Coalesce

Fig: 1 - An eclectic mix of old and new construction can be found in cities that each, tell a story.

PREMISE

Built infrastructure is overwhelming the physical landscape of urban cities. Structures are built over land parcels in the city as planning is layered with every new construction. The cities of today boast of their rich history through the heritage landmarks that are standing in place even today. The architecture of the landmarks is reminiscent of a once-great civilisation and its achievements.

With passing time, these structures stand through the test of time by evolving their function to fit the society in the city at the time. The city actively participates in the preservation of these structures as they add character and identity to metropolises. But every structure has an expiration date in regards to its physical deterioration or due to its inactive function in society. 

Old structures are left unused and often considered to be outdated, but their potential for use is barely explored in many circumstances. Such sites can be reinvigorated by repurposing them to satisfy the present needs of society. It not only reduces the burden of new construction but also helps to restore the cultural value of the city. 

Fig: 2 - Old buildings can be repurposed into spaces that make them relevant in society today.

OPPORTUNITY

The demand for workspaces is always high and many old buildings are now being converted ingeniously, into new, contemporary spaces suited for working in the 21st century. The urban culture work setting is moving away from the traditional office workspaces and exploring new trends of work-play concepts and co-working. 

Co-working is sharing a common office place with multiple companies, offering cost relief and convenience through the use of common infrastructure. This efficiency attribute of coworking spaces is being translated to locating the coworking spaces as well.

Metropolises around the world are trying to re-adapt their important sites into useful spaces. These sites are diverse and render their unique setting to their interior. Coworking spaces designed in such sites are distinctive and have become popular hubs in urban centers.

Is it possible to re-invent the trend of coworking with respect to its contextual setting?

Fig: 3 - Coworking is a creative outlet that can be incorporated inculture-rich backgrounds to give use and value to old construction.

BRIEF

Coworking areas are an ongoing trend in big cities and its design must be extremely functional and inclusive since it caters to diverse users.
Brief: The challenge is to redesign the interior of a refurbished warehouse into a coworking space.

Awareness and an appreciation of its heritage have to be achieved by the thoughtful articulation of its interior space. The design must also represent the story of the building through its interiors. The office environment created will become part of the history and significance of the building.  The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout, or spaces. 

The theme of the interior must establish a connection to the site and city context. Privacy and interaction must be guided in the layout as per the nature of the activity. The aesthetics (a blend of modern and historic) and functionality must be balanced. Greenery must be incorporated efficiently with multiple sustainable strategies that will make the structure trendy in current times.

OBJECTIVES

Planning: Site planning, circulation, and internal layout must be thought of.

Furniture: Furniture needs to be custom designed.

Lighting: New lighting strategies need to be looked at for the changed use of space.

Finishes: Internal finishes can be changed to accommodate the new use.

SITE

The service and financial industries contribute significantly to the United Kingdom’s income and the employment rate is very high. London is one of the largest financial centers in the world and business districts are filled with companies of tech, travel, non-profit, and so on. Entrepreneurs and start-ups seek collaborative offices with non-traditional spatial design. 

The site is the structure at 55, GREAT SUFFOLK STREET. It is a heritage-listed building (Grade II), part of the London Borough. It is a mid-19th century warehouse with well-preserved design features. The building has original loading doors used for manufacturing in the past.

The brick building has four stories plus raised basement and attic with a hipped slate roof, the latter concealed by a concrete rendered parapet. There is a yard behind the property with parking for five cars.

Lot Size: 290 sq.m
Maximum Built Up Area: 743 sq.m (185 sq.m per floor)
Coordinates: 51°30'09.9"N 0°06'03.4"W

AREA PROGRAMME

The structure consists of 4 floors and the entire building floors are to be used to host coworking office spaces. The basement can be used to host non-office spaces. The spaces to work must be incorporated to accommodate varying groups of companies planning to visit the centre. 

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

• The coworking space has to be designed with 3 office spaces of 100 sq.m each. A Common room must consist of modular desks that can be used by around 20 people. Separate meeting halls, a conference room, and a seminar room is to be available for smooth operations of the occupying company.
• Some private working nooks can be provided for people who prefer to work alone. Multimedia rooms must contain computer units for individual workers. 
• Assistive spaces for making phone calls, storage, a kitchen, pantry, and cafeteria are to be provided in the coworking setup proposal. 
• Greenery in open spaces like front yard, terraces, and so on can be used for social interaction.
• Reception, Parking, and Services must be an efficient feature of the design proposal.