The mark of a good co-working space is one that lets your creativity run free. Atmosphere is everything. Meetu Akali of Studio Momo conceptualised a unique design for Scapes India, a co-working space in Gurgaon, that reinvents the idea of a typical workspace. While it is situated in one of the busiest satellite cities, the design team has created a friendly, relaxed working space that lays grounds for warm interiors reminiscent of a café or a vintage home. “Our client wanted an unconventional office space for his creative team at Scapes India. Something that would make them feel that they are in another dimension,” explains Akali. The 6,000-square-feet space works as a co-working space in the day, and a space for social gatherings, events and gigs in the evenings.
Raw and Rustic
The ergonomically designed and beautifully decorated office breaks free from the traditional office style with a bohemian and playful design. “The space initially had a raw look with concrete ceilings, exposed conduits and ducts and, fired brick walls. We decided to keep the rustic and raw appearance alive and only added layers to it. For this, we roped in Vikas Soni, a painting genius who created beautiful textures on the walls. Distressed blue has been used in common areas like the entrance lounge, and green in the work spaces. We kept the brick walls as it is and painted directly over them, retaining the original raw feel of the space, with an added aesthetic. The result is a contemporary space with a dose of rustic,” says Akali.
The original space also came with visually intrusive columns which were cleverly used to create arches. This not just softened the look of the entire space, it also helped in separating the private areas from the social areas. An open plan was chosen to create a collaborative environment conducive for working individually and in teams.
The co-working space also holds private offices, communal spaces and a conference room. The icing on the cake is the yellow and champagne-coloured fluted glass used as partition for privacy. Brightly coloured furniture contrast the stark ceiling and neutral walls.
Fun and Fashionable
The design incorporates several mood-enhancing features that are sure to keep those creative wheels spinning. The cafeteria with a hand-painted mural stands out in particular. The white terrazzo flooring and turquoise barstools give the space a café-like feel. The reclaimed wooden tables create a warm, professional space that's timeless. Opulent touches inside the co-working space come in the form of plush rugs, bespoke furniture, brass-rimmed flooring and swanky lighting.
Since the office is designed for creative minds, art is an integral part of the design. “The co-working space overlooks the entire city and has a glass façade. Hence the landscape and greenery became a palette for the entire space. We decided to add to this with different artworks and wall textures,” says Akali. Between the colour scheme, textured walls and art, the space clearly doesn't suffer from any shortage of fun and playfulness.
Sustainable and Soothing
The glass facade allows maximum natural light to filter in. This in turn cuts down the energy usage due to minimal artificial lighting. Colour schemes of ivory and white are soothing to the eyes. Corners filled with plants help keep the air clean.
“We spend most of our days at work, so it seems crucial to develop a space that calls upon your various moods at different points in the day,” says Akali. Particularly in creative industries, where a shift in your environment can take you to a more inspiring headspace.
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