‘The Ménagerie’ as an urban zoo co-working space by Studio MAS

Description of project by Studio MAS - Marianne & Anthony Spennato

AS part of the the bee breeders design competition, studio MAS has created ‘the Ménagerie’ as an urban zoo co-working space. 

The brief called for an interior identity to be developed for the Urban zoo co-working brand that could be applied to various locations. The winning project by MAS proposes a working space with a creative atmosphere and a ‘zoo vibe’, where people are encouraged to connect, exchange and collaborate.
 
The design by MAS intends to offer fluidity, flexibility and accessibility by incorporating a fluid and unobstructed layout. 

The organization of the floor plan provides appropriate separation between public spaces, such as the entrance or the meeting room, and more private spaces such as the workspace. It also divides the area between the noisy part (the relaxing space) and the quiet areas (the workspaces).

The design also uses furniture as a tool to make the working environment as comfortable as possible.

 Ergonomic seats are implemented in the work space to allow users to change one’s position regularly. The relaxing area invites a more relaxed or on the go position for people who want to sit back and exchange ideas. The side tables and poufs can be used for laptops, taking notes, sitting and resting legs. All these furniture pieces have been carefully selected or created to be used in any space or layout.

The project offers natural light to all the permanent desks with discreet and neutral blinds filtering the light during sunny days – regulating brightness and warmth. 

Above the working spaces, neon tubes offer a strong illumination, similar to the natural light spectrum. Coworkers can also use adjustable lamps designed to offer the most adapted lighting conditions to every activity. These adjustable light sources also illuminate the eating/relaxing area in a more diffused way so to rest the eyes.
 
Three primary materials compose the project which are concrete for the floor, mosaic tiles for the wall base and timber for most of the furniture and working surfaces. 

These materials are sustainable and are simple to maintain. the main goal was to create a fresh and simple environment based on the concept of a zoo. This winning designs offers a clear and understandable concept that includes an uncomplicated scheme of forms, shapes, and colors that complement the furniture. and while unique, the scheme will easily be replicated in any type of space and has the potential to become the signature interior for the urban zoo co-working brand.