A Correlational Analysis of Multicultural Co-working Spaces:

An Innovative and Modernized Working Environment

I. Introduction
Considering the continuous modernization of the world, numerous changes and
adjustments occurred over time. Unlike before, women in the present day already exhibit the
same power, capabilities, and rights as men. And given that humans have to thrive,
individuals of any gender carry the same responsibility (to work) in the present day to survive
daily lives. Later on, traditional workplaces were introduced, which endured several
developments based on the nature of the task performed and the instruments employed.
The concept of working from home first emerged in the 13th century, while the
industrial revolution, which started in the late 19th century, gave rise to the concept of
separation and various advances in the workplace. Following the 20th century, society
encountered advances and breakthroughs, such as the expansion of work duties which
generated fresh opportunities for employment. The architecture of the building incorporates
numerous design developments, including the electric elevator, which resulted in high-rise
structures (Lazo, 2018).
However, aside from working affiliated advantages, it comes with several challenges.
Despite the fact that one must be able to exhibit focus and therefore express creativity, there
must be no destruction; thus, it has been proven that there is a massive difference when
working at home and having a specific workplace, as there are contributing factors that may
affect the employees’ performance. Therefore, having a good work environment can increase
employee productivity since it encourages commitment and competence (Zhenjing et al.,
2022).

II. The Evolution of Working Spaces

Professionals now have unparalleled versatility with regard to where and how they
want to work because of the prevalent availability of innovative computing methods, wireless
communication devices, and data storage systems (Armondi & Di Vita, 2017; Moriset, 2013).
Different styles of workspaces have served workers' demands over time, which has further
enhanced their productivity. Traditional office spaces were highly valued in the early stages
of workspaces as they suggest privacy, which improves focus, productivity, and a
professional setting for clients' confidentiality. In addition, rather than encouraging
collaboration, these kinds of spaces typically place a strong emphasis on individual
productivity and personal branding.
 Figure II.1 Traditional Office Spaces

However, due to the constant advancements the world faces, and as individuals grew
and exhibited collaborative skills when working, a more advanced working space emerged,
the co-working space.

The Rise of Co-working Spaces

Co-working is an approach that has emerged as a substitute to the usual workplace
over the past ten years. It enables people from many backgrounds and occupations the ability
to collaborate in a shared setting. Technology experts, entrepreneurs, and freelancers
frequently favor this type of working arrangement.(Tomagan, 2019; Knoll, 2016; Lazo,
2018). Working in a collaborative office setting has advantages for productivity. People are
given the chance to communicate and broaden their networks, which enables teamwork and
the exchange of information and thoughts. Even for individuals who work on their own, it
fosters an impression of the community. The Global Coworking Unconference and Emergent
Research conducted a poll of 1,500 people from 52 countries in 2015, and the results revealed
that they felt more inspired and engaged at work as a result of merging with their coworking
community. Additionally, 82% of respondents noted the growth of their business network.
Over the past ten years, coworking spaces, a particular type of alternative workplace,
have emerged in line with the growth of the so-called "boundaryless workforce."(Pohler,
2012, as cited in Gerdenitsch et al., 2016; Armondi & Di Vita, 2017). Coworking spaces,
often known as "open-plan office environments," are spaces in which a variety of workers
and entrepreneurs can obtain desks and use various office services along with other
professionals (Akhavan et al., 2018). The key draw of co-working areas resides in their
commitment to solving problems that independent workers frequently face, such as
loneliness, inadequate efficiency, and an absence of physical accessibility to actors and
networks that might encourage the exchange of information, resources, and business
opportunities (Avdikos & Kalogeresis, 2016; Brown, 2017; Spinuzzi, 2012; Tintiangko &
Soriano, 2020).
 Figure II.2 Co-working Spaces

There were 135 open workspaces in Metro Manila alone in 2018, indicating the
co-working sector is expanding significantly in the Philippines. And Sheldon (n.d.) estimates
that by 2030, co-working spaces may make up 30% of commercial real estate, wherein the
millennial generation, entrepreneurs, and multinational companies are major forces behind
regional growth (JLL Philippines, 2018; Tomagan, 2019). Between 2014 and 2017, at least
2,000 additional open-plan office seats were created yearly in Metro Manila, with Makati,
Ortigas, Alabang, and BGC being the most popular sites due to the concentration of
businesses in these areas (Tan, n.d., as cited in JLL Philippines, 2018). However, there are
still specific barriers in the way of flexible space's broad adoption. In addition to the
requirement to safeguard data and secure their IT systems, large corporations place a great
emphasis on maintaining their brand and cultural identity.

The State of Co-working Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In retrospect in the course of the pandemic, the country had struggled a lot not only with the
COVID-19 response but also with managing the public infrastructures, which includes both
commercial and industrial spaces. Considering that period of time when individuals were not allowed
to have physical contact in any form, several changes took place whilst taking into consideration the
appropriate response. Several companies have shut down, the co-working industry has been adversely
affected, and people have shifted away from in-person employment toward working remotely or
signing up as online freelancers. However, after some time of staying at home and minimizing
infected mutations, the co-working industry gradually came back to its normal setting, and adoption
has been crucial to preserving company operations for those that have been kept open or reopened.
The move toward remote work has, in fact, brought attention to the significance of better connectivity.
Since the outbreak, these facilities have sought to foster involvement and innovation as well as
improve continuity planning for companies bidding to realign their personnel and lower real estate
expenditures. Co-working spaces have lowered capacity, established buffer zones, and strengthened
sanitation and personal hygiene procedures to comply with social-distancing regulations. Between
March and July 2020, the number of corporate members at WeWork Philippines increased by 10% as
major corporations created flexible alternate work arrangements for workers. Despite a decline from
the 25% growth experienced in 2019, these indications suggest co-working spaces will contribute to
the recovery. (OXB, n.d.). Hence, various case studies were conducted to further give solutions on the
ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with aesthetics that will greatly contribute to a
positive work environment while catering to multicultural collaboration.
III. Case Studies
A. Impact Hub
Overview
Impact Hub, a coworking network with 102 additional sites throughout the world and
numerous branches in Metro Manila's core business districts, is likely the most representative
of the upscale coworking spaces discussed in the existing literature. Impact Hub also belongs
to a global network and has affiliations with other coworking networks. In addition to having
a sleek and contemporary open office layout, an exclusive kitchen/bar for employees, private
conference rooms, and an outdoor lounge, Impact Hub also includes community managers
that help people in the community interact professionally.
Members of Impact Hub Honolulu span several generations and academic fields.
Members of Impact Hub Honolulu include business owners, government officials, artists,
tech professionals, massage therapists, and more. The coworking space is accessible to all
kinds of members who are interested in having a positive influence through conservation and
knowledge by building a sense of community and collaboration. Impact Hub has a variety of
membership options. Each one varies according to varying levels of commitment and
accessibility to the coworking space. Additionally, each member receives the same amenities,
with the option of upgrading at an additional expense.

Architectural Analysis
Location: Kaka’ako, 1050 Queen St Suite 100, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
The location of Impact Hub Honolulu is on Queens Street, a busy thoroughfare with
frequent traffic and pedestrian activity The entire building of the Impact Hub Honolulu was
oriented on the west side. Moreover, the site illustration in Figure III.A.1 displays that there is
a moderate to fast traffic flow across the Queen and Kamake St.

Figure III.A.1 The Impact Hub Honolulu Site and Traffic Analysis
Green: Fast traffic flow
Orange: Moderate traffic flow
 13,777 square feet are occupied by The Impact Hub Honolulu in its building. The area
is open in design overall, however, there are many private office-only partition walls.

Facilities and Amenities

Impact Hub provides amenities to members to promote comfort and productivity in
the coworking setting. To facilitate and ease work, Impact Hub Honolulu provides reliable
connectivity Wi-Fi, personal phone booths, and printing facilities. They offer free coffee and
a café as refreshments in addition to work amenities to satiate the needs of the worker. At
social gatherings and career-development events, members can interact with one another to
network and advance their professional careers. A shower and storage space is provided by
Impact Hub for members to use after their bike commutes to work, and other amenities are
geared toward Honolulu bike commuters.

Figure III.A.2 Membership Amenities and Optional Amenities

At Impact Hub Honolulu, there are two shared social spaces, which are two lounges
with various purposes. One lounge is for leisure beyond the reserved coworking desks, while
the other is for alternative activities across from the kitchen and operates as an expanded
social area from the kitchen. Nevertheless, due to its central location in the general plan, it is
open and simple to access.

Figure III.A.3 Lounge for leisure, and lounge as event space

The physical arrangement at Impact Hub Honolulu, on the other hand, offers a
circulation that is simple for any user to access. Each program's location makes it easy for
participants to recognize the type of venue they are entering.
 Figure III.A.4 Impact Hub Honolulu Floor Plan and Spatial Relationship
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/211328561.pdf

Types of Workspaces
The Impact Hub Honolulu consists of 28 private offices, 16 reserved coworking
desks, and 28 coworking seats. Hence, these two kinds of desks were greatly utilized as office
furniture.

Reserved Desk

In an open setting, much like the coworking area, are the

reserved coworking workstations. Each of the four tables
may accommodate four people. A laptop and a few
spreads of documentation can be used comfortably in the
workstation tables.

Hotdesk

If all four chairs at the table are occupied, there is still

enough for a laptop. The table comes with four chairs. If
this table is intended to serve as a workstation for more
than one person, it is ideally ineffective.

Insights
 When researching and observing the coworking space, components of Impact Hub
Honolulu's case study were determined to be both successful and challenging. The title
Impact Hub is well-known among coworking spaces all across the world. The mission of
Impact Hub Honolulu's coworking space is to establish and support an environment for
individuals interested in having a positive impact on sustainability and education. Beyond
those interests, the concept has gathered a sizable number of individuals and is still
expanding. Working at the Impact Hub Honolulu location was beneficial due to a variety of
spatial and architectural features that were included in the coworking space area. The
facility's given components and physical layout clearly translated the co-working
environment and principles of a community-built setting.

B. Six NEO
Overview
The world-famous Miami-based green architect Chad Oppenheim is responsible for
the planning and design of Six NEO, which is situated in the center of the Fort Bonifacio
Central Business District. It is a 31-story famous landmark that symbolizes both Taguig City's
forward-thinking attitude and the most recent generation of environmentally friendly and
resource-efficient structures created by The Net Group, the country's top producer of
premium IT offices. It contains 20 office levels with an average 2,825 square meter floor
plate. every floor with six levels of podium parking. Because of its high quality and
innovative technology, Six NEO is the ideal location for international companies, either as
their local headquarters for business or for their global support services, it is the initial
structure to rise in The Net Metropolis 5th Ave.

Architectural Analysis
Location: 26th St, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
The Six NEO is found on 26th St., a highly activated street with pedestrians and
vehicles that often pass the area. The entire building of the Six NEO was oriented on the
south side. Moreover, the site illustration in Figure III.B.1 displays that there is a moderate to
slow traffic flow along 26th St.
 Figure III.B.1 The Six NEO Site and Traffic Analysis
Orange: Moderate traffic flow
Red: Slow traffic flow

Facilities and Amenities

Six NEO sustainable places for entrepreneurship. In addition, it

provides amenities that let people experience an interactive
working atmosphere and a venue for meetings for individuals
whose job is to have an impact on society and the environment.
Break-out spaces, lounges, and conference rooms were given
in accordance with members' needs as this was the main use of
the structure. They offer free sandwich service and a sandwich
and coffee bar on-site alongside other work amenities to satisfy
people's immediate hunger.

Figure III.B.2 Amenities

The structure's striking diagonal

lines are part of a unique exterior
wall system that also includes
double-glazed glass curtain walls
and sunshades. An urban heat
island effect-reducing vegetated
sky park with native flora is
located on the building's eighth
floor.
Figure III.B.3 Six NEO Bldg.

Types of Workspaces
Six NEO consists of 55 private offices, 13 coworking desks, and 3 meeting rooms.

Figure III.B.4 Private rooms

Figure III.B.5 Coworking desks

Figure III.B.6 Meeting rooms

Insights
Six NEO is one of the buildings that not only provide an aesthetically beautiful and
practical structure but also aid in addressing and providing answers to the present
environmental problems, which are a constant concern for people all over the world. It
enables people to benefit from innovative technology that gives the structure its well-known
green identification, ultra-modern, and environmentally friendly office spaces that embrace
them in the central business area. In addition to the spaces offered, the workspaces allow
individuals plenty of freedom to spread out comfortably at a desk without worrying about
how much area is available for themselves or their neighbors. In order to give members
access to a shared office that benefits everyone personally and socially, it is conscious of both
the work environment and the workspace.

C. The Enterprise Centre

Overview
The Enterprise Centre is a luxurious building with a total of 81,000 sq. space. In total,
it has 68 floors making up 39-story Tower 1, and 29-story Tower 2. A-Grade Office Building
with a view of Makati's skyscrapers and breathtaking views of the famed Manila Bay from
the board rooms. The "Business Building Designed for Building Business" is located in a
landmark neo-classical twin tower building with superbly constructed amenities, a variety of
commercial and entertainment venues, and seven levels of underground parking for 1,200
automobiles. It offers disabled access for those who require it and an executive lounge for
patrons to unwind in after a busy day. Additionally, there are bike racks on-site so that
workers may enjoy their lunch break or get a workout while they work. Not to mention, the
Enterprise Centre has a lift or elevator for quick access between floors along with security
elements.

Architectural Analysis
Location: 6766 Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas Avenue, De la Rosa St., Makati City 1226,
Metro Manila, Philippines
De la Rosa St., where the Enterprise Center is located, is a highly utilized route with
lots of vehicles and passengers. The Enterprise Centre's entire structure was oriented toward
the southwest. Additionally, the site depiction in Figure III.C.1 shows that De la Rosa St. has
a moderate traffic flow.

Figure III.C.1 The Enterprise Centre Site and Traffic Analysis

Orange: Moderate traffic flow

Facilities and Amenities

 In addition to providing access to any time of the day, administrative assistance,
conference spaces, reception services, and telephone answering, it also has air-conditioned
storage rooms and on-site parking.

Figure III.C.2 Membership Amenities and Optional Amenities

Types of Workspaces
The Enterprise Centre consists of 51 private offices, 18 coworking desks, and 3
meeting rooms.

Figure III.C.3 Private rooms

Figure III.C.4 Coworking desks

 Figure III.C.5 Meeting rooms
Insights
Presently, numerous modernized, futuristic, and aesthetically pleasing buildings
emerged worldwide. However, among all these tall and elegant structures, only a few
consider the diversity of individuals possible to enter the premises. In this way, the enterprise
centre which caters to facilities for people with disabilities is one great feature that made the
building stand out. The Enterprise Centre's physical layout demonstrates a clear knowledge of
how to enable members to choose workspaces that are ideal for their tasks while remaining a
part of a community that encourages collaboration and productivity to have an effect in their
field of endeavor. The facility has elements of places for a variety of activities, where
members can utilize the spaces based on the complexity of the task at hand.
IV. References
Zhenjing, G., Chupradit, S., Ku, K. Y., Nassani, A. A., & Haffar, M. (2022). Impact of
Employees' Workplace Environment on Employees' Performance: A Multi-Mediation Model.
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