Cost Effective Short Term Co-Working Hub

As a ‘transient’ workspace, the facility allows groups to work in an ‘office’ environment supported by the university, but more than this; it provides opportunities for interaction with industry and piers through seminars, presentations and workshops. Being spread over two storeys was never ideal for the University as it feared segregation; our approach to the design splits the facility into two key area, first floor for the serious work and the ground floor for the ‘pitch’ and interaction, ensuring that all users use all part of the facility.

In planning The Hub, flexible breakout and seminar space is deliberately positioned to the building frontage to maximise exposure and enliven the streetscape, with the remainder of the ground floor being given over to lively collaborative spaces and hot-desking for use by all. ‘Huddle’ spaces at the rear of the ground floor allow users to present and workshop ideas in a space that can be adapted through the use of moveable furniture, whilst integrated ‘white boards’ and digital screen allow the freedom to engage in the manner that suits to individual.

One things that the stakeholders were clear on was their vision for a space that was vivid, energetic and bold; the use of bright yellows and lime green threads through the space adding vibrancy and energy. As an interim facility all materials are design to be easily removed at the end of the lease and existing materials where retained where possible. The existing ceiling and grid are retained throughout, with feature plywood tiles dropped into the grid in selected area to add warmth, whilst allowing the existing slab over to be expressed. Integrated acoustic panels throughout the fitout provide a high level of acoustic amenity.