Whether you’re a marketer, a salesperson, or a product designer, creativity is a huge part of your job. As you’re dealing with new projects or everyday tasks, you need creative thinking to problem solve, craft innovative solutions, or come up with the right turn of phrase. The space you choose to work in can play a pretty significant role in how creative you feel. At the end of the day, it’s hard to come up with the next fun, unique idea if you’re in a room with no light and grey walls, right?
Co-working spaces were first conceptualised for creative freelancers and solopreneurs, a notorious group of creative thinkers, to help them build community and have a place they could “go to work” to. As these spaces have evolved and become more refined, they have become hubs for creativity, with design features, amenities, and events carefully selected to inspire their members.
Below, we’re taking a closer look at some of the choices made in co-working spaces that inspire creativity. Next time you visit one, look out for these features.
1. A variety of spaces and seating options
People love variety — not least because it allows for different perspectives and feelings. This applies to the environments we work in. It’s true, you may have some creatures of habit that prefer to sit at the same desk, with the same set up, every day. But you’ll also have others who love a change in scenery from time to time, and will take their laptop to the nearest coffee shop to do some brainstorming. Then there’s the person who needs to have animated collaborative sessions with others to get to the next big idea. To facilitate creativity for the most people possible, co-working spaces tend to have a variety of settings, from lounges and rooftop terraces to small breakout rooms.
2. Art and creative design features
Whether you’re aware of it or not, your creativity responds to the space around you. This is why you’ll often find co-working spaces with impactful art pieces on the wall, pops of colour in the staircases, or even architectural features that break from the norm. Another common feature is greenery and natural elements that inspire wellness for members. These are passive elements in a space that can inspire creative thinking and lead to unique perspectives.
3. Nourishment and caffeine
Fact: it’s almost impossible to come up with a good idea when you’re hungry. This is why many co-working spaces have free snacks and coffee available to their members. Others will take it a step further and even have filtered water to ensure their members are hydrated and focused.
4. Programming and events
There’s a lot to be said for conversation and social interactions as sources for creativity. When we engage with others, we get access to different opinions and perspectives that can then spur new ideas. For this reason, many co-working spaces will host events for their members, facilitating interactions and relationships that foster creativity.
5. Location, location, location
City centres are full of inspiration. There are chefs plating their latest invention, actors putting on stellar performances, and brands launching snazzy marketing campaigns. The best co-working spaces locate themselves in the midst of these creative endeavours, giving their members easy access to everything the city has to offer. This way, members can step outside whenever they need to do some creative thinking.
At iQ Offices, we’ve taken these best practices and centred them in the design of our spaces. Each location has multiple settings — such as breakout rooms and lounges — so that you can change up where you’re working and reframe your perspective. This can be particularly helpful if you’re ever in a creative slump. We’ve also supplemented our spaces with artwork, chosen especially to help inspire creativity, as well as available snacks and coffee for those who need nourishment to fuel their creative process.
Our social events are another great way to tap into creative thinking. Every week, we host Happy Hours for people from different teams and companies to interact, exchange ideas, and build relationships. These interactions can sometimes provide new perspectives and spark new ideas, making them a source for inspiration.
Want to learn more about our spaces? Get in touch and visit the nearest one to you.
