Setting Up the Workspace in your Coliving

Before reading this do give a read to the following

1. Understanding the Coliving Industry
2. Developing Your Coliving Concept
3. Choosing the right location for your Coliving
4. Designing Your Coliving Space
5. Building a Thriving Coliving Community

In a coliving environment, the workspace is a critical component that distinguishes your offering from traditional housing or hospitality. The workspace isn’t just about providing desks and chairs; it’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and collaboration among residents. A well-designed workspace will attract digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs, making your coliving space a sought-after destination for those who need a place to live and work seamlessly.

If you are looking to start a coliving business we have recently launched the Artof.Co Incubator Program. It is a 12-month milestone based program helping coliving entrepreneurs successfully conceptualize and build sustainable coliving businesses.

Designing the Coworking Space

1. Good Tables and Work Surfaces
1. Importance of Quality Work Surfaces: The foundation of any effective workspace is good tables and work surfaces. These should be large enough to accommodate laptops, monitors, and other work essentials, with plenty of space for note-taking or spreading out documents.
2. Variety in Work Surfaces: Offering a variety of work surfaces—from large communal tables to individual desks—can cater to different working styles. Communal tables encourage collaboration and interaction, while individual desks or private nooks allow for focused, solitary work.
3. Case Study - Urban Coliving: In an urban coliving space designed for startups, large communal tables might be complemented by smaller, adjustable desks for those who need a more personalized setup, including standing desk options.
2. Natural Daylight
1. The Role of Lighting: Natural light is one of the most important factors in creating a productive work environment. It not only improves mood and energy levels but also reduces eye strain, making it easier for residents to work for extended periods.
2. Maximizing Daylight: Design your coworking space with large windows, skylights, or even glass walls to maximize the amount of natural light. If natural light is limited, consider light fixtures that mimic daylight to create a bright and inviting workspace.
3. Case Study - Rural Coliving: In a rural coliving space, the workspace might be positioned to overlook scenic views, with large windows allowing natural light to flood the area, creating a serene and inspiring environment for work.
3. Comfortable Working Temperature
1. Maintaining a Comfortable Climate: Temperature control is crucial for maintaining concentration and productivity. Too hot or too cold, and residents will struggle to focus on their work. Ensure your workspace is equipped with a reliable heating and cooling system to keep the environment comfortable year-round.
2. Case Study - Tropical Coliving: In a tropical coliving space, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and proper ventilation are essential to keep the workspace cool and comfortable, especially during the hotter months.
4. Good Office Chairs
1. Ergonomics Matter: Comfortable, ergonomic office chairs are a must for any coworking space. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to discomfort and even health issues, so investing in high-quality chairs will enhance the work experience and support resident well-being.
2. Variety in Seating: Offering a variety of seating options, such as ergonomic chairs, stools, or even bean bags for more relaxed work, can cater to different preferences and needs.
3. Case Study - Creative Coliving: In a creative-focused coliving space, you might find a mix of traditional ergonomic chairs and more unconventional seating options, such as hammocks or floor cushions, to inspire creativity and comfort.
5. Lots of Plugs and Extension Cords
1. Power Accessibility: One of the most basic yet crucial elements of a coworking space is the availability of power outlets. Ensure that there are plenty of plugs and extension cords available so residents can easily charge their devices without having to search for an outlet.
2. Convenient Placement: Position outlets conveniently around the workspace, including at desks, communal tables, and lounge areas. Consider adding USB ports and wireless charging stations for added convenience.
3. Case Study - Tech-Driven Coliving: In a tech-driven coliving space, desks might be equipped with built-in power strips and USB ports, ensuring that residents have easy access to power regardless of where they choose to work.
6. Whiteboards and Collaborative Tools
1. Fostering Collaboration: Whiteboards, flip charts, and other collaborative tools are essential for brainstorming sessions, group projects, and startup meetings. These tools facilitate creativity and collaboration, allowing residents to visualize ideas and work together effectively.
2. Flexible Solutions: Consider movable whiteboards or walls that can double as writing surfaces, allowing residents to reconfigure the workspace as needed for different activities.
3. Case Study - Startup Coliving: In a coliving space tailored to entrepreneurs, a dedicated brainstorming room equipped with whiteboards, sticky notes, and markers can become the hub for innovation and idea-sharing.
7. Secluded/Silent/Private Work Spots
1. Need for Quiet Spaces: Not all work requires collaboration. Many residents will need quiet, private spaces where they can focus on deep work without distractions. Providing secluded work spots or silent rooms ensures that residents have the environment they need to concentrate.
2. Designing Private Workspaces: These areas should be acoustically treated to minimize noise and provide a sense of privacy. Consider offering individual work booths or small rooms with soundproofing to meet this need.
3. Case Study - Academic Coliving: In a coliving space that caters to academics or writers, private study rooms with soundproofing and minimal distractions would be a key feature, allowing residents to focus on research or writing projects.
8. Space for Calls and Meetings
1. Dedicated Call and Meeting Rooms: In a coliving space, residents often need to take video calls or conduct meetings without disturbing others. Designating specific areas for calls and meetings ensures that residents can work without interruptions and maintain professional communication.
2. Acoustic Considerations: These rooms should be soundproofed and equipped with comfortable seating, tables, and the necessary technology for video conferencing, such as good lighting, webcams, and microphones.
3. Case Study - Remote Work Coliving: In a coliving space focused on remote workers, several small meeting rooms might be available for booking, equipped with high-quality video conferencing tools to support residents who work with international teams.
9. Lightning-Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
1. The Backbone of Productivity: Reliable, high-speed internet is non-negotiable in a coliving space, particularly one that caters to digital nomads and remote workers. Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi can be a dealbreaker, so invest in a robust internet infrastructure that can handle multiple users and high bandwidth activities.
2. Redundancy and Coverage: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network covers the entire space, including both indoor and outdoor areas. Consider having a backup internet connection in case of service interruptions, and provide wired Ethernet options for those who need even more stability.
3. Case Study - Global Coliving: In a global coliving brand, internet reliability would be a consistent feature across all locations, with high-speed connections and backup systems to ensure residents can work without interruption.
10. Recording Studio or Creative Spaces
1. Supporting Creative Work: For residents who engage in creative work, such as podcasting, video production, or music, having access to a recording studio or other specialized creative spaces can be a major draw. These spaces should be soundproofed, well-equipped with the necessary technology, and designed to inspire creativity.
2. Multi-Use Creative Areas: Consider designing spaces that can serve multiple creative purposes, such as a recording studio that doubles as a photography studio or a video editing room.
3. Case Study - Creative Coliving: In a coliving space aimed at content creators, the workspace might include a professional-grade recording studio, green screen area, and editing suites, making it a hub for creative production.

If you are looking to learn more in-depth about the coliving industry, you should consider getting the Art of Coliving Book written by Gui Perdrix after interviewing 100+ coliving entrepreneurs worldwide. It summarizes best practices in community building, real estate sourcing, financial models, marketing, architecture, and all other subjects related to building out your coliving business.

Recommended Bonus Points

1. Inside/Outside Working Spots
1. Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Offering residents the option to work outside as well as inside can enhance their work experience, especially in locations with pleasant climates. Outdoor workspaces could include shaded patios, rooftop terraces, or garden areas with Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Case Study - Tropical Coliving: In a tropical coliving space, outdoor workspaces with comfortable seating, fans, and natural shade can allow residents to enjoy the environment while staying productive.
2. TV/Projector for Presentations
1. Supporting Presentations and Group Viewing: A TV or projector setup in a common area can be useful for group presentations, workshops, movie nights, or watching webinars. Ensure that the space is equipped with the necessary cables, adapters, and a good sound system.
2. Case Study - Educational Coliving: In a coliving space focused on learning and development, a dedicated presentation room with a large screen, projector, and seating would support regular workshops, guest lectures, and collaborative learning sessions.
3. Different Ways to Work (Sitting, Standing, Lounging)
1. Variety in Work Environments: Providing a variety of work environments—from traditional desks to standing desks, lounge areas, and even hammocks—can cater to different preferences and improve resident comfort and productivity. This variety also helps residents avoid the fatigue associated with sitting in one position for too long.
2. Case Study - Flexible Coliving: In a flexible coliving space, residents might find a range of seating options, from ergonomic chairs to bean bags, allowing them to choose how they want to work based on their comfort and the task at hand.
4. Plants and Proximity to Nature
1. Biophilic Design: Incorporating plants and natural elements into the workspace can enhance resident well-being, improve air quality, and create a calming environment. Biophilic design principles, which emphasize the connection between people and nature, can be applied through the use of greenery, natural materials, and views of the outdoors.
2. Case Study - Eco-Friendly Coliving: In an eco-friendly coliving space, the workspace might feature indoor plants, natural wood finishes, and large windows with views of surrounding greenery, creating a tranquil, nature-inspired environment for residents.
5. Universal Plug Adapters
1. Catering to International Residents: If your coliving space attracts residents from around the world, providing universal plug adapters or multi-standard power outlets can make their transition smoother and more comfortable.
2. Case Study - International Coliving: In a coliving space that hosts a diverse international community, desks might be equipped with universal plug adapters, USB ports, and international power sockets, ensuring that residents can easily connect their devices.

Setting up a workspace in your coliving space is about more than just providing a place to work; it’s about creating an environment that supports the diverse needs of your residents, fosters productivity, and enhances the overall living experience. By focusing on quality work surfaces, ergonomic design, reliable technology, and a variety of work environments, you can attract remote workers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who value a seamless integration of work and life. The workspace is a critical component of your coliving offering and a key factor in building a successful, thriving community.

Coliving Guide is a series of articles that will give you in-depth understanding of various aspects of coliving and help you take better decisions as a coliving founder. It is for anyone who is thinking about starting or already operating a coliving business. Do share it with fellow founders and enthusiast who would be interested and leave your feedback on coliving@artof.co

1. Understanding the Coliving Industry
2. Developing Your Coliving Concept
3. Choosing the right location for your Coliving
4. Designing Your Coliving Space
5. Building a Thriving Coliving Community
6. Setting Up the Workspace in your Coliving
7. Financial Planning and Unit Economics in Coliving
8. Marketing Your Coliving Space
9. Legal and Regulatory Considerations in Coliving
10. Building and Scaling Your Team in Coliving Business
11. Preparing for Growth and Future Trends in Coliving

If you have any questions around coliving feel free to book a free coliving advisory session here.