Reviving the Past: theDesk by Cocoon Architecture Ltd.

Conservation Meets Innovation in this Award-Winning Coworking Space

What sets theDesk apart is its conservationist approach to design. The designers sought to extend the life of the building by revealing its history and character. They identified key components of the building and decided which parts to reveal and reinforce to meet contemporary needs. This approach not only conserved the building's original elements but also created a unique workspace that tells a story.

The design team extracted three elements from the building: the lightwell, the backyard, and the balcony. These elements were repurposed to introduce green spaces into the building, creating what the designers call focal green, extended green, and indented green. The lightwell, for instance, was transformed into a small skylight with greenery, making it an inhabitable small garden. This approach not only enhances the aesthetics of the space but also promotes passive environmental measures like natural breeze, sun shading, and cross ventilation.

The ground floor and the mezzanine floor of theDesk are approximately 750 square feet, while the first floor spans 4000 square feet. This sudden change of scale creates a unique spatial experience for the visitors. The materials used in the design, such as the original brick walls, exposed concrete beams, and the metal structure of the old staircase, are revealed as they are. This, along with the use of low-key raw materials like white paint, exposed cement sand floor finishes, and expanded metal panels, creates a mixed ambience of retro and modern.

One of the challenges the designers faced was to create a characteristic workplace with a low budget. They overcame this by minimizing the use of new materials and revealing the old ones. This approach not only saved costs but also allowed the building to maintain its own identity and history. The result is a coworking space that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and rich in history.

The design of theDesk is a testament to the power of conservation and innovation. It shows that it is possible to create a modern, functional space while preserving and celebrating the past. The success of this project is a testament to the skill and creativity of the design team at Cocoon Architecture Ltd., and a reminder of the potential that lies in our built heritage.