Principles of the Flexible Office Concept in the Context of Co-working Center Design

Abstract

The article deals with the concept of the flexible office as a modern type of workspace designed to provide a variety of places and ways to work and identifies the main design techniques used to implement the concept and philosophy of "flexibility” on the example of the interior design of the co-working centre. The purpose of the article is to define the specifics of implementing the flexible office concept in the context of the co-working center design. Research methodology. A complex of general scientific methods and methods of contemporary art history are applied: generalisation and systematisation of materials on the problems of flexible office design; the system analysis method, which facilitated the study of the characteristic features of the flexible office design as elements of a single whole; the method of structural and functional analysis, which revealed features of the flexible office as one of the most popular types of working space; classification method through which the basic principles of the flexible office concept are established and analysed through the prism of the co-working centre design. Scientific novelty. The main trends of flexible office design are theorised; the specifics of the design approach to the formation of co-working centre space are examined as an example of the embodiment of the basic principles of flexible office design. Conclusions. The study of design approaches for the co-working centre space formation proved their compliance with the main principles of flexible office design – smart space architecture, functional adequacy and ergonomic perfection of the furniture, inclusiveness, acoustics, air conditioning, natural components, maintaining the possibility of changing lighting level, colouring scheme aimed at maintaining and enhancing attention and ability to work.
 It is found that although the main planning type in the co-working centre is universal, combining open and cubicle types, their design suggests adherence to the concept of a flexible office.
 The key elements of flexible office design have a huge impact on the working atmosphere of the co-working center and are used by designers to support efficient work. Main design solutions to optimize the co-working center space in line with the flexible office philosophy, which includes adaptation to the residents’ needs and establishing communications, are the main driving force behind the workflow.
 The concept of the flexible office in the context of the specifics of a co-working center supports the trend towards the transformation of activities and behavior, provides the resident with the space that best meets his needs and the ability to choose where he wants to work and/or rest at any moment.
 The co-working center design forms a unique communicative space for inspiration, creativity, and reflection by creating interiors that inspire and reflect the visual trends of the socio-cultural space of the beginning of the 21st century. Stimulation of creative and cognitive work patterns following the main trends of the flexible office concept contributes to increased work capacity.
 The subject-spatial environment of the flexible office creates a characteristic emotional state and intensifies communication in the co-working center, becoming one of the factors in mobilizing the creative process and enabling residents to make bold professional decisions.