Swiss Coworking Hub: A Blend of Local Tradition and Modern Innovation

Evolution Design's 6280.CH: A Unique Workspace Inspired by Swiss Countryside and Industrial Heritage

The design of the hub was inspired by the picturesque village where it is located. Nestled among mountains, lakes, and endangered plants, the hub is a reflection of the natural beauty and culture that surrounds it. The design also pays homage to the traditions of furniture manufacturing that once took place in the former factory and warehouse space where the hub now stands.

Evolution Design's approach to the project was to create a space that was distinct from other coworking hubs. The designers researched local lakes, mountains, and plants, as well as the client's archives for historic images of the building's industrial past. These elements were incorporated into the design concept, resulting in a space that reflects Swiss mountain pastures, lakeside, wooden farm buildings, endangered plants, and furniture making traditions.

The client, a furniture manufacturer, played a significant role in the realization of the design. Most of the furniture pieces, including metal work, acoustic panels, and lampshades, were custom-made. An old joiner's bench was recovered from storage and converted into a communal dining table, and a former shipping container was upcycled into a diner-style meeting pod. Old photographs from the client's archive were used for the production of wall graphics and lampshades.

The coworking hub is not just a place to work, but also a space where tenants can host events, workshops, or product demonstrations. The kitchen area doubles as a space for large team meetings and is fully equipped, allowing coworkers to cook, eat, and socialize together.

The project, which started in January 2019 and was completed in June 2019, faced several challenges. The former manufacturing space, with its high ceilings and spacious rooms, was not being used to its maximum capacity and was unappealing for coworking. The challenge was to fill the space with different exciting and comfortable zones that naturally flow from one into another, encouraging coworkers to explore different work areas within the hub, and at the same time give the hub its distinct local character.

Despite the challenges, the 6280.ch coworking hub is a testament to Evolution Design's innovative approach to design. The hub, which was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, offers local freelancers and small businesses a contemporary workspace with interiors that draw inspiration from the site's bucolic setting and pay homage to its industrial past while firmly embracing the nature of 21st-century working life.