CO WORKING HUB

Thesis report submitted to the University of Kerala

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Submitted by

Naomi Sara Raji

45515475086.

Under the guidance of

Ar. Jaazim Salahudeen Abdul Aziz

B.Arch. Thesis
December 2019

C. A.T
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE TRIVANDRUM

Mulayara P.O, Thiruvananthapuram

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE TRIVANDRUM

CO WORKING HUB

Submitted by

Naomi Sara Raji

45515475086

Under the guidance of

Ar. Jaazim Salahudeen Abdul Aziz

B.Arch. Thesis
December 2019

C. A.T
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE TRIVANDRUM

Mulayara P.O, Thiruvananthapuram

This thesis is the property of the institution and the author, it should not be re-produced without prior permission.

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C . A. T
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE TRIVANDRUM
Mulayara P.O, Thiruvananthapuram
___________________________________________________

Student Name
B.Arch. Thesis
Title
APPROVAL

The following study is hereby approved as a creditable work on the subject, carried out

and presented in a manner sufficiently satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as B.Arch. Thesis,

a pre-requisite to the B.Arch. Degree program for which it has been submitted.

It is to be understood that by this approval, the undersigned do not necessarily endorse or

approve the statements made, opinions expressed or conclusions drawn therein, but approve

the study only for the purpose for which it has been submitted and satisfies as to the requirement

laid down in the academic programme.

Guide Thesis Committee Head of the Department

Chairperson

Ar. Jaazim Salahudeen Neena Thomas Prof.Bijey Narayan

Abdul Aziz

Designation Professor Designation

Date: Date: Date:

External Examiner: Internal Examiner:

Date: Date:

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CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Ms/Mr. Naomi Sara Raji has worked under my supervision on CO

WORKING HUB towards the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree

of Bachelor of Architecture of the University of Kerala. This is his/her original work and can

be submitted as a B.Arch. Thesis report.

Name of the Guide

Designation

Date:

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Dissertation titled CO WORKING HUB was carried out by me

during the year 2019 in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Architecture of the University of Kerala. This Thesis is my own effort and has not

been submitted to any other University.

Thiruvananthapuram
December 2019 Naomi Sara Raji

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ACKNOLEDGEMENT

I am very much indebted to my thesis guide Ar. Jaazim Salahudeen Abdul Aziz, for his

continuous support, advises and willingness to help at any time.

I would like to extend my thanks to my family for their support and friends who have

contributed relevant materials and data in various forms that helped me in completing the

research.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATE .............................................................................................................. 4

DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... 5

ANOWLEDGEMENT ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................... 7

LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... 9

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... 10

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 11

1.1 The Project – An Overview ............................................................................ 11

1.2 Aims and Objectives ...................................................................................... 11

1.3 Feasibility Studies .......................................................................................... 12

1.4 Methodology/Design Process ......................................................................... 12

1.5 Scope and limitations ..................................................................................... 13

2. Basic studies ......................................................................................................... 14

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 14

2.2 Literature review ............................................................................................ 14

2.3 Primary Data Collection ................................................................................. 15

2.4 Secondary Data .............................................................................................. 15

3. CASE STUDIES ................................................................................................... 17

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 17

3.2 Literature Case Studies .................................................................................. 17

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Indian Habitat Centre ........................................................................................ 17

We Work ............................................................................................................ 18

3.3 Design Considerations / Key decisions ........................................................... 19

4. THE SITE ............................................................................................................. 21

4.1 Relief map ..................................................................................................... 22

4.2 Feasibility studies .......................................................................................... 23

4.3 Site analysis and inferences ............................................................................ 23

5. THE DESIGN ....................................................................................................... 24

5.1 Design concept .............................................................................................. 24

5.2 Design process – Decisions ............................................................................ 24

5.3 Detailed Design with Drawings ...................................................................... 26

6. SPECIAL TOPIC .................................................................................................. 28

6.1 Feasibility and relevance to the project ........................................................... 28

6.2 Application .................................................................................................... 28

7. CONCLUSION..................................................................................................... 29

8. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 30

9. APPENDIX .......................................................................................................... 31

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Illustration showing the corporate users in Kakkanad context ........................ 12

Figure 2: Interpretation of Ray Oldenburg’s concept of ‘Third place’........................... 14

Figure 3 Site plan of IHC ............................................................................................. 17

Figure 4 Images showing different views of We Work, Bangalore ............................... 18

Figure 5 Plan of We Work, Banglore ........................................................................... 18

Figure 6 Satellite map of site showing access ............................................................... 21

Figure 7Photo of site from neighbouring plot ............................................................... 22

Figure 8 Site map showing slope analysis .................................................................... 22

Figure 9 Excerpt from Site study sheet ......................................................................... 23

Figure 10 Images showing Indian architecture elements used in design ........................ 24

Figure 11 Figure showing layout plan .......................................................................... 26

Figure 12 Figure showing block drawings .................................................................... 27

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Table showing inferences from user study ....................................................... 25

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Project – An Overview
Co working hub is a mixed use development strategically located Kakkanad, amidst the

IT parks Smart city and Info Park. The development offers formal work spaces, informal work

spaces, contemporary public spaces and recreational spaces in a dynamic and multi layered

experience through commercial, hospitality and recreational.

In todays context the top corporate firms in the state have restricted entry for the people

who work there such that no other users are encouraged to come there and pitch their ideas.

This creates a void in terms of creativity within the field and the people who have ideas lack

access to resources.

The intake of the employees in corporate firms are through a set of interviews, which tends

to show a lack of the creativity of the employees and also tends to be deceiving.

1.2 Aims and Objectives

In today’s millennial work environment; people tend to stay glued and have a relationship

with their devices and they tend to not even communicate with the people seated next to them.

Hence the main architecture challenge here to create spaces that create interaction and

collaboration. It is going to be an integration of live-work-play lifestyle. The main objectives

of the study are:

a. The project introduces a new mixed use development typology in the creative field

which aims at being a bridge between the top corporate firms and the local

community.

b. The design of emerging co working spaces.

c. The study of how a mixed use development functions giving emphasis to the

architectural privacy of each functions.

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d. Impact of health on design with respect to the lifestyle of people who are involved

in desk jobs. And hence design furniture’s based on the spaces.

1.3 Feasibility Studies

The project is proposed at the intersection that leads Info Park and smart city making it

easily accessible to either users. Bringing up a public use development at this location makes

it easier accessible for either users. Lack of co-working spaces at this location also makes it

more prominent at this location. The project could also be the factor that links and brings

together people of both the IT parks. Presence of multinational companies in the context helps

to promote entrepreneurs to be able to collaborate with them.

Figure 1 Illustration showing the corporate users in Kakkanad context

1.4 Methodology/Design Process

• Initial study will be done to study the prominence of a mixed use development and how

it functions.

• Study of the emerging trend and prominence of co working spaces in and around India.

• Case study of mixed use developments, co working spaces to study the design, spatial

functions and services.

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1.5 Scope and limitations

Makers district brings up a new concept called the “corporate residency” program which

is inspired from artist residency program. The co-working hub acts as a space where people

come together to work, socialize and create without having to feel lonely. Inspiring others and

being inspired by others is the main idea.

Due to the no existing programs there is a lack of case studies that has similar functions.

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2. Basic studies
2.1 Introduction
According to Ray Oldenburg’s (urban sociologist) findings, three types of places that

connect human lives are: first place (home), second place (work) and third place (recreational

spaces). The need for these three separate spheres defines how human environments are

designed at a base level, but increasing urbanism and mobility is combining these different

spaces at one. The result of this is a new hybrid building type that consists of spaces for living,

working and entertaining.

Figure 2: Interpretation of Ray Oldenburg’s concept of ‘Third place’

2.2 Literature review

According to the Harvard School of Design, a mixed use development usually has three

types of uses in one building, none if the components of have greater than 60% area. The spaces

are supposed to mutually support each other. The different types of mixed use development

combinations are chose based on the following factors:

-socially, culturally

-physically

-functionally

-aesthetically

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-architectonically

-with time

2.3 Primary Data Collection

The physical facilities to be provided in a co working space can be classified under

(1) Workspaces, (2) Administrative area (3) Amenities area

Workspaces include administrative spaces, individual workstation, group workstations,

library, computer centre, open lounges

Administrative area includes admin offices, archive, accounts division, general technician’s

room, concierge office, storage spaces

Amenities area include gym, food court, experience centre and open plaza

2.4 Secondary Data

There are different spaces and special factors that brings out the creativity of the users are:

Nature has a profound impact on humans. Sunlight, fresh air and natural surroundings

positively affect peoples’ sense of wellbeing and happiness. Even a view of nature is powerful.

Research has shown hospital patients with a window overlooking trees to experience quicker

recoveries and lower pain perception than those with a view of a wall or no window at all. And

office workers have been shown to experience lower mental fatigue and stress when nature is

present.

Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, and also a specific protein

that is known to promote the health of nerve cells and improve mental functioning. Moreover,

repetitive action also moves brain into ‘alpha’ state – a mild daydream or light relaxation state

– the best brain state for problem solving and lateral thinking. Operating in Alpha can be

exemplified to when you are driving a car and just cruising around or when you get captivated

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into a good book and sort of lose track what is happening around you. Running, walking the

dog, swimming, knitting, and zoning out on the train are all common alpha-inducing situations.

For some, it’s the sensation of running water and being relaxed and alone with one’s

thoughts that enables real problem solving to occur. That twilight state between being awake

and asleep can be a fantastic time for ideas. Most of us operate during the majority or our day

in the 3-4% of our brain’s processing capacity that is conscious. This is where our mind usually

operates in daily life. In such a state we have full conscious awareness and attention of

everything around us and usually only one side of brain is operating. This is a good state for

sequential thinking and processing.

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3. CASE STUDIES
3.1 Introduction
The case studies that are done for this project was chosen based on different stages of the

project that is:

- Mixed use development and its functions

- Co working spaces in India

3.2 Literature Case Studies

Indian Habitat Centre

The genesis of the design, according to Stein, is rooted in the fact that he is a "horizontal

architect with a profound dislike for automobiles and the need for climate modification, the

application of these with co-operation of the client led to a conscious decision to under build".

Thus, the complex is realised as an oasis of quiet and greenery in the midst of the chaos of the

city.

Figure 3 Site plan of IHC

This case study gave an idea on how a mixed use development functions and the

percentage of spaces required for the different typologies.

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We Work

WeWork is an American company that provides shared workspaces for technology start

up subculture communities, and services for entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups small

businesses and large enterprises. As of early-January 2019, WeWork have been managing

10,000,000 square feet of office space. We work designs and builds physical and virtual shared

spaces and office services for entrepreneurs and companies. We work also owns well-known

brands such as WeWork Labs, We Live, Rise by We, WeGrow.

Figure 4 Images showing different views of We Work, Bangalore

This case study gave a clear idea on the spatial quality that is to be brought in a co working

spaces, and also the different typologies of workspaces.

Figure 5 Plan of We Work, Banglore

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3.3 Design Considerations / Key decisions

Stimulate: space for inspiration

Human beings thrive on stimulation – mental, emotional and physical. Stimulating spaces

speak to people through non-verbal means, reinforcing messages, attitudes and values. They

lift spirits, connect people to a common purpose and appeal to the senses. Stimulating spaces

can enable people to connect with the problem, subject or consumer they’re working on by

allowing them to immerse themselves in that world, deriving mental energy from the stimuli

itself.

Reflect: space to think

Once the mind has been fed a problem, it often needs time and space to allow that problem

to incubate. Periods of intense focus, coupled with time to unwind set up the right conditions

for a creative brain to problem solve. Reflective spaces allow people to refresh and recharge,

provide individual contemplation or focus on a project or task uninterrupted. Quiet Spaces is a

collection of five limited-stimuli rooms each designed to accommodate different types of office

experiences—such as small meetings, individual work sessions, or an afternoon nap—with

occupant-controlled integrated lighting and media, seating, acoustical panels, and privacy-glass

walls.

Collaborate: space to share

Ideas need to be shared in order to get better, progress and ultimately to happen. The best

creative collaborative spaces are more than just meeting rooms. In fact they’re usually not

meeting rooms – they’re hallways, food stops or outside areas – and they encourage the sharing

of tacit knowledge in a non-hierarchical way.

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Play: space to connect and explore

The benefits of play are well documented for social development and well-being, but few

businesses really understand the power of play. Play comes in many guises – not just slapstick

craziness, but also in the form of deep exploration and experimentation – as well as simply

adding a light touch to human interactions. Playful spaces allow colleagues to connect in a

relaxed, agenda less way – which strengthens relationship bonds and makes work conversations

easier.

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4. THE SITE

Figure 6 Satellite map of site showing access

The site chosen for this project is Kakkanad in Kochi district which is a hub for corporate

firms in that area. Kakkanad has an advantage of having both info park and smartcity thus being

a hub of a large number of corporate firms.

The site is located right behind the Carnival food court which is right now a food hub for

the people working in Info park and smart city. This area is surrounded by a semi mixed

typology of office area and resedential zones. In a place where an emergency of rapid

development is seen, and a place that is the connecting link between past and present, the design

should be versatile so as to be accomadated in this area, and also have a chance to converse

with its surroundings. In a locality that is already so thriving, architecture of the structure would

make a cultural statement than a physical one.

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Figure 7Photo of site from neighbouring plot

4.1 Relief map

Figure 8 Site map showing slope analysis

The site majorly slopes towards the western side, closer to the water body. There is slope in

the eastern side as well however it is not very prominent. The site is elevated compared to its

surroundings. Any structure built on the top most contour will be prominent be visible from

outside the site.

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4.2 Feasibility studies

- Kochi has a high density of available science and technology personnel in India

- Rentals lower by more than 60% in comparison to major cities

- A port city where air, rail and sea travel lines coverage - "a connectivity node"

- Kakkanad is a home for the Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).

- Kakkanad is also home for the largest IT Township in India, the Smart City and also the

second largest IT industrial park, the Kochi Info Park.

- Industrial projects like Fashion City are also proposed in Kakkanad.

4.3 Site analysis and inferences

Figure 9 Excerpt from Site study sheet

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5. THE DESIGN

5.1 Design concept

Figure 10 Images showing Indian architecture elements used in design

The concept for this project is bringing back the Indian-ness of workspace culture through

architecture. Today majority of the workspaces that come up are designed in such a way that

they have a Scandinavian feel to it. Once a user enters the workspace, there is a disconnect

from the context and the culture, especially in Indian workspaces. Hence this design aims at

bringing back the Indian context and culture into the design through architecture elements,

furniture designing for the context and with the context.

5.2 Design process – Decisions

The design process involves extensive case studies of different co working spaces and

similar mixed use developments. From the user study held at the co working spaces, the spaces

are finalised to 3 main categories namely MAKE, SHARE, SHOW.

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Table 1 Table showing inferences from user study

Further after the selection of the special requirements zoning was done on the site based

on different factors.

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After zoning of different blocks on the site, the blocks and layout was designed.

5.3 Detailed Design with Drawings

Figure 11 Figure showing layout plan

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Figure 12 Figure showing block drawings

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6. SPECIAL TOPIC
6.1 Feasibility and relevance to the project
The design of this project revolves around the personality traits of users and combinations

of spaces that would help them become creative and work better. Hence health and its relation

is studied in detail.

6.2 Application
- Zoning based on the BIG FIVE personality traits

- Furniture design for the different workspaces in the co working building

- The concept has also evolved in the design to the details of the design in terms of

furniture details.

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7. CONCLUSION

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8. REFERENCES
(n.d.). Retrieved from Lorem Ipsum: https://www.lipsum.com/feed/html

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9. APPENDIX

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