IPM Hive5

Urban Garden: Redefining Co-Working Spaces in Brussels

In the heart of Brussels, an empty and unimaginative office space has undergone a remarkable transformation to become the latest jewel in a prominent coworking chain’s crown. Covering a sprawling 900 square meters, this L-shaped space has been reimagined with a focus on functionality, aesthetic appeal, and budget-conscious design. Here’s how we turned a blank slate into a vibrant, creative hub that caters to the diverse needs of modern professionals.

A Design for Dynamic Work Environments

When embarking on the interior design project for this coworking space, we had three core considerations: functionality, aesthetic appeal, and budget. Our goal was to create a workspace that could accommodate various activities while being attractive to potential users and cost-effective. This led us to the Urban Garden concept, an innovative blend of urban elements, eco-friendly touches, and bohemian flair.

Functional Space Planning

The first task was to configure the L-shaped 900 m² space to include several distinct zones:

• Private Offices: Capable of accommodating up to 100 posts.
• Shared Working Space: Designed for 30 seats.
• Open Space: For 25 users, fostering collaboration.
• Lounge Area: For relaxation and informal meetings.
• Meeting Rooms: Four rooms with varying capacities.
• Individual Booths: Five private booths for focused work.
• Kitchen and Dining Area: Centralized for easy access.
• Relaxation Corner: A dedicated space for unwinding.

Design Concept: Urban Garden

The Urban Garden concept allowed us to incorporate:

• Urban Elements: Concrete, brick, and graffiti give the space an edgy, urban feel.
• Eco-Friendly Touches: Greenery and eco-friendly materials bring a touch of nature indoors.
• Bohemian Accents: Rattan furniture and boho elements add personality and warmth.

Overcoming Challenges

Designing a coworking space is always a balancing act. We had to stay within budget constraints while ensuring the space remained stylish and practical. While some features like live plants and swings had to be compromised, we creatively adapted:

• Artificial Plants: To maintain the green aesthetic without high maintenance costs.
• Rattan Chairs: Added comfort and style without breaking the bank.
• Innovative Graffiti Techniques: Enhanced the urban feel and improved overall aesthetics.

Creative Solutions and Real-World Functionality

Our design faced real-world tests that proved its functionality:

• Spatial Concerns: Despite concerns about table spacing, the final layout maintained a spacious feel.
• Acoustic Issues: Removing false ceilings and floors initially raised concerns, but we compensated with sound-absorbent fabric finishes and upholstered furniture.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration

One of the standout features of the coworking space is the beautiful terrace, an extension of the Urban Garden theme. This outdoor area offers a seamless continuation of the indoor aesthetic, providing a versatile space for relaxation and informal meetings.

Diverse Work Zones

The main corridor, or "main street," became a hub of activity with various functions:

• Central Kitchen: Serving as the heart of the space, promoting interaction.
• Flexible Tables: Can be reconfigured to suit different needs in the open area.
• Meeting Rooms and Private Offices: Flanking the main street for easy access.
• Call Booths and Lounge Area: Ensuring privacy and relaxation.

On the opposite side, we created a block featuring:

• Meeting Room and Chill Area: For casual interactions.
• Quiet Space (Library): Offering a serene environment for focused work.

Enhancing Creativity and Community

The design of the coworking space aims to foster creativity and community. From the central kitchen’s role as a social hub to the varied seating and working areas, every element is designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration. The Urban Garden concept, combined with thoughtful zoning and functional design, makes this coworking space a dynamic and appealing environment for all its users.

Conclusion

The new coworking space in Brussels is a testament to how thoughtful design and creative problem-solving can transform an uninspiring office into a vibrant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment. By blending urban and natural elements with practical considerations, we have created a space that meets the diverse needs of modern professionals while staying true to the client’s vision and budget. The result is a coworking space that is poised to become a favorite among users, offering a variety of scenarios and atmospheres to suit every work style.