- How has the design philosophy at WeWork India evolved over the years? Can you share key milestones in the design journey of WeWork India’s workspaces?
Over the years, WeWork India’s design philosophy has undergone significant evolution, where we are constantly trying to incorporate local elements while focusing on sustainability and restoration of existing structures. We approach our designs by blending the needs of the modern workforce with locally nuanced and historical heritage design elements. We focus on drawing inspiration from local culture and incorporating indigenous elements which infuse authenticity and reflect the essence of the local context. For example, WeWork Rajapushpa Summit in Hyderabad leverages the nostalgia of the local elements of the region by incorporating locally sourced cane weaves. This design was inspired by regional dwellings and decorative motifs of South Indian architecture. Similarly, WeWork Purva Pavillion in Bangalore has integrated the Kasuri pattern in its design which reflects Karnataka’s cultural heritage.
As the flexible workspace industry continues to evolve, sustainability has emerged as a key driver, reshaping the way workspaces are conceptualised and designed. At WeWork India, we have been at the forefront of this transformative shift, integrating sustainability into our core design principles. Our commitment to creating aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious workspaces aligns seamlessly with the global movement towards sustainable design practices. For instance, WeWork Berger in NCR has furniture repurposed from plastic waste to align with our commitment towards sustainability. The approach towards the localisation of designs is accentuated by the use of cane lights.
Over the last seven years, WeWork India has expanded from its first to its fiftieth building, and each new building reflects the diverse needs of the community it serves in its design values. While showcasing a progression in design thinking, we incorporate lessons learned and feedback received from our vibrant community. This ongoing and ever-evolving aspect signifies WeWork India’s dedication to continuously improving and adapting its design philosophy to provide dynamic, inspiring, and community-centric workspaces to its members.
- How does design play a pivotal role in creating a positive and productive user experience in WeWork spaces? Can you highlight specific design elements aimed at enhancing the well-being and productivity of WeWork members?
Member experience is very important to us and designs that are thoughtful and functionally ergonomic are core to enhance it. Our design layouts are aimed at facilitating efficiency, fostering collaboration, and creating an atmosphere for focused work and a harmonious community experience. One of the ways we prioritise the well-being and productivity of our members is by incorporating elements from nature such as abundant sunlight and plants. For example, in WeWork India’s Embassy One building, we blended the external environment with interior design, aiming to recreate the warmth of a sunlit garden. Additionally, to address darker areas, we introduced oversized atrium plants and fabric ceiling lights, offering an effective solution to make the space feel inviting. Vibrant colours are also a sure-shot way of infusing life and energy into a workspace and we ensure to thoughtfully integrate these in our custom artworks.
Our design philosophy embraces versatility and allows for diverse work styles to co-exist and thrive within the same workspace. Features like lounges, and collaborative zones, encourage increased interaction for a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. At the same time, our spaces also have quiet zones that are equipped with desks that are acoustically insulated from the rest of the space so members can focus when required without any distractions.Â
- In what ways does the design of WeWork spaces contribute to fostering a sense of community among members?
The design of WeWork India spaces goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s a strategic approach aimed at cultivating a robust sense of community among our diverse members. A fundamental shift from traditional cubicles to dynamic, open-plan spaces plays a pivotal role, breaking down barriers and establishing an environment that actively encourages interaction. Moreover, our commitment to fostering community extends to the emphasis on fluid and flexible designs. These designs not only stimulate creativity but also facilitate spontaneous connections among members, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The incorporation of ‘Breakout’ areas further contributes to this ethos, providing privacy for focused work and offering a refreshing departure from conventional office setups.
In recognising the diverse needs of enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), WeWork India’s spaces are meticulously crafted to cater to their unique requirements while maintaining a shared sense of community. This is accentuated by communal spaces such as community bars, lounges, and game rooms, creating a vibrant environment that transcends traditional workspace boundaries and unites members in a shared experience.
- What are the current trends in flexible workspace design, and how are they reflected in WeWork India’s approach? Can you discuss the incorporation of technology and sustainability in the design of WeWork spaces?
The long-term trend for flex spaces will be to constantly innovate to elevate member experience and do it in a way that is sustainable for the environment. At WeWork India, we are committed to incorporating sustainability across the board. We have set very clear targets for ourselves such as
- Achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption from the 2019 baseline by 2026
- Divert 90% of waste away from landfills by 2027.
- Source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2027.
- Intensify water conservation efforts, targeting a consumption of just 20 litres per person per day by 2027
From a design perspective, we prioritise sustainability through water flow restrictors and occupancy sensors for reduced energy consumption. Additionally, we explore sustainable construction materials and engage in artistic initiatives like repurposing waste such as PET bottles for unique creations such as paper mache sculptures. We also used sustainable design at WeWork India’s 32nd Milestone space in Gurgaon where we used contemporary materials such as leather, acrylic and oakwood made from locally sourced sisal rugs, cane lights, and artisanal furniture to capture the vibe of the city.
- How do you envision the future of WeWork India in the evolving landscape of coworking spaces?
Envisioning the future of WeWork India in the evolving landscape of flex workspaces involves a commitment to continuous innovation with an emphasis on sustainability. As a leading player in the flexible workspace sector, WeWork India is committed to innovating and continuously introducing new products and expanding our current offerings. We prioritise staying at the forefront of the industry and our dedication goes beyond adapting to changing trends; we proactively anticipate the evolving needs of our dynamic community, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed their expectations.
- What role does design play in adapting to changing demands and preferences within the coworking sector in India?
As a leader in flexible workspaces, WeWork India strives to set trends by offering sustainable, flexible, and hybrid models. Our spaces are thoughtfully curated aligning seamlessly with the ever-evolving expectations of our members. This commitment not only ensures a conducive work environment but also plays a pivotal role in contributing to the overall success and satisfaction of our members.
- With the rise of remote work, how is WeWork India adapting its design strategy to meet the changing needs of its members? Are there specific design considerations for accommodating a hybrid work model?
In adapting to the growing demand for hybrid work environments, WeWork India’s design philosophy has evolved to meet the needs of private offices, enterprises, and managed office spaces. Our flexible design strategy and seamless integration of technology for remote collaboration empower clients to customise their spaces according to specific requirements and preferences. Moreover, our innovative approach to conference rooms with on-demand booking optimises space utilisation, allowing for a more dynamic and efficient use of meeting spaces.
- How does WeWork India incorporate personalisation in its design approach to cater to diverse industries and work styles? Are there customizable features that members can leverage to tailor their workspace environments?
In crafting workplace design, a crucial aspect is tailoring it to the unique culture of each brand. Brands vary in their choice of design, ranging from formal to casual. Utilising member data and insights, we have developed design palettes that enable the creation of distinctive visual identities, ensuring our spaces align with the specific preferences of our members. Whether it’s personalising private offices or managed spaces, our design offerings cater to the diverse needs and cultural nuances of each brand. Moreover, everything is handpicked. From office furniture to new finishes, accessories, art, branding, audio visual requirements, and green decor are among the things that are curated by WeWork India’s design experts—specifically sized and formatted to fit a client’s designated space.
- Given the growing emphasis on employee well-being, how does design at WeWork India integrate wellness features into the workspaces? Can you share examples of wellness-focused design elements?
We prioritise the well-being of our members and employees through initiatives such as preventive health screenings via hPods, comprehensive safety measures, and global certification for COVID precautions. We also provide emergency management solutions through a partnership with Red.Health like swift ambulance services, AED equipment, and first aid kits ensure immediate response in case of medical emergencies, promoting the well-being of individuals within our spaces. Additionally, our commitment to fire safety through FAPA (Fire Alarm and Public Address) systems, regular drills, and dedicated Emergency Response Teams enhances overall safety, fostering a secure and wellness-focused environment for everyone in our facilities. Thermal comfort is maintained, and well-being is promoted through fitness programs and an Employee Resource Group. Moreover, our dedication to sustainability includes eco-friendly cleaning materials, water conservation with aerators and RO filters, and responsible sourcing of coffee and tea. We prioritise employee wellness with sustainable tissue products and water-efficient fixtures, creating a healthy and eco-friendly workspace.
- How do community events at WeWork align with the overall design strategy to create a cohesive and engaging environment? Are there instances where the design of the space complements specific community events or initiatives?
Our on-site Community and Operations teams actively engage with both the product and our members. This interaction is essential for comprehending how programmed space types align with the diverse needs of member experiences. Our lounges serve as versatile areas, accommodating meetings, casual gatherings, and events, underscoring our unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community. For example, at WeWork Galaxy, a lounge space has been thoughtfully incorporated within the frame of the main staircase, providing a unique and enjoyable environment for members to relax and engage with the space. Additionally, our deliberate inclusion of community bars, game rooms, and amenities enhances collaboration, alongside designated event spaces and open layouts that align seamlessly with WeWork India’s approach, creating a cohesive and engaging environment for members.
- Balancing aesthetics with functionality is crucial in workspace design. How does WeWork India strike this balance to create visually appealing yet highly functional workspaces? Can you provide insights into the design decision-making process, considering both form and function?
Our decision-making process for design involves a dynamic interplay between form and function. Successful designs strike a balance, ensuring that the functional aspects meet user needs while the form creates a visually pleasing and meaningful experience. Iteration, collaboration, and a holistic understanding of the context contribute to well-informed design decisions. Our commitment to this kind of decision-making approach ensures that our designs not only cater to practical requirements but also resonate aesthetically, fostering an environment that goes beyond mere functionality.
