“It was important to us that the space appeal to a wide range of residents, be as comfortable as possible for working during paid hours, and also feature subtle references to the cool freshness of northern countries around the world,” says chief architect Pavel Rodionov.
The Concept of Coworking in Dubai
For sweltering Dubai, the architects chose the concept of frosty northern berries. Scientists have long proven that cool colors and images of frost, ice, and other frosty elements evoke a sensation of coolness. At the same time, there are studies demonstrating increased productivity in cool spaces.
“Scientific studies show that it is very important for productivity that employees work in a comfortable temperature. At the same time, there is an important nuance: if a person looks at an image or an art object with elements of cold or frost, our brain is immediately activated. That’s how the associative chain works. When we presented our concept to the client, it was accepted immediately,” says Tatyana Pavlova, the project’s lead architect.
The second goal is to create a space that growing companies can rent, one that evolves alongside their growth. At the same time, the coworking space can comfortably accommodate both individual freelancers and teams working on projects.
To bring all these objectives together, the architects applied Kevin Lynch’s principles during the design process, translating five elements—paths, boundaries, districts, nodes, and landmarks—into the coworking space.
Thus, to indicate the direction of movement, two visual and conceptual focal points were introduced into the space, connected by a “thread” of red ball-shaped berries. This serves as both a landmark and an additional layer of meaning—addressing the need for security in a new place: knowing where the path leads, it’s impossible to feel like a stranger even in an unfamiliar setting. This solution instantly makes the coworking space welcoming for all residents.
Focal Points
One of the focal points in the coworking space is the reception area. This lounge area is so versatile that visitors can work here alone or meet with their team. On the left side of the reception area is a red berry-shaped sphere. There are also several refrigerators stocked with ice cream, so guests can enjoy a refreshing treat after the sweltering heat.
Another space designed to bring residents together is the café area, where everything evokes a sense of homey coziness and comfort. Thanks to the soft acoustic curtains, the “acoustic panels” on the ceiling that absorb excess noise, and the overall ambiance of the space—which is enhanced by media projections—guests can relax. This space is designed for meetings and presentations. It transforms quickly, and a large screen allows everyone to see all necessary information from any vantage point.
In addition to 126 individual workstations, a reception area, and a large hall for presentations and meetings, the coworking space includes 26 private offices that can accommodate 3 to 15 people. Some of them include lounge areas. There are also spaces designed for individual work away from desks, formal and informal meeting rooms accommodating 4 to 14 people, four phone booths, open coffee stations where you can meet with visitors, and support rooms.
The coworking space operates a reservation system that covers the entire space. You can book an office remotely, as well as individual workstations within the office.
“The space is like an oasis in the desert: it’s safe, intuitive, fresh, and light. We achieved this effect through the combination of colors and materials, lighting, zoning, and the arrangement of dominant elements and accents, which also serve as landmarks for visitors and residents,” notes the project’s chief architect.
Materials, Color, and Lighting
Speaking about the materials chosen, Tatiana Pavlova explains that, in addition to the standard finishes typically found in coworking spaces, they used satin-finished metal for the walls and coffee stations in the main areas. This technique—a blurred reflection of color and light—enhances the effect of “northern frosty mystery.” This sense of visual coolness is complemented by illuminated glass blocks, which directly evoke pieces of ice.
The colors and shades of the coworking space directly evoke “frozen berries”: a gradient of cool and berry tones is used in different zones, among which the client’s branded color unobtrusively takes its rightful place.
The overall sensation of coolness and warmth is enhanced by architectural lighting. Thus, surface-mounted linear fixtures aligned with the ceiling grid are installed in the common areas. Acting as navigational cues, they are positioned along the flow of people, along the corridors, and at a 90-degree angle to one another in the focal zones, creating an associative reference to the choice of path. Meanwhile, the spotlights in the common areas, built into a red sphere, serve as familiar landmarks: bright points that encourage people to approach a functional zone or a crossroads.
“In the fast-paced environment of major cities around the world, a hybrid work model is becoming increasingly prevalent. Comfort is now the top priority. Coworking spaces are no exception. Projects are emerging in various countries, cities, and business hubs. This is why a comfortable work environment is being created to facilitate adaptation and provide the necessary infrastructure for the work process. “We are pleased that a coworking space evoking the rugged splendor of the north and frost-kissed berries has become a new landmark on Dubai’s business map,” summarizes Chief Architect Pavel Rodionov.
Marat Bogdanov, project manager on behalf of the client:
“Designing and implementing the coworking project together with OFFCON, as always, was a positive experience. The collaboration during the concept development stage, as well as during the design supervision process, was particularly valuable. We encountered the main challenges during project implementation—this region has specific requirements for construction work. Complex approvals from government agencies were required. In addition, we had to adapt to the local mindset and work approaches. All challenges were ultimately overcome, providing valuable new experience working in a complex environment. The coworking space welcomes residents and guests, and everyone really likes our new space.”
