Expansion in the co-working space has been aggressive across the Asia Pacific region in the last year. CBRE reports that Singapore, like Hong Kong and Shanghai, is currently home to 40-60 co-working spaces, and references the Global Co-working Survey 2016 by Deskmag. That survey predicts a global annual growth rate for co-working spaces of 68 per cent over the next three years. What does that mean? The world will gain 37,000 more co-working spaces by 2018!

Singapore-based co-working space provider Spacemob is a good example of the growth being seen in the sector. Spacemob has just opened its second Singapore location at Science Park, and will soon be unveiling its third space – in Jakarta. The company, which targets entrepreneurs, freelancers, SMEs and MNCs, has a vision of operating 30 sites across Asia Pacific by 2019.

In a market with intensifying competition, design is a vital part of brand differentiation. Spacemob in partnership with Ascendas Singbridge engaged workplace design specialist ID21 to design and build its second Singapore location, which is known as Spacemob Ascent.

ID21 focused on creating a sense of energy with vibrant colours and dynamic shapes. A striking metal frame in Spacemob’s signature blue marks the arrival point, and carves out a presence for the dual-purpose reception and café counter. The frame was designed to give the impression of different shapes when viewed from different angles – an expression of Spacemob’s spirit of versatility.

The venue is by no means small. At 1,345 square metres, it accommodates 264 desks and a variety of formal and informal meeting spaces, and can host events for up to 80 people. The plan was organised as a series of interlinked pockets of alternating private offices, individual desks, meeting rooms and open areas. The aim was to prevent the interior from looking and feeling too dense.

The airy views through large windows help in this regard, with transparency preserved as much as possible across the plan through glass partitions. Says ID21’s Design Director Victor Wong, “We focused on bringing out the energy and vibrancy of the Spacemob community as a way to nurture collaboration and creativity.”

Promoting a feeling of comfort was also a key concern of the designers, and the material and furniture selections were guided by this. Tenant Jessica Cheam, Managing Editor of Eco-Business, feels that ID21’s efforts have paid off. She says, “It’s a space that feels friendly. My team really enjoys working here. The physical space lends itself to a lot of light, which provides inspiration for a creative company.”

Photos by Owen Raggett.