CoBAC Workspace, Istanbul

CoBAC Workspace, a co-working, co-development and co-living space aims to remove the boundaries between professional workplaces and life while providing the essential physical and social conditions for creativity and productivity. CoBAC opened its doors in the heart of İstanbul Eminönü’s historical center with the motto ‘common business, common art, and common culture’.

T’he Workspace was brought to life by transforming an existing office building covering 2,800 square metres on the coastline of the Golden Horn. Inspired by the people-oriented face of the brand, Mimaristudio transformed the concept of shared workspace into a living space. The designers prioritised By prioritizing well-being with a highly efficient and productive space, where users who spend most of their time indoors and rely on technology can be not only physically but also mentally healthy and content. Users can enjoy maximum daylight, constant fresh air, and relevant thermal and acoustic comfort conditions while enjoying the freedom to choose where, when, and how to work within the framework of activity-based working principles.

A biophilic design approach was employed using both materials and forms, and nature itself. In addition to the terrace areas of different sizes on the levels, a fully open-air area on the top level allows users to enjoy the outdoors freely and feel the Historical Peninsula, the Golden Horn, and the city. Public social spaces, working and meeting areas in various scales, functions, and forms offer a next-generation space allowing users with different profiles to work together throughout the day with the flexibility to work in different parts of the building with agile use. A balanced and calming colour palette was derived to provide a solution for stress-induced diseases from working indoors for long periods of time.

The designers  provided a reassuring and relaxing spatial perception at the transition between floors, where users with different job descriptions work together. Especially the open work areas were carefully handled with proper acoustic criteria planned in the design process, such as the Moon wall and ceiling panels, and Make-up acoustic lighting products designed by Ayça Akkaya Kul and developed and produced by Feltouch. LED technology was used throughout allowing people to adjust the intensity level and the colour of light they need at different hours of the day. Additionally, a balanced and human-centric lighting design was employed within the physical structures.

The epidemic and its effects were also considered, and floor plans paid particular attention to the importance of space and volume per capita while providing maximum fresh air, and reducing interpersonal contact by using different separators in areas where people work in a steady position for long hours. The dining, resting, and socialsing areas as well as working areas were also planned accordingly with natural ventilation into the system on all floors, and the use of suitable surface materials in the cleaning and hygiene aspect. All these interventions were based on the results of scientific research, and by following the WELL criteria.