TWO Ltd. recently created another amazing space for co-working provider Work.Life.
Work.Life is a real game changer in the co-working world. Right from the start, the founders’ mission was to create inspiring and community-led spaces that people love working in – but they do so much more than that. With wellness events, beer and pizza nights, workshops, and talks from savvy entrepreneurs, people can network, learn and have a bit of fun at the same time!
Two has already helped Work.Life to build a number of cool co-working spaces across London, including Camden, Fitzrovia and Soho. This time, however, Two were asked to create a new space in a trendy part of Manchester. From the off, the vision for the new space was clear: to create a modern, collaborative space that reflected the rich history of the city.
With this remit in mind, Two’s designers went away a did a deep dive into the city’s history for inspiration. One thing that stood out to them immediately was the “worker bee” symbol, which has been the emblem of the city for over 150 years. Having learned about the bee, which is symbolic of Mancunians’ hard work ethic and the city being a hive of activity, Two’s designers decided to integrate it into the design. In addition to using the logo itself, they used a bee-hive hexagon pattern throughout the space for a fitting and eye-catching addition.
Manchester’s industrial history gave Two’s designers plenty of inspiration too. Not only do the raw materials give the space a modern-industrial edge, they were sourced from old buildings from the city. This was also a great way to stay on budget!
Just as they did for some of the other Work.Life spaces, Two’s designers introduced quotes from famous people associated with the area. For example, in one of the work zones, Charlotte Bronte’s words “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Bronte started writing Jane Eyre when taking lodgings in Manchester with her Dad, so this was a nice touch to bring to the space. There are also lots of quotes from Manchester-based business leaders for inspiration.
To entice co-workers to the space, Two introduced shared work zones for creative collaboration, little nooks for independent freelancers and comfy chill out spots. Combined with the quotes and Manchester themed-elements, modern wall art, and biophilia, the space is as practical as it is visually stunning!
Following the completion of the project, David Kosky, co-founder of Work.Life, spoke to Two about the company’s exciting new project:
"As a brand born in London, we were excited but apprehensive about expanding into Manchester. However, we are massively proud of how successful the space has been with the city's freelancers and businesses.
"For something that was unheard of three years ago, co-working spaces are now a huge part of the Manchester work scene. We're very proud that businesses are choosing our purposefully smaller, brighter spaces centered on community and team engagement, which is demonstrated through the range of services we offer our members to help them retain and attract top talent.
"This is a unique focus in the coworking market and is at the forefront of the changing world of work."
Two’s designers we delighted to hear that Work.Life’s new co-working space has already proved to be a popular and valuable addition to the booming Manchester area. And given the demand for co-working space it looks like it will continue to be a hive of activity for many years to come!
Materials used:
- Interface – Human Nature – Carpet
- Interface – Textured Woodgrain – Vinyl
- Camira – Era – Fabric
- Kvadrat – Remix – Fabric
- Desso – Traverse – Carpet
- Interface – Touch & Tones – Carpet
- Sunbury Design – Apex – Fabric
- Interface – Touch of Timber – Capret
