Tips from an Architect: How to Increase Users with Coworking Space Interior Design
Introduction
“I want to open a coworking space, but what should I prioritize in the interior?”
“The reason why users aren't increasing might be the interior.”
With the spread of telework, freelancing, and side jobs, the demand for coworking spaces is surging. However, as competition increases,differentiating your interior design is directly linked to attracting customers and retaining users.
From the perspective of someone who has run a construction company for 15 years, I will share tips on how to increase users through coworking space interior design.
1. The "Three Values" Required for Coworking Spaces
Users choosing a coworking space are not just looking for a "place to work."
1. An environment where you can focus
People who cannot focus at home or in cafes come here. Designing a space where one can concentrate is the top priority.
2. Comfort and coziness
Because it is a place where people spend long hours, a comfortable space that doesn't cause fatigue is required.
3. Community and connection
Many people come seeking interaction and stimulation from other users. Designing a space where natural interaction occurs becomes a point of differentiation.
2. Zoning balances "concentration" and "interaction"
The most important thing in coworking space design iszoning.
Since users with different needs coexist, it is essential to divide areas by purpose.
Basic Zoning
Concentrated Work Area
For those who need a completely quiet environment
Visually and acoustically partitioned with individual booths or semi-private rooms
Establish rules prohibiting conversation and phone calls
Collaboration Area
For meetings and group work
Flexible layout changes with movable tables and chairs
Install whiteboards and monitors
Relaxation Area
For breaks and light work
Arrange diverse furniture such as sofas and counter seats
Create an environment where users can enjoy drinks and light snacks
Phone Booths / Call Areas
Provide private rooms dedicated to online meetings and phone calls
Ensure soundproofing
Securing at least 1-2 booths significantly increases user satisfaction
3. Lighting design determines 'productivity'
Lighting in a coworking space is directly linked to user productivity.
Work area lighting
For desk work, daylight white (5000K) at 500-750 lux is recommended. If it is too dark, eyes get tired; if it is too bright, monitor glare becomes a concern.
Utilizing natural light
Natural light from windows has the effect of increasing concentration. Please arrange desks so that natural light hits from the side.
Lighting design by area
Focus area: Maintain concentration with uniform brightness
Relaxation area: Create a sense of rest with warm-colored indirect lighting
Meeting area: Adjust according to use with dimming functions
4. Sound environment determines 'repeat rate'
The thing users complain about most in coworking spaces is noise.
When phone voices, keyboard sounds, and background music mix, users cannot concentrate, which leads to the decision to 'never come back'.
Key points for soundproofing design
Enclose focus areas with sound-absorbing panels and soundproof walls
Make phone booths completely soundproof
Use sound-absorbing carpet on the floor to reduce footstep and chair noise
Utilizing background music
Some people find complete silence unsettling. Playing cafe music or natural sounds at a low volume (50–55 decibels) provides moderate ambient noise that aids concentration.
5. Choosing furniture that encourages 'long-term use'
A coworking space is a place where people spend a long time. The quality of the furniture is directly linked to usage time and repeat rates.
How to choose desks and chairs
Chairs
Investing in high-performance chairs that won't cause fatigue even after sitting for long periods is the top priority. If people get back pain from cheap chairs, they won't come back.
Desk height
Introducing some standing desks that allow for working while standing can be a differentiator. It can reduce the fatigue of sitting for long periods.
Power and charging environment
Installing power outlets and USB ports at every seat is essential. Seats without power access will not be used.
6. Facilities and design become the 'reason for being chosen'
The quality of facilities in a coworking space is directly linked to word-of-mouth.
Essential facilities
High-speed Wi-Fi (also provide wired LAN connections)
Printers and scanners
Lockers with keys
Beverages (coffee machines, water dispensers)
Facilities that provide differentiation
Private phone booths
Large monitors and projectors
Nap space
Shower room
Maintaining cleanliness
By using materials and designs that are easy to keep clean, it becomes easier for users to write that the space is "clean" in reviews.
7. Instagrammability attracts "new users"
Coworking spaces are a business type that pairs well with Instagram.
Intentionally create photogenic spots
Incorporate the logo and space name into the wall design
Place plants and art to create a "stylish work environment"
Window seats are easy to photograph well with natural light
When users post on social media saying, "I worked here today," it becomes free word-of-mouth marketing.
How to think about budget allocation
The interior budget for a coworking space is generally around 200,000 to 400,000 yen per tsubo.
High-priority investment areas
High-performance chairs (directly linked to long-term use and repeat visits)
Phone booths and soundproof design (directly linked to an environment where one can concentrate)
Power and Wi-Fi environment (directly linked to convenience)
Zoning (responding to diverse needs)
Instagrammable spots (directly linked to attracting new customers)
Summary
✅ Zone into four areas: focus, collaboration, relaxation, and phone calls
✅ Boost productivity with daylight-colored lighting and natural light
✅ Create a focused sound environment with soundproofing design and background music
✅ Encourage long-term use with high-performance chairs and standing desks
✅ Enhance basic facilities such as power outlets, Wi-Fi, and coffee
For coworking space interiors, rather than just "style," the key to creating a space that attracts repeat customers is designing an environment where people feel that their productivity increases when they work here.
Next time, we plan to release "Behind the Scenes of Construction Schedules, as Taught by Contractors."
Follow us to receive notifications. Please be sure to follow!
I have been running a construction company for 15 years, staffed by many qualified professionals including architects, electricians, and plumbing construction management engineers. We have a proven track record in constructing restaurants, clinics, hair salons, nurseries, and more. We are currently sharing information on store and facility interiors from a field-based perspective.
#CoworkingSpace #Telework #Freelance #SideHustle #StoreInterior #InteriorConstruction #Architecture #OpeningPreparation #WorkStyleReform #SharedOffice