Co-working and the rise of flexible space

Today the workplace isn’t somewhere you have to be – it’s somewhere you want to be.

As the line between work and life becomes even more blurred, our choices for when, where and how to work have increased exponentially. As a result, the role of the office has fundamentally changed. It isn’t somewhere you have to be – it’s somewhere you want to be.

This revolution means people now expect more from their workplace. It’s also seen a sharp rise in global demand for co-working spaces, with the number of sites increasing from 78 to 7,800 in just eight years. 

WHAT SEPARATES THE BEST FROM THE REST?

Hassell has been at the forefront of this seismic shift in where and how we work. We’ve designed over 1M sqm of workplace for more than 1,000 clients globally – including numerous co-working spaces.

We’ve developed co-working spaces for dedicated owner-occupiers, landlords and incubators, and as part of more traditional office and research environments for institutions including banks and universities.

Our research team has looked closely at what separates the best from the rest in the co-working landscape. Through this work, we’ve found that above all, co-workers seek a sense of community.

By 2030, 30% of all office space will be let on short-term or flexible leases.

Source: JLL

A COMMUNITY OF CO-WORKERS

Despite popular perceptions, co-working is about more than just shared tables, fast Wi-Fi, comfortable sofas and pot plants.

A successful co-working space has a palpable sense of community. At its best, it offers individuals and businesses an inspiring, creative and collaborative environment that adapts to their specific and changing needs.

Ultimately, the spaces need to make professionals feel they’re part of something bigger – and at the same time they need to be efficient, distinctive and engaging to draw people in and succeed over the long haul.

“When organisations take the time to choose a co-working space that aligns with the image they want to project … workers will experience higher levels of thriving, and the organisations will benefit as well, causing employees to identify even more strongly with their purpose and values.”

Daniel Davis, Hassell Senior Researcher, in a study for Harvard Business Review

83% worked more effectively than their previous workplace
78% expanded their social network
55% connected with a new job, project or opportunity. Source: Hub Australia member survey
Some of our standout co-working spaces

11 floors / 86 office suites / 6 stores

  • A mix of collaborative work spaces, quiet areas, private offices and duplex penthouses
  • A range of places to eat and drink plus a 20-metre outdoor lap pool, gym, sky garden and member’s lounge
  • One of Asia’s top co-working spaces, according to Forbes magazine

“The best ideas can live and grow if the immediate surroundings put people first … It’s what all our spaces have in common.” 

Saranta Gattie, The Working Capitol Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer

Photo: EK Yap

600sqm Melbourne / 800sqm Adelaide / 2,000sqm Sydney 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strategic design partnership between Hassell and Hub Australia
  • Largest co-working community in Australia and part of a global network
  • All located in heritage buildings and designed with input and support from Hub members

“The spaces have the kind of energy and creative opportunities traditional workplaces could only dream of providing.” 

Brad Krauskopf, Hub Australia CEO and founder

Image: Dianna Snape

1,350sqm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More like a timeless, luxurious hotel than the ​‘typical’ co-working space
  • A new level of maturity for the sector, showing it’s now critical to corporate life 
  • Sophistication to match a prestigious location on Singapore’s George Street
  • A second location at Centennial Tower also co-created with Hassell

“What we got in the end was a beautifully designed space, with all of the intelligence and business efficiency of an office.” 

Jaelle Ang, CEO, The Great Room Offices

Image: EK Yap

1,500sqm

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Located at the newly refurbished Raffles Hotel, one of the world’s most famous hotels
  • Celebrates the grand heritage and shifting fortunes of this iconic ​‘grande dame’ of Singapore
  • Partnership with Raffles redefines the typical hotel business centre into a bespoke working environment characterised by hospitality and comfort
Image: EK Yap

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The brand’s first – and second – co-working spaces created in collaboration with Hassell
  • Designs of both sites informed by hospitality service and experience but structured around proven workplace design strategies
  • First outlet in OUE Downtown complex, second space in iconic art deco building Parkview Square and third in the world-famous Raffles Hotel

“You walk into this space and you feel like you can accomplish anything. You’re the best version of yourself and this is a space where your dreams can come true.” 

Junny Lee, The Work Project Founder and Managing Director

Image: EK Yap
Topics

Related projects

Fora Borough

Transurban Headquarters

Morningstar Workplace

Arup Workplaces

GSK Asia House