Offices & Workspaces
January 16, 2018
10 Cool Coworking Spaces Around The World
In today’s gig economy, freelancers, creatives and small businesses are turning to coworking spaces as an alternative to the traditional office. The communal environment and the amazing amenities are definite perks, but we’re inspired by the sheer beauty of the spaces themselves. Whether it’s a repurposed bank or a former nightclub, shared workspaces are all about thoughtfully designed interiors with loads of style. Check out these cool spots that are redefining the office environment.
Built in the 1920s, this former Royal Bank building in Old Montreal has been transformed into a stunning 12,000-square-foot coworking space. Designed by local architect Henri Cleinge, the space houses coworking areas, meeting rooms and even a café. With 50-foot-high vaulted ceilings, opulent detailing and a large dose of old world elegance, this heritage building’s character has been carefully preserved, making Crew Collective a glamorous and grown-up place to work.
Crew Collective conference rooms are clad in bronze-plated steel to match the bronze detailing throughout, while glass dividing walls allow light to flow through the space. The bank’s original brass light fixtures were restored and given a new lease on life.
The old bank teller counters divide Crew Collective’s café area from the members-only coworking spaces. Beautifully restored painted plaster ceilings and intricate inlay marble floors bring sophistication to the work day.
Touted as a professional oasis, Ministry of New in Mumbai, India, is a collaborative workspace for independent professionals. Thanks to Dutch co-founders Marlies Bloemendaal and Natascha Chanda, this creative space is punctuated with Jaipur rugs, vintage chandeliers and multicultural accents. The library, pictured here, showcases a curated collection of international books and magazines and is the ideal spot for a client lunch meeting.
Located in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, East Room — a onetime jam product factory — is a hip mix of industrial and vintage elements. In the 8,000-square-foot, third-floor space, leather chairs and couches and other antique furniture pieces supply vintage style, while black metal casement glass partitions and walls add industrial charm.
Exposed brick walls, worn wooden floors, warehouse windows and timber beams say hard loft, while the kitchen and lounge area, shown here, have a decidedly coffee shop vibe. Looking for something different from your coworking space? Exclusive services include guided jogs through the neighbourhood.
NeueHouse, a members-only community of entrepreneurs and creatives, has reimagined a former Hollywood sound stage to create a stunning coworking space. First opened in 1938, this modernist building was originally the home of CBS Radio. Today, Berber rugs, leather furniture, and North African accents combine to create a warm environment well suited for collaboration.
Sleek communal tables, custom light fixtures and black and white photography nod to the building’s Old Hollywood past. The seven-storey space also features high-tech facilities for the creative industries and has a full roster of events on offer.
The Wing is a shared office space in New York where women can build community together. In addition to the pretty, feminine café, bar and coworking spaces, both the Flat Iron and SoHo locations have bonus amenities such as showers, lockers, nap rooms, beauty rooms and even pump rooms for nursing moms. It’s no surprise that, according to The Wall Street Journal, there are more than 8,000 women on the waiting list to become members.
Over six months, desiger Chiara de Rege and architect Alda Ly overhauled the new SoHo hub, a 10,000-square-foot warehouse loft. The space is airy and bright, with large skylights and high ceilings. Whitewashed walls, vintage lighting and plenty of velvet make a lasting impression in the serene space. In the library, pictured here, you’ll find an extensive collection of books — all written by female authors.
Downtown Toronto coworking space Love Child Social House is an inclusive community hub that caters to entrepreneurs and creatives who work remotely. Founded by Dan Gunam and Sacha ElWakeel, this shared workspace is packed with stylish furnishings and hipster art. An alternative to members-only coworking spots, Love Child is the ultimate flexible workspace; you don’t have to purchase a membership — day passes are available for those who don’t want to commit.
Designed by Lisa Ho Studio, Love Child is a hip but approachable mix of communal and private areas. Formerly The Hoxton, a rowdy nightclub, the hub has been reimagined with reupholstered vintage couches, love-themed artworks and even a living wall. After business hours, Love Child becomes an event space, featuring live music performances and speaking events.
Hong Kong’s The Work Project is a 33,000-square-foot coworking project that promotes a culture of productivity and sharing. From height-adjustable workstations to music to refreshments and even scents, every element has been considered. Designed by Bean Buro, the interiors focus on a sculptural approach and architectural details. Meeting rooms are constructed with curved timber canopies lined with acoustic fabric soffits and the curved edges of the signature Bean tables continue the theme.
The people behind Vancouver’s L’Atelier want to make work feel better. Located in a heritage building in trendy Gastown, this coworking space is a great option for remote workers who want to connect with a community of like-minded, forward-thinking creators. The beautifully designed space boasts exposed brick walls, vintage-inspired lighting and stylish desks and chairs. Rent a dedicated desk or a hot desk; there are flexible membership options to suit every need.
The goal of this creative workspace in Amsterdam is to build a bridge between startups, creative and corporates, bringing them together to connect and grow. The bright, open-concept space has modern industrial style, with wood workstations and plenty of plant life housed in unique, suspended plant boxes. In addition to B. Amsterdam’s coworking space, you’ll find a rooftop restaurant and garden, a gym and a coffee lounge on site.
Downtown Toronto’s Make Lemonade is a coworking space for women founded by Ryerson grad Rachel Kelly. Designed by MMNT Design, the space is painted bright white and yellow and is decorated with inspirational wall quotes, chic desks, ergonomic chairs and private phone booths carpeted in AstroTurf for a touch of whimsy.
The 3,000-square-foot space is made up of brightly lit rooms that are decorated with lemonade-themed murals and vibrant palm print wallpaper. There are several private meeting rooms, like the one shown here, and the kitchen boasts a Smeg fridge and a hex tile floor inset with some worthy advice: “Be Nice.” Men are welcome to become members, too, but they need to be on board with Make Lemonade’s feminist outlook.