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How many tables and private rooms should a co-working space have for a good mix of open and quiet areas?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a coworking space.

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How can you decide on the right number of tables and private rooms to create a balanced coworking space that feels both open and peaceful?

What's the best mix of open tables and private rooms in a coworking space?

How much space should each table have in an open area?

How much of the coworking space should be set aside for private rooms?

How many people should a private room be able to fit in a coworking space?

How many tables should there be for every 1,000 square feet in a coworking space?

How many private rooms should be available for every 100 members in a coworking space?

What's the average table occupancy rate in a thriving coworking space?

How often should you reassess the layout of tables and private rooms in a coworking space?

How many meeting rooms should a coworking space with 200 members have?

How many power outlets should each table have in a coworking space?

What's the ideal noise level for a quiet room in a coworking space?

How many different seating options should a coworking space offer?

These are questions we frequently receive from entrepreneurs who have downloaded the business plan for a coworking space. We’re addressing them all here in this article. If anything isn’t clear or detailed enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Right Formula to Balance Tables and Private Rooms in a Co-Working Space

  • 1. Determine the total space available:

    Identify the total square footage of the co-working space to understand the area you have to work with.

  • 2. Decide on the allocation of space:

    Choose a percentage split between open areas and private rooms based on the desired balance between collaboration and focused work.

  • 3. Calculate space for open areas:

    Determine the square footage allocated to open areas by applying the chosen percentage to the total space.

  • 4. Plan the layout for open areas:

    Decide on the type and size of tables to use in the open areas, considering space for movement and seating. Calculate the number of tables by dividing the open area square footage by the space required per table.

  • 5. Calculate space for private rooms:

    Determine the square footage allocated to private rooms by applying the chosen percentage to the total space.

  • 6. Plan the layout for private rooms:

    Decide on the types and sizes of private rooms needed (e.g., small and medium rooms). Establish a ratio for the different room sizes and allocate space accordingly.

  • 7. Calculate the number of private rooms:

    Divide the allocated square footage for each room type by the space required per room to determine the number of rooms.

  • 8. Review and adjust:

    Review the proposed layout to ensure it meets the needs of the co-working space users and adjust the number of tables and rooms if necessary to achieve the desired balance.

An Illustrated Example to Adapt

Swap the bold elements with your values for a tailored result for your project.

To help you better understand, let’s take a fictional example. Imagine a co-working space that spans 10,000 square feet. The goal is to create a balanced environment with both open areas for collaboration and private rooms for focused work.

First, we allocate 60% of the space to open areas and 40% to private rooms, which translates to 6,000 square feet for open areas and 4,000 square feet for private rooms.

In the open area, we decide to have tables that can accommodate four people each, with each table requiring 100 square feet (including space for movement and chairs). This means we can fit 60 tables (6,000 square feet / 100 square feet per table) in the open area.

For the private rooms, we aim to have a mix of small and medium-sized rooms. Small rooms, suitable for one or two people, require 100 square feet each, while medium rooms, suitable for up to four people, require 200 square feet each. We decide on a ratio of 3:1 for small to medium rooms.

Let’s allocate 3,000 square feet for small rooms and 1,000 square feet for medium rooms. This allows us to have 30 small rooms (3,000 square feet / 100 square feet per room) and 5 medium rooms (1,000 square feet / 200 square feet per room).

In conclusion, for a good mix of open and quiet areas, the co-working space should have 60 tables in the open area, 30 small private rooms, and 5 medium private rooms, providing a balanced environment for both collaboration and focused work.

With our financial plan for a coworking space, you will get all the figures and statistics related to this industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal ratio of open tables to private rooms in a coworking space?

A balanced coworking space typically has a ratio of 3:1 open tables to private rooms.

This ensures that there are enough open areas for collaboration while still providing quiet spaces for focused work.

Adjustments to this ratio can be made based on the specific needs and preferences of your target clientele.

How many square feet should be allocated per table in an open area?

Each table in an open coworking area should ideally have 50 to 70 square feet allocated to it.

This space allows for comfortable seating and movement around the table, fostering a productive environment.

Consideration should also be given to the layout to maximize natural light and accessibility.

What percentage of the total coworking space should be dedicated to private rooms?

Private rooms should occupy about 20% to 30% of the total coworking space.

This allocation provides enough quiet areas for those who need privacy without overwhelming the open collaborative spaces.

It's important to assess the demand for private rooms in your specific market to fine-tune this percentage.

How many people should a private room accommodate in a coworking space?

Private rooms in a coworking space should typically accommodate 2 to 6 people.

This range allows for flexibility in usage, from individual work to small team meetings.

Larger rooms can be included if there is a demand for bigger team collaborations.

What is the recommended number of tables per 1,000 square feet in a coworking space?

A coworking space should aim to have 10 to 15 tables per 1,000 square feet.

This density ensures a balance between maximizing occupancy and maintaining a comfortable environment.

Adjustments may be necessary based on the specific design and layout of the space.

How many private rooms should be available per 100 members in a coworking space?

For every 100 members, a coworking space should have 5 to 10 private rooms.

This range provides sufficient availability for members who require quiet or confidential workspaces.

Monitoring usage patterns can help in adjusting the number of private rooms as needed.

What is the average occupancy rate for tables in a successful coworking space?

A successful coworking space typically maintains an average table occupancy rate of 70% to 80%.

This rate indicates a healthy balance between availability and utilization of the space.

Regularly assessing occupancy can help in optimizing the layout and number of tables.

How often should the layout of tables and private rooms be reviewed in a coworking space?

The layout of tables and private rooms should be reviewed every 6 to 12 months.

Regular reviews ensure that the space continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

Feedback from members can provide valuable insights for making necessary adjustments.

What is the ideal number of meeting rooms in a coworking space with 200 members?

A coworking space with 200 members should ideally have 3 to 5 meeting rooms.

This number allows for adequate availability for scheduled meetings and spontaneous collaborations.

Consideration should be given to the size and equipment of these rooms to meet diverse needs.

How many power outlets should be available per table in a coworking space?

Each table in a coworking space should have access to at least 2 to 4 power outlets.

This ensures that members can easily charge their devices without inconvenience.

Providing additional outlets can be beneficial in high-demand areas or for larger tables.

What is the recommended noise level in decibels for a quiet room in a coworking space?

The noise level in a quiet room should ideally be kept below 50 decibels.

This level is conducive to concentration and minimizes distractions for those working in the space.

Soundproofing measures can be implemented to maintain this environment.

How many different seating options should be available in a coworking space?

A coworking space should offer at least 3 to 5 different seating options.

Variety in seating caters to different preferences and work styles, enhancing member satisfaction.

Options can include ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and lounge seating.

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