How Much Area Per Person for Coworking Space?

Coworking space is not a foreign term to hear in big cities. This term is a combination of two words, namely coworking which means doing work together with fellow employees from the same or different companies, and space which means place or location.

If you combine the meanings of these two words, the meaning of the term is an open area used by workers to carry out work in a communal/modern style. Generally, places used for coworking have long tables, comfortable seating, and good lighting which is ideal and comfortable for working.

Why are Coworking Spaces in Demand?

Current technological developments seem to make life easier, especially in work activities. Recently, more and more companies have implemented a system of working from anywhere without having to be in the office. This is why coworking is starting to become popular as a transformation of the work culture, technology, and culture of a region.

Technological developments also influence the types of tools used for work. If in the past you worked in an office using a computer tied to a work desk, now work can be done using a laptop or notebook which supports the system for working from anywhere. Laptops or notebooks are considered more flexible, namely they are affordable and easy to carry everywhere, but can still function like a computer for work needs.

This flexibility then influences changes in work culture, so that when work is considered to be able to be taken anywhere without having to stay in the office, a culture of working from anywhere and everywhere emerges. From this transformation of work styles, places have emerged that can be used for coworking. If you coworking, you are not bound by company regulations. Whether in terms of clothing, when to come and go, and being able to eat and drink anything while working.

Currently, many places are offering to host coworking spaces in big cities, such as Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali. For example, Bali Bustle, which is one of the best coworking space in Bali. With just one membership, you can visit all Bali Bustle locations.

How Much Space is Required Per Person for a Coworking Space?

One of the things you need to pay attention to when coworking is the size of the place. It’s not about the total area of ​​the place, but let’s look at the area required per person. This needs to be considered carefully if you intend to build a coworking space as your business.

You certainly don’t want to pay a lot for a place that is too large for coworking even though the area you use is only small, and you also don’t want to get an area that is too narrow even though the space you need is more spacious. Let’s see basically what the ideal size of area per person is for coworking.

Consider Facilities

First, consider the existing facilities in the area as elements you need to include. Most of the room will be used as a work area, so the facilities that must be there are chairs and tables for working, seating and tables for relaxing, and workspace for other functions. It is also necessary to build meeting rooms, presentation rooms, lounge areas, and others.

Also include space for a kitchen or pantry, toilet, and reception desk. Other additional rooms that are useful are storage or locker rooms, maintenance rooms, restrooms, or even bars.

Proper Space Ratio

To find out the right amount of space, consider the ratio of people and space. To find the right size, try using traditional office measurements as an idea. So, the ideal size of the coworking space area to be offered to members is at least 75 – 95 square meters per person.

Then the size of a small kitchen is around 100 square feet without seating and a meeting room or private office has an area of ​​around 120 – 150 square feet.

However, this size increased by 22% from 2016 to 2017, to 7,572 square feet. So the area size per person is around 100 – 250 square feet. This is indeed a very modest amount, but with the right calculations, it will provide benefits in the long term.

Plan the Type of Space

To make it easier to plan the size of the room, consider three important spaces, such as private and collaborative spaces, target audience, and other additional facilities.

Personal Space and Collaborative Space

When calculating the right room size, determine the exact type of room to be built. For example, the type of space you create wants to focus more on personal work, collaborative work, or both.

If personal work is your main focus, then you should create more individual work areas rather than communal areas. However, if your focus is collaboration space, then create more communal spaces where the number of spaces per person is greater.

Types of Visitors

Apart from taking into account the amount of space available, you need to look at the type of audience who comes. If visitors only bring a laptop or piece of paper, you can choose a workspace that is relatively small in area. However, if the visitor is someone who needs more space to place several tools for work, then the workspace must be larger.

Additional Facilities

The existence of additional facilities is an added value to attract visitor interest. These additional facilities include lockers for members, a kitchenette, a break room, a conference room, etc. Each of these spaces adds to the calculation of the area of ​​the room.

Characteristics of an Ideal Coworking Space

Of course, choosing a coworking space should not be haphazard, there are several things you need to pay attention to so that you can feel comfortable while working. At least, pay attention to the following elements!

Modern and Sophisticated Facilities

The first thing you should pay attention to is the facilities provided by the coworking space. Modern and sophisticated facilities certainly support your comfort while working. So, before renting a place, you must pay attention to the facilities that must be available, including:

1. Comfortable tables and chairs are available

Chairs and tables are the main facilities that must be available. If you work with other employees from the same company, make sure the number of chairs and tables matches the number of employees.

2. Air conditioning is available

The presence of AC makes the room not hot, stuffy, and comfortable to live in for long periods of work.

3. Internet network

Make sure the place you rent for coworking has fast Wi-Fi facilities to make your work process smoother.

4. Clean toilets

Make sure the toilets provided have adequate hygiene and health standards and can function well.

Strategic Location

Consider where the coworking space is located. A strategic location means that the place is in a central area, can be accessed by various types of private or public transportation, and is close to facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and shopping places. You also need to pay attention to the existence of places nearby that can be used to rest comfortably, for example, parks or sports facilities.

Flexibility

What flexibility means is that the place can offer rental options tailored to your needs. For example, daily, weekly, and monthly package rentals. You also need to pay attention to the workspace you rent, namely being able to add additional workspace, change tables as needed, and reduce the size of the room if necessary.

Space Flexibility

It is also important to pay attention to the flexibility of the space on offer. You will probably use various types of rooms according to your needs while working, whether individual workspaces, meeting rooms for presentations, or rooms for meetings. Make sure the venue has quiet areas for meeting sessions that require concentration but also has space for social interaction in informal gatherings.

Community and Network

One of the benefits you can get from coworking is the opportunity to meet a dynamic community consisting of professionals with the same way of thinking. By meeting a strong community, you can expand your network, support, and inspiration for your work or business.

Additional Services

Not just basic facilities, choose a place that offers additional services to make you more comfortable while working. For example, the use of meeting rooms, on-site catering services or cafes, and a good internet network. That way, you don’t need to worry about matters related to logistics.

Atmosphere and Culture

Having a pleasant work atmosphere is a valuable benefit. You can try several places to get the work atmosphere you want according to your needs and work culture. Some places have different work cultures, some focus on certain sectors, and others prioritize diversity.

In the end, the ideal room size for each person also depends on the type of room and the type of member who uses it to make it comfortable to live in. However, a comfortable coworking space is also supported by various other aspects, such as strategic location, facilities provided, flexibility, and the working atmosphere therein.