Wild Co-Working
A Modular Workplace System
Client: Urban Zoo
Location: Riga, Latvia
Size: 100 sqm
Typology: Workplace
Status: Complete, 2019
Awards: Second Place 'Urban Zoo Co-Working' competition 2019
WILD is a modular and adaptable joinery solution for a Co-working environment that allows individuals to take ownership over how and where they work. The design solution offers a ‘Kit of Parts’ to subscribers which enables them to customise their work environment for both individual and collaborative work settings.
Recognising that coworking spaces can be a hub for networking and transfer of knowledge amongst subscribers, the proposed design allows for flexibility and offers opportunities for various types of work and collaboration. The design solution offers a ‘Kit of Parts’ to subscribers which enables them to customise their work environment for both individual and collaborative work settings. The highly functional grid system can be easily configured to any base building and offers a variety of different types of working spaces, presentation platforms, and storage areas that cater to ‘Work’ and ‘Play’, mitigating the Work-Life-Balance for subscribers.
Playing with the theme of a zoo environment, WILD explores varying levels of exposure established through the lightweight framework of the modular system. At the centre of the design is an enclosed fixed form, providing privacy for meeting rooms, amenities, utilities, and storage. This centralised fixture mitigates the Work-Play programs. A diversity of formal and bookable work settings for individual and collaborative work has been provided on one side, while causal work settings are accommodated in the library and café environments on the other.
The lightweight system is made of recycled timber dowels connected with a series of 3D printed recycled PET plastic connectors. By using 3D printing technology, we could ensure efficiency in production and quality in the manufacturing of the system. The simplicity of the design meant the system could be easily assembled, reconfigured, dismantled, relocated, and recycled, increasing the longevity and cost-efficiency of the fit-out. Furthermore, the design has the potential to be relocated to other sites, avoiding the cycle of waste generated from short-lived commercial fit-outs.
Responsible Design Principles: Reduce Waste, Sustainable Materials, Design for Change
"Studies, based on Simon Nicholson’s theory of “loose parts” (1971) have shown an increase in productivity and creativity when individuals are given freedom in their work environment."
