The number of independent workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers is on the rise. According to a McKinsey study, “20-30% of the labor force in both the U.S. and the EU is now made up of independent workers.” Rohan Silva and Sam Aldenton recognized the lack of inspiring workspace available to this growing community.
They created Second Home, innovatively designed workspaces to foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity in response to the need.
Second Home spaces in London and Lisbon offer a refreshing take on the conventional “workplace.” Spanish design firm SelgasCano meticulously consider the spaces they’re working with to build eco-friendly, creative spaces for communities of creatives and entrepreneurs.
”We have created an environment that is supporting creativity, job creation, and entrepreneurship
Rohan SilvaCo-founder
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The design focuses on a human affinity to nature and the importance of climate on energy and mood.
“…a building can really shape us. Our architects look at evolutionary psychology… and biophilia…and create buildings that mimic and take aspects from nature.” – Rohan Silva, Co-Founder.
They’ve integrated more than 1,000 plants and tons of natural light throughout each workspace. And by designing a new ground system with natural ventilation, they’ve also been able to remove air-conditioning systems, improving air quality and helping people feel more energetic.
Shared tables, areas defined by transparent walls, and privacy created by plants also increase contact between diverse members which inspires collaboration and creativity.
Source: Dezeen
«Every aspect of the space is designed to maximize collisions between our diverse community of industries and disciplines, sparking the cross-fertilization between different domains,»
Sam Aldenton and Rohan Silva, Founders.
Exciting restaurants and spaces for well-being and cultural activities stimulate and increase interaction and creativity as well. Every aspect of these innovative workspaces is designed with the human in mind. These are spaces people actually want to spend time in; places where they can breathe deeply and feel inspired; spaces where they can get work done.
Spatial design is focused on the meaning and impact of spaces on the people who inhabit them. It combines aspects of architecture, interior design, service design, and landscape architecture and design.
At its core is the concept of place identity, or how spaces affect the identities of the people who use them.
Their goal is to design spaces that match the needs and situations of the people who are using them, whether those people are employees, customers, students, or citizens in general.
They use research methods related to product design and service design, as well as social and historical concepts of place identification.
According to Second Home, “90% percent of its members are happier to come to work.” Their focus on spatial design has had a significant, positive impact on the people who use their spaces.
And the impact of innovative design does not only impact the individual. Creating workspaces that make people happier and more productive impacts the economy at large, in this case by supporting creativity and entrepreneurship, and by extension, creating new jobs.
To tap into human potential and creativity, we must create spaces that promote productivity—and this is where spatial designers come in. They optimize the spaces where we live, work, and socialize to maximize our efficiency and happiness.
«We truly believe in the power of progressive architecture to make a positive difference in the world around us,» added Aldenton, co-founder of Second Home.