIGH
Description
AC CE SSIBILIT Y
Description
Description
Par am e ter s
Clear, structured, fishbone circulation pattern intertwines linear open office plan to enhance permeability to central common service and facilities building. Well connection to central building with contrast in material which make it easily noticeable.
HIGH
Table 4.2: Evaluation table for Federal Center South Building 1202
Expensify office (Source: Archdaily)
CASE STUDY 3 E X P E N S I F Y PORTLAND OFFICE A renovation project of a historical downtown building, National Landmark First National Bank, that is over 100 years old leaded by ZGF Architect for a tech company Expensify. Partnering with the client, the architect reflects his client company’s signature “choose-your own-adventure” in the interior design of the workspace.
Floating conference rooms at main staircase lobby (Source: Archdaily)
WORKSPACE DESIGN Mindful to preserve historical elements in the building which are skylit atrium, classic columns, giant bank vaults and art deco details, the architect has designed a set of floating conference room at the main entrance staircase. Utilizing the huge atrium volume, the treehouse concepted cantilevered structure can be dissected into three group of formal and informal facilities which allow employee to meet, collaborate and literally “hangout� (Genleff, 2018). The floating blackened steel pods were the focal point which come with a set of stairs that connects different levels of the existing building. Underneath the conference room, a suspended chaise is hung from the pod like a swing.
Informal workspace - swing (Source: Archdaily)
Crow nest function workspace (Source: Archdaily) Both hanging pods are later topped with functional work areas at third floor which mimic the open crow’s nest perches. Crow nest which is equipped with discussion space not only serve employee’s impromptu discussion but also connector between hanging pod and oak wood village at third floor.
Oak wood village at third floor (Source: Archdaily) The oak wood village at third floor offers community and individual seating for private calls and heads-down work (Archdaily, 2018). All seating come with glass partition which provide privacy when needed as well as remain visual connectivity to the café which is across the hall and communal space in the atrium.
E VA LUAT I ON The design features of this workplace will be analyzed based on 5 design parameters mentioned in previous chapter. The analysis is listed in the table below.
HIGH Interaction spaces and solitary work area are well separated. Meeting room are well insulated to prevent disturbance to other spaces. HIGH
Description
Workstation: Oak wood village for private calls and heads-down work (1-2 pax); 41-foot long table for open-plan work setting Meeting rooms: Warm white light lit conference room with warm white paint contrast with black exterior; board room with modern Mad Men aesthetic Lounges: A speakeasy bar, CafĂŠ with long pantry table Score
PROX IMIT Y PR IVACY
Spaces for work vertically separate which discourage impromptu interaction.
HIGH Workstation: Various work setting
Description
F U NC T IONAL I T Y
MEDIUM
Teamwork related: Floating conference room with lounge and platform for impromptu corners; Wide range of formal meeting spaces.
Score
L EG I T I M ACY
Description
HIGH
Description
AC CE SSIBILIT Y
Score Description Score Description Score
Par am e ter s
Well sky-lit single central staircase incorporates with black floating pods that provide access to other spaces and allow spaces to be visually connected from every level and easily accessible.
Amenity: Bar and CafĂŠ
Table 4.3: Evaluation table for Expensify Office
Steel staircase at Wework (Source: Archdaily)
CASE STUDY 4 WEWORK As the largest coworking space operator that created a $16 billion operation with 50,000 members in 28 cities, WeWork headquarter office in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood has been a test bed for its future product offering. This two and a half storey of 50,000 square feet headquarters is home based for 700 home staff.
WORKSPACE DESIGN
Hotdesk area (Source: Wework) As for formal work setting, there are two options. First, hot desk for temporary work are available in long discussion table that can fit up to 10 people. The long discussion table serves for both groups and individual.
Private office (Source: Wework) Secondly, private office with glass partition where permanent work station can be set up are also provided. This is to minimize disturbance while remain visually connected to user’s surrounding. Moreover, half height sand blast film is also provided to ensure privacy during work.
Lounge corner equip with guitars (Source: Archdaily) Since most of the WeWork’s members are start-up entrepreneurs who are spending long hours in workplace, making spaces comfortable and uncluttered has been a priority. Meeting spaces and diverse lounge area are well appointed in the office to kindle interactions. For example, one for the lounge corner can be associated with music element (a local element) where guitars and amplifier are set up. This tuck away space arrangment offer some quiet in a living-room like ambience to its users too.
Conference room with dining table and chairs (Source: Archdaily) Another example is illustrated through selection of table for conference room. Instead of commercial contract furniture, the designer has selected furniture pieces which were originally designed for residential spaces – dining table and chairs, to make more home connection for users.
PLACES FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION Designers sought to kindle propinquity-effect – a 1950s social psychology theory by Frestinger, Schachter and Back which posits that strangers with similar frequency are more likely to friendship during social encounter.
Steel staircase (Source: Archdaily) Therefore, steel staircase which do not function as conveyance only is the largest experiment piece (Quito, 2016). Instead of a conventional U-shape stair with single landing, the designer has configured the stair into steps with multiple floor plates that provide numerous informal spaces for impromptu conversations. Movable cushions are placed for around staircase for casual meeting.
Pantry & Lounge area with various setting for interaction (Source: Wework) The designer also highlighted that people tend to gravitate towards the edges of pantry and bar. This small space often stages more interactions than other spaces in the office. This pantry area provides three sets of sofa area, two sets of dining tables for four person, and three sets 2 people intimate dining corners. The arrangement is designed to encourage interpersonal connectivity, to create opportunities for impromptu conversations over coffee session, while creating personal connections during work near pantry.
E VA LUAT I ON The design features of this workplace will be analyzed based on 5 design parameters mentioned in previous chapter. The analysis is listed in the table below.
HIGH Considerate planning for two groups of coworkers with dedicated zone for private office and convenient space for interaction and collaboration. HIGH
Description
Meeting rooms: Unique user experience for every meeting rooms and well equip with touchscreen TV for displaying information and interactive discussion Lounges: Sofa and ottoman set and dining set for discussion, dining and work
Score
PROX IMIT Y PR I VACY
A good mix of various work and interaction space at every level.
Workstation: Long discussion table
Description
F U NC T IONAL I T Y
HIGH
HIGH Teamwork related: Meeting rooms (4-8pax) Service -related space: Locker & utility Amenity: Kitchenette, pantry, lounges, nap area
Score
L EG I T I M ACY
Description
HIGH
Description
AC C E SSIBI L I T Y
Score Description Score Description Score
Par am e ter s
Discussion corners and meeting rooms are made available to everyone across the floor regardless of their location.
Table 4.4: Evaluation table for Wework
CASE STUDY 5 THE HIVE LAVENDER Situated at the highest floor of Vanguard Campus Building, the Hive is a coworking space with a large room concept that provide workspace for creative workers who mainly work in creative industries such as fashion designers, DJs, software engineer and artist.
The hive pantry space (Source: Thehiveworldwide)
ZONNING
The single storey coworking space create a community under one roof with three basic zoning. Private zone which is in yellow consists of private offices with different capacity and permanent work station. Makers space, fashion studio and DJ’s recording studio are highlighted in orange as semi-private zone while the public zone with is cafÊ and hot desk area is highlighted in green. CIRCULATION
The circulation in The Hive is express in linear rectangular loop form. Along the sides of the corridors, all the private offices and permanent workstations were parallelly aligned.
Work stations adjacent to ciruclation corridor (Source: Gospace)
WORKSPACE DESIGN
High table at hot desk area (Source: The Hive) The coworking space responded to different type of co-workers by having fours type of workstation. Hotdesk members are provided with long discussion table which can be used for solitary work or function as discussion space.
Permenant work station (Source: The Hive) Besides, for members who prefer to work at a dedicated work station, a rectangular table with low cubical wall is provided together with storage for their convenience
PLACES FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION
Pantry Space (Source: Coworker) The Hive uses pantry space center of attraction in the workspace design. Large area is dedicated to a variety of seatings such as long high table and group dining tables with proper chairs and sofa which allow coworkers to utilise the space as impromptu discussion space and group dining. During events, this flexible dining area will be transformed into an open platform based on events need.
Photography studio & Makers Space (Source: CityNomad) Adjacent to pantry space are two functional collaboration space - fashion studio and makers workshop where fashion designer and makers gather to work together alone that foster conversation exchange and knowledge sharing.
E VA LUAT I ON The design features of this workplace will be analyzed based on 5 design parameters mentioned in previous chapter. The analysis is listed in the table below.
F U NC T IONAL I T Y PR I VACY PROX IMIT Y Description Score Description Score Description Score
Par am e ter s
Description HIGH Definite zoning for individual to work aloneside each other. Private offices are around center collaboration space which is near and easily accessible. HIGH Considerate separation for two groups of coworkers with dedicated zone for private station.
MEDIUM Workstation: Long discussion table (high and low), L-shape desk (permanent desk with storage) and private office Meeting rooms: No private meeting room. Only discussion table at pantry for discussion purpose
AC C E SSIBIL I T Y Description Score
L EG I T I MAC Y Description Score
Lounges: Lounge and high table for discussion, dining and work HIGH Teamwork related: Discussion table at pantry Service -related space: Mailbox, Locker & printers Amenity: Pantry HIGH Collaboration spaces (fashion studio and makers space) and interaction space (pantry) are made available to everyone across the floor regardless of their location.
Table 4.5: Evaluation table for The Hive Lavender
SUM M A RY The five case studies above had demonstrated several ways to create a successful space for interaction in workplace. Different design strategies are identified and analyzed through evaluation table in the end of each identified case studies. The findings of this chapter will be summarized and discussed in table in the following chapter.
0 5 A NA LYSI S , F I NDI NGS A ND DI S C U S SION I N T ROD U C T I ON The discussion chapter will describe the significance of findings and explain the insight about several design strategies compared and accumulated from 5 selected case studies in Chapter 4. The chapter will be separated into two sections. Firstly, a summary of design strategies identified are shown in Table 5.0 for better overview and comparison. The second section then discusses similarities and differences of case studies to create a successful for interaction in workplace. The design strategies accumulated towards the end of this chapter will be adopted and implemented into designing coworking space.
SUM M A RY & A NA LYSI S OF C ASE S T U DI E S
STATION F
FEDERAL SOUTH CENTER BUILDING 1202
Score
HIGH
HIGH
Description
Workspace were arranged in village setting with support facilities to promote interaction among coworkers. Internal stairs and atrium space help to connect startups at different levels.
Private work desks are arranged in cluster and supported with space for impromptu discussion.
Score
MEDIUM
HIGH
Open-plan office with standardized Y-shaped desk which has no dedication for solitary work.
Dedicated zone for private work at main building; spaces for interaction and collaboration are separated in central building.
Score
HIGH
HIGH
Description
Y-shaped work desk, meeting room with different settings are equipped with TV display, sofa and ottoman set for causal gathering; no permanent furniture at event space to allow flexibility in transformation
U-shaped work desk with functional accessories, meeting rooms are painted white and equipped with white boards; sofa, ottoman and dining furniture set for discussion and dining.
Score
HIGH
HIGH
Meeting rooms with different setting and discussion corners; Basic amenities; Amphitheatre, auditorium and multiple scale event spaces.
Variety of meeting rooms (2-10pax), conference room (20 pax), training room and multi-purpose room for different function; Shelving room for storage; basic amenities.
Score
HIGH
HIGH
Description
Table 5.0 shows the summary of design strategies identified and analyzed from 5 case studies in Chapter 4.
Clear and linear circulation space under atrium roof with high visibility towards meeting rooms which were arranged along it.
Clear, structured, fishbone circulation pattern intertwines linear open office plan; well connection to central building with contrast in material which is easily noticeable.
Description Description
SPEC IAL FE ATU RE
AC CE S SI BI L I T Y
L E G I T I MAC Y
F U NC T IONAL I T Y
PR IVACY
PROX IMIT Y
Par ameters
Centralizing common facilities increase tendency for serendipitous encounters while transitioning from one place to another.
Table 5.0: Summary of design strategies identified and analyzed from 5 case studies
EXPENSIFY PORTLAND OFFICE
WEWORK
THE HIVE
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
A good mix of various work and interaction space at every level.
Definite zoning for individual to work alone-side each other while remain near.
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Dedicated zone for private office and spaces for interaction and collaboration. Meeting room has sound insulating wall.
Dedicated zone for private office and spaces for interaction and collaboration.
Dedicated zone for private stations and spaces for interaction and collaboration.
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
Oak wood village for private call and solitary work. Unique designs for conference room, board room, bar and cafĂŠ.
Unique user experience for every meeting rooms, well equip with touchscreen TV for discussion; sofa and ottoman set and dining set for discussion, dining and work.
3 work setting provided with no discussion room. Dining table and high table can be used for both discussion and private work .
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
Floating conference room with lounge and platform for discussion purpose, wide range of formal meeting room.
Different meeting room with unique themes for different capacity; basic amenities with nap area are provided.
No private discussion room except for pantry dining table; basic amenities are provided.
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Single black steel central staircase with conference rooms that provide access to other spaces, spaces are visually connected from every level and easily accessible.
Discussion corners and meeting rooms are scattered across whole floor which made available to everyone.
Easily accessible and visually connected collaboration and interaction space in the center of the office .
Black floating pods and sky-lit high ceiling central space
Central stair converted into steps with multiple floor plates that provide numerous informal spaces for impromptu conversations.
Spaces for work is vertically separate.
DE SIG N S T R AT E G I E S F OR I N T E R AC T I V E WOR K P L AC E In order to design a successful interaction space for coworkers, 5 parameters which was listed in Chapter 2 will be used as guideline to discuss design strategies identified in case studies.
HORIZONTAL PROXIMITY WITH OPEN WORK FLOOR Most of the case studies has widely adopted horizontal proximity in their space planning focusing on open work floor. Open work floor has been described as a new legibility of landscape prompting people to engage in conversation.
PROX I M I T Y
THE HIVE By having clear zoning for both private office with glass partition or permanent desk with low steel frame partition adjacent to main circulation route which is also parallel to spaces for collaboration and interaction in the center across the whole floor, it has increases the chances of non-verbal communication (eye-contact, looking, gesturing) or increase chances of virtual interaction in face to face interaction.
STATION F Workspaces are organized to form 6 neighborhoods, each of them sharing equipment and supplies as means to facilitate conversation and side chatter.
WEWORK Interaction spaces are scattered near solitary workspaces, it successfully created an environment where different individuals are mixed physically in space, hence, providing a new reason for them to communicate and connect.
VERTICAL PROXIMITY IN RELATION WITH ATRIUM Vertical proximity has seen to separate coworkers and reduce interaction between people. Therefore, a range of design and programming interventions is applied to get them to meet. Atrium has been an effective approach to reduce barriers across floors. It does not only allow natural light to reach lower floors but also allow workers at different floors to be visually connected. STATION F Spaces adjacent to atrium have also been utilized for meeting rooms.
FEDERAL CENTER SOUTH BUILDING 1202 Touch down spaces such as lounge which also function as discussion corners are arranged to overlook into lush landscape under the atrium roof.
CORRIDOR SHAPING MOVEMENT PATTERN Corridors create serendipitous encounters. Design corridors to funnel people to specific zone or central space at the same time provides unstructured gathering places. FEDERAL CENTER SOUTH BUILDING 1202 Corridor is seen to help funnel people away from main building to central building where interaction and collaboration is high, helping to minimize noise for workers needing to concentrate.
WEWORK Corridors have also evolved into unstructured gathering places.
ACCESSIBILITY
PANTRY AS SOCIAL NODE FOR PUBLIC GATHERING
ADAPTIVE
WEWORK & THE HIVE Amplified pantry as a notion for public gathering and locate it in the center of the floor to intentionally blur formal space by drawing people together and help them relax.
SPACES EVENT
FOR
STATION F & THE HIVE Flexibile to transform a space based on events where furniture can be moved to clear out space needed for bigger event. This will help build ownership and engagement of workers across the floor.
FUNCTIONALITY & LEGITIMACY
STAIRCASE INTERVENTION FEDERAL
CENTER SOUTH BUILDING Corridor is seen to help funnel people away from main building to central building where interaction and collaboration is high, helping to minimize noise for workers needing to concentrate.
WEWORK Stair is reconfigured into steps with multiple floor plates that provide numerous informal spaces for impromptu conversation.
EXPENSIFY OFFICE Cantilevered meeting room and lounge are placed beside staircase landings.
PRIVACY
VISUAL PRIVACY & AURAL PRIVACY FEDERAL CENTER SOUTH BUILDING 1202 Centralising all common services and facilities at the soical heart of the building, away from employee’s workstation.
EXPENSIFY Spolitary work have private cell. less noise disturbance. Hanging discussion pods are well insulated.
WEWORK Private office has sand blast film at seated eye level to maintain visual privacy from neighhour coworkers. Formal meeting rooms has glass partition which retain noise in the space.
SUMMARY The case studies had demonstrated several design strategies in response to five key interactive space design parameters set in previous chapter. These design strategies will be framework to design a coworking space in design thesis, as attached in appendi, in the effort to revitalize Masjid India Neighbourhood.
0 6 C ONCLU SION & R E C OMMENDAT IONS I N T ROD U C T I ON This chapter consist of the conclusion made from the research. The research describes the design parameters to be consider for successful space for interaction for coworking space and had been discoursed in Chapter 4. The research also response to its research questions and objectives which are outlined in first chapter. The following chapter are divided into three main sections. The first section has discussed about the evolution of workplace due to the industrial revolution and the technology advancement which caused the rise of creative group and the change in contemporary workplace. The second section allow better understanding to the concept of coworking and its socio-cultural ecosystem. The three section then review design parameters to create a successful place for interaction in order to foster more interaction and collaboration in coworking space.
Four selected case studies are critically reviewed and discussed in Chapter 4, followed by evaluating both co-working and coworking space design consideration to promote interaction in each workplace. The findings then become the design guideline for future coworking space designer to further develop their creativity to design a better workplace for coworkers. This chapter then conclude with a brief summary of the whole research based on three main research objectives. In order to support further researches, some limitations and recommendations are stated. The proposed coworking space of the design thesis is shown in the Appendix.
AC C OM P L I SH M E N T
Overall, three primary research objectives are achieved and accomplished as shown below: FIRST OBJECTIVE: TO EXPLORE THE CONCEPT OF COWORKING SPACE The first objective is to explore the concept of coworking space. In chapter 2, the understanding towards the rising of coworking phenomenon in the global workforce market is understood. The concept of coworking space is developed based on its coworking community openness to diversity and constantly seeking for network through knowledge sharing and exchange. This concept does no develop naturally from the coworker but lies solely in coworking space host to build and nurture in order to maintain coworking space attractiveness. SECOND OBJECTIVE: TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFICIENCY OF WORKSPACE DESIGN In order to investigate the efficiency of workspace design, five design parameters listed in chapter 2 are utilizing to evaluate not only coworking space but other workplace to develop better understand on design parameters in workplace based on their program and target user in Chapter 4. THIRD OBJECTIVE: TO ACCUMULATE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR DESIGNING A SUCCESSFUL SPACE FOR INTERACTION Chapter 4 had covered this objective, which it outlined that general design principle to create a successful space for interaction should be integrated and incorporate in the space planning and layout and shall consider other aspect such as daylighting, furniture, flexibility and technology.
L I M I TAT I ON
Several limitations had been faced by the author during the research process. Those limitations are stated below: TIME CONSTRAINT ON SITE SURVEY It is understanding that most coworkers work based on their time and the number of coworkers in coworking space fluctuates. It will be helpful if more time can be spent for on site observation. Due to time constraint, the on-site observation was conducted for only 1 day only. LACK OF LOCAL CASE STUDIES Coworking space is still an emerging business in Southeast Asia especially in Malaysia. Therefore, local coworking space can be chose for on site observation for this research.
R E C OM M E N DAT I ON S
This dissertation is only based on literature review and observation. Research on successful space for interaction in workspace is useful as workplace contain individuals with different personalities. In order to support any further researches, the recommendations by the author is to conduct field survey to understand the coworking space host or client aim and future business plan and development. Secondly, conduct more studies for potential users which coworking space is accommodating. Lastly, further studies on the application and implementation of design guidelines based on its context, users, and activities.
0 7 R E F E R E NC E S
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WEBSITE “Federal Center South Building 1202 / ZGF Architects” 12 Nov 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed 19 Nov 2018. <https:// www.archdaily.com/447019/federal-center-south-building-1202-zgf-architects/> ISSN 0719-8884 “Federal Center South Building 1202.” Rene Cazenave Apartments | AIA Top Ten, 1 Sept. 1970, www.aiatopten. org/node/204. Geleff, J. (2018). Behind the Building: Expensify Office by ZGF Architects - Architizer Journal. [online] Journal. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/practice/details/behind-the-building-expensify-office-by-zgf/ [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018]. “Expensify Portland Office / ZGF Architects” 03 Oct 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed 19 Nov 2018. <https://www.archdaily.com/903136/expensify-portland-office-zgf-architects/> ISSN 0719-8884 Anne Quito. “How WeWork Experiments On Itself to Advance the Field of Office Design” 12 Jul 2016. ArchDaily. Accessed 20 Nov 2018. <https://www.archdaily.com/791238/how-wework-experiments-on-itself-to-advance-thefield-of-office-design/> ISSN 0719-8884 Wimotte & Associates, 2017. Station F (Halle Freyssinet) – World’s Biggest Startup Campus. http://www.wilmotte. com/en/project/411/Station-F-Halle-Freyssinet-Worlds-biggest-startup-campus Station F, 2018. https://stationf.co/campus/
0 8 A PPE NDIC E S
C OWOR K I N G WOR K SPAC E DE SI G N ST R AT E G Y COWORKING SPACE - CREATE ZONE DESGIN
LEGITIMACY AND FUNCTIONALITY
HAVEN An informal booth that allow contemplating, process & respond work on hand alone or chat, converse and co-create with coworkers.
HIVE A long discussion work table for temperorary work which serves both groups and individual work.
JUMPSPACE A high discussion table with TV that support spontaneous or adhoc discussion for deliverables.
LOUNGE Touch down space for impromptu conversation, solitary work, replying emails and contemplating.
PROXIMITY
NEARNESS A personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearness (adjacency & visual availability) influence whether they initiate an interaction. Workers were much more likely to communicate with colleagues who were within a horizontal distance of 30 meters. The frequency of communication decreases when distance among individual increases.
CORRIDOR Fishbone corridor funneling coworkers from different settings into central spine then to coworking reception below. This increase chances for serendipitous encounters.
ACCESSIBILITY
Subtracting formal meeting room, project spaces, team work space and to provide more setting for discussion spaces from coworking space in the main building CENTRAL ATRIUM SPACE Establish active and interactive spaces connected with staircase under a well lit central atrium space with pocket space and lush landscape.
LOUNGE Semi-open 2 pax lounge space with framed view
MEETING SPACE Formal meeting space in Share zone with displaying screen allow coworkers to meet their external partners and clients.
STAIRCASE & LANDING Steel staircase not functioning as conveyance only. Instead of conventional U-shape stair, staircase is configured into steps with multiple landing to provide numerous informal spaces.
SEATING Informal seating dedicated to public to exchange ideas with makers at ground floor. VISUAL CONNECTIVITY Cantilevered steel pods with contrasting color stood out from the main building building design. It is easily located with appropriate visual access and easily connected with comfortable staircase width (1.5m).
MATERIAL SELECTION Material Selected: Corten Steel Panel
Unexposed
4 months
8 months
1 year
Advantages: Natural aging and changes in colour as the protective rust, Low maintenance (Corrosion resistance, no paint of any additional application is needed)
2 years
3 years
4 years
7 years
10 years
15 years
5 years
20 years and above
PRIVACY
HYBRID OFFICE DESIGN In the paradox of coworking office open plan environments that allow more interaction but simultaneously cause more distraction through noise and interruption. Establish hybrid office space where active zone should be located away from quiet zone which maintaining their close proximity.
LOW CABINET is used to define jumpspace and create sense of privacy to coworkers while maintaing visual connection across the floor.
STRIP PARTITION Instead of solid partition, strips partition are installed next to long working desk for privacy needed.
GLASS PARTITION For private office, composite wall is designed. Full glass partition is installed 900mm above solid wall, sand blast film is sticked up to 1.6m above ground to allow visual connectivity when coworkers stand but zero visibility to next door when sit.