coworking space with large skylights and lots of plants
June 7, 2024

10 Beautifully Designed Co-Working Spaces Around the World

9 min read

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Commercial designers across the globe are turning their attention and expertise to coworking spaces. In this article, we explore ten beautifully designed coworking spaces around the world, each offering unique architectural and design elements that inspire creativity and collaboration. From restored historical buildings to eco-friendly bamboo constructions, these spaces highlight the diverse and innovative approaches to creating inspiring work environments. Let’s take a closer look at these stunning coworking spaces and what makes each one special.

When Flexible Office Space Makes Sense

Coworking spaces make sense for a wide range of professionals, including freelancers, small businesses, corporate teams, travelers, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional office environments, these spaces offer a flexible, cost-effective, and supportive environment that can enhance productivity, collaboration, and work satisfaction. Shared office spaces also immerse you in the local business community, allowing you to form connections to which you might not otherwise have access.

Of course, working at a dedicated desk in a shared office space when you have historically worked in a fully furnished private office takes some getting used to! Would the coworking model make sense for you and/or your firm? Let’s take a closer look.

Freelancers and Remote Workers

Coworking spaces provide an ideal environment for freelancers and remote workers looking for a flexible, professional work setting. These spaces help increase productivity and reduce distractions that often come with working from home.

Additionally, they offer networking opportunities, allowing freelancers to connect with a diverse group of professionals from various fields. With amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and office equipment, coworking spaces ensure that freelancers and remote workers have access to all the resources they need.

Small Businesses and Startups

For small businesses and startups, coworking spaces are a cost-effective alternative to leasing traditional offices. These spaces offer flexible membership plans, making it easy for businesses to scale up or down as needed without long-term commitments.

Being part of a thriving community also provides valuable support, advice, and potential business opportunities, fostering growth and collaborative working among startups and small enterprises.

Corporate Teams with Satellite Offices

Coworking spaces can serve as excellent satellite offices for more established businesses (think, large corporations), providing employees with convenient locations to work without commuting to the main office. They are also perfect for project-based work, offering dedicated spaces for teams to collaborate on specific projects.

Moreover, providing access to stylish and well-designed coworking spaces can enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction, especially for those who prefer a change of scenery from the corporate office.

Travelers and Digital Nomads

For frequent travelers and digital nomads, coworking spaces offer a consistent and professional workspace, ensuring productivity regardless of location. These spaces also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, expanding professional networks while on the move. Additionally, coworking spaces often offer local resources and information, which can be incredibly helpful for travelers navigating new cities or countries.

Creative Professionals

Creative professionals benefit from the inspirational and aesthetically pleasing environments that many coworking spaces offer. These spaces are designed with creativity in mind, enhancing the quality of creative work.

The collaborative atmosphere also provides opportunities for finding potential partners or collaborators for various projects. Furthermore, coworking spaces often include wellness programs and recreational areas, helping creative professionals maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Some of the best regarded coworking spaces for creatives include Brooklyn Art Cluster in Brooklyn, Artisan’s Asylum in Somerville, Massachusetts, and The Workbench in London.

Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs

For entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, a flexible work space provides a professional image with a credible business address and unlimited access to conference rooms or other meeting spaces. These spaces offer access to mentorship, business advice, and resources that are invaluable for solo businesses. Additionally, many coworking spaces host events, workshops, and seminars, providing valuable learning and networking opportunities that can help entrepreneurs grow their ventures.

10 Stunning Coworking Spaces Across the Globe

WeWork Weihai Road – Shanghai, China

Located in a restored opium factory, WeWork Weihai Road is lauded for its blend of historical architecture and modern design. The space preserves the building’s original character with exposed brick walls and wooden beams, complemented by contemporary furnishings and vibrant decor. 

Designed to cater to a variety of professional needs, it offers a range of workspaces, meeting rooms, and communal areas that encourage collaboration and creativity. The thoughtful integration of old and new elements makes this coworking space both unique and inspiring.

More About the Design

This WeWork location was designed by the WeWork in-house design team, which focuses on preserving historical architecture while integrating modern elements. The restoration of the opium factory was done in collaboration with local architects and designers to maintain its unique character.

The Ministry – London, UK

Created by the founders of Ministry of Sound, The Ministry is a stylish coworking space that masterfully combines industrial and luxurious design elements. The space features exposed brickwork, steel beams, and vintage-inspired furniture, creating a chic, urban atmosphere. 

In addition to workspaces and meeting rooms, The Ministry includes a well-appointed bar, wellness facilities, and event spaces, offering a comprehensive environment for both work and relaxation. The design reflects the founders’ background in the music industry, emphasizing creativity and innovation.

More About the Design

The Ministry was designed by Squire and Partners, a respected architecture and design practice based in London. They are known for their innovative approach to blending industrial and luxurious design elements.

HUBud – Bali, Indonesia

HUBud, located in the heart of Ubud, Bali, is a coworking space celebrated for its bamboo construction and open-air design. This eco-friendly space integrates seamlessly with its tropical surroundings, featuring large windows and open spaces that allow for natural ventilation and stunning views of lush greenery. 

HUBud offers a variety of workspaces, communal areas, and wellness programs, including yoga and meditation, promoting a balanced and healthy work-life environment. Its design emphasizes sustainability and community, making it a popular choice for digital nomads and local entrepreneurs.

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More About the Design

HUBud was co-founded and designed by Steve Munroe and Peter Wall. The space was built using sustainable bamboo construction, reflecting the founders’ commitment to eco-friendly and community-centered design.

NeueHouse Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA

NeueHouse Hollywood is housed in a historic building on Sunset Boulevard, blending Art Deco and contemporary design elements to create a sophisticated and dynamic workspace. The interior features sleek lines, rich textures, and modern furnishings, with nods to the building’s storied past through preserved architectural details. 

Offering a range of workspaces, event areas, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, NeueHouse Hollywood caters to creative professionals and entrepreneurs seeking an upscale and inspiring environment.

More About the Design

NeueHouse Hollywood was designed by the architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, led by David Rockwell. The firm is celebrated for its ability to blend Art Deco and contemporary elements.

KWERK – Paris, France

KWERK in Paris is known for its artistic and avant-garde design, creating a unique and inspiring workspace. The interior is filled with curated art collections, custom-made furniture, and innovative design elements that reflect a blend of creativity and functionality. 

In addition to its aesthetically pleasing workspaces, KWERK provides wellness facilities such as meditation rooms and fitness areas, fostering both professional and personal well-being. The space is designed to stimulate creativity and collaboration among its members. KWERK was co-founded by Albert Angel and Lawrence Knights, who also led the design. The company’s upcoming de Messina location (opening this September) was also designed by Albert Angel.

Second Home – Lisbon, Portugal

Second Home Lisbon is situated in the Mercado da Ribeira and is designed to emphasize biophilia, with abundant plant life and natural light throughout the space. The vibrant interior features colorful furnishings and ergonomic designs that create an energizing atmosphere. 

Second Home offers a variety of workspaces, from open areas to private offices, and promotes a sense of community through its layout and communal areas. The design aims to enhance well-being and productivity by creating a connection with nature.

More About the Design

Second Home Lisbon was designed by Spanish architecture firm Selgascano, founded by José Selgas and Lucía Cano. Their design emphasizes biophilia, with abundant plant life and natural light, creating a vibrant and energizing workspace. The pair designed a second Second Home location in Madrid. Learn more about it here. For their London location, Second Home also collaborated with BVN Architecture.

The Great Room – Singapore

Inspired by the luxury and elegance of boutique hotels, The Great Room in Singapore blends sophisticated design with functional workspaces. The interior features elegant meeting rooms, communal lounges with stunning city views, and a well-curated calendar of professional and social events. 

The space is designed to foster a high level of professionalism and comfort, making it an ideal environment for networking and productivity. The luxurious yet functional design makes it a standout coworking space in Singapore.

More About the Design

The Great Room was designed by Joyce Wang Studio. The design draws inspiration from boutique hotels, blending luxury and functionality to create elegant meeting rooms and communal lounges.

BetaHaus – Berlin, Germany

BetaHaus in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district is known for its minimalist and functional design, reflecting the city’s industrial and creative spirit. The space offers a variety of workspaces, including open desks and private offices, all designed to be both practical and comfortable. 

Regular workshops and networking events help foster a strong sense of community among members. The clean, functional design and emphasis on community make BetaHaus a popular choice for freelancers and startups. BetaHaus was designed by its founding team, including Christoph Fahle, Tonia Welter, and Max Steinhaus. 

Utopicus Glories – Barcelona, Spain

Utopicus Glories is a sophisticated coworking space located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Part of the Utopicus network of coworking spaces, Utopicus Glories is known for its modern design, state-of-the-art facilities, and prime location in the city’s vibrant 22@ district, also known as the Innovation District.

Utopicus Glories combines sleek, contemporary design with functionality, creating an inspiring environment for its members. The space features clean lines, minimalist decor, and an abundance of natural light, fostering a productive and pleasant work atmosphere. The design incorporates various elements to promote creativity and collaboration, including open-plan workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology.

Turull Sorensen Architects crafted Utopicus Glories to reflect the dual nature of Barcelona’s landscape. The side of the building facing the Mediterranean Sea features fresh, marine colors, creating a serene and invigorating atmosphere. In contrast, the wing that looks out towards the Sierra de Collserola mountains incorporates warm wood tones and lush vegetation, bringing a touch of nature indoors. This thoughtful design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a healthy and dynamic working environment.

Spaces Works – Amsterdam, Montreal, Houston, Prague, and More

Each Spaces Works location is distinct, but many share the blonde wood open shelving, sculptural light fixtures, and soaring windows found in the Amsterdam offices. Spaces Works in Amsterdam offers creatives a dynamic environment with a modern, airy design. The space features open work areas, private offices, and stylish meeting rooms, all designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Large windows, contemporary furnishings, living walls, and natural materials all contribute to a calming yet inspiring atmosphere. 

The vibrant community of entrepreneurs and professionals further enhances the collaborative spirit of the space. Spaces Works is designed to cater to the needs of modern professionals, offering a flexible and stimulating work environment.

More About the Design

The Amsterdam Spaces Works was designed by the Spaces in-house design team, in collaboration with local Dutch designers. The design focuses on creating a modern, airy environment with open work areas, private offices, and stylish meeting rooms, fostering a dynamic and collaborative community. For somewhere closer to home, consider the Spaces Works location in Raleigh (pictured above)!

Final Thoughts: Joining a Coworking Space

Offering a blend of flexibility, community, and resources that traditional offices may lack, a coworking membership might make sense for you. However, you must consider the cost. Coworking spaces typically have membership fees that vary depending on the level of access and services provided (think, flexible memberships versus a monthly membership). These fees can include hot desk memberships, which offer access to any available desk in a shared workspace and generally range from $100 to $300 per month.

Dedicated desks, where a specific desk is reserved for the member, typically cost between $300 and $500 per month. Private office memberships provide a private, enclosed office space and can range from $500 to $1500 per month or more, depending on the size and location. Day passes, which allow access to the coworking space for a single day, usually range from $20 to $50 per day. Additional fees may apply for meeting room rentals, event space rentals, and certain amenities like printing, storage, or locker usage.

These workspace solutions are absolutely ideal for some creatives, but others might find the cost prohibitive.