JOINT Cafe & Workspace in Bangkok by 56thStudio

This ‘Co-Working Space’ is a fully functioning office space where works get done and connections get made. There are 16 seats available both in fixed desks and hot desks with storage provided only to fixed desks clients, suitable for freelancers seeking friendship from people across field expertise and startups.

Next time I hear someone whinge about how hard it is to design a good-looking workspace on a budget, I’ll personally bitch-slap them across the face, tell them to stop talking shit and instantly point them towards this post. This is a promise. People, can we all please agree right now that workspaces don’t need to be ugly, predictable, corporate or boring as bat-shit? On the flip side, they also don’t need to go the other way by trying so hard to be “creative” where they literally make me gag with the cliches – you know, timber palettes and milk-crates, “graffiti” and random vintage ugly shit that’s trying to be uber eclectic just cause “Pinterest” says that’s cool. OK? So let’s all agree to stop producing boring or try-hard office interiors from now on. Can we please do that? Ok, that probably won’t happen any time soon, but in the meantime let’s take a look at this little gem – Joint Cafe & Workspace in Bangkok, Thailand designed by a local design practice 56thStudio.

This clever and savvy co-working space is intended as a “workplace for all”. The interior is geared towards professionals who generally work from home and their clients. The interior is kept mostly white to act as a “blank canvas” where occupants and their visitors call the shots. The choice of furniture is super eclectic, mixed and matched with creative props and cool contemporary graphics with black and white pop art illustrations.

The ‘Corner Space’ features window seats for 1-3 people, suitable for working solo, private tuitions and small meetings.

The Café is a relaxing corner serving refreshments and snacks. A simple, fresh idea that is beautifully executed.

The real gem of this 280 sqm co-working office is the ‘Room Space’ – a cleverly constructed area fitted with whiteboards that double as partitions, giving users the ability to join up to five meeting rooms, catering for small meetings to medium-scale seminars. Very subtly, 56thStudio wanted to introduce a “work & play” concept into the design of the space, through the playful meeting tables, the snooker club inspired lighting, and ping pong table nets as dividers of co-working desks.

Personally, I am 100% sold on the little table nets. Such a sweet idea that is sure to bring giant smiles to countless faces. Also, can we please talk about super ugly office chairs – usually the bane of my existence. 56thStudio have pulled a super cunning stunt by recovering them in interesting fabrics that perfectly harmonise with each-other, turning a traditionally ugly peace of furniture into a hero of the space. Ten points from me. So so clever.