Is 1200 Square Feet Sufficient for a Coworking Space?

The suitability of a 1200 square foot area for a coworking space hinges on several key factors. These include the number of users, the desired layout, and the amenities you plan to offer. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in dictating whether a 1200 square foot space meets the needs of your community.

Capacity: The Basic Requirement

Traditionally, a coworking space can accommodate around 100-150 square feet per person. Therefore, a 1200 square foot area can comfortably fit approximately 8-12 people, assuming an optimal layout and efficient design. However, the actual number of users will depend on how the space is configured and utilized.

Layout: Space Efficiency and Configuration

The layout of the space is crucial, as it significantly impacts its usability. Open layouts with shared desks can maximize space efficiency, allowing more people to work in a confined area. On the other hand, private offices or meeting rooms will reduce the capacity, but may better suit spaces where privacy and focused working environments are prioritized.
For instance, Working Company in India has a layout that consists of 8 dedicated desks, 2 small rooms with 4 desks each, 18 flexible desks in an open-plan space, a meeting room, a lounge, a pantry, a bathroom, and a phone booth. This configuration allows for a mix of collaborative and individual workspaces. Even though they have space for 26 people, they prefer it when there are fewer than 20 people at any given time, making the space feel more open and less crowded.

Amenities: Supporting the Community

Additional areas for amenities like break rooms, meeting rooms, or event spaces can enhance the value of your coworking space. These areas provide important support to both the members and the community as a whole. However, they also take up valuable square footage, so it is essential to balance the need for amenities with the overall capacity of the space.

Community Needs: Creating an Ideal Space

Consider the type of work environment you want to create. A more collaborative space might require more open areas to encourage interaction and social networking. Conversely, if you prioritize privacy, you might need more enclosed offices. For Working Company, they value both collaboration and individual focus, with their flex room doubling as an event space in the evenings. This allows them to cater to both day-time and evening events.

Local Regulations: Compliance

Local zoning laws and commercial regulations can also impact the size and design of your coworking space. It is advisable to check these beforehand to ensure that your space adheres to all necessary guidelines and can smoothly integrate into the local community.

Overall, while a 1200 square foot space can work for a small, focused coworking community, it may be limiting for larger groups or for spaces with extensive amenities. The key is to strike a balance between space efficiency, community needs, and regulatory compliance.

Those who have successfully navigated the challenges of creating a coworking space, like the founders of North Germany’s first coworking space, know that the size of the space matters less than the core values and community-building strategies you employ. Ensuring that your space supports your core values and the needs of your members is more important than the square footage itself. By focusing on these key elements, you can create a thriving and successful coworking space.