Taking a cue from the restaurant sector, “community tables” are making appearances in office lobbies, corporate cafes and meeting spaces. It’s a movement that represents something of a change in values – towards a more residential, familial workplace that encourages open communication and the building of relationships.
The Community Table: A Co-working Element
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As you may already know, a co-working office consists of multiple areas, each with its unique function to make for a desirable co-working experience. The community table is one of them.
The name may give you a hint, but if you haven’t caught on it’s a table that has no one owner or user, that can be used by anyone and everyone. The community table can be used for a variety of purposes and people can invent their own uses for it.
Function
In an office, the community table is a natural place to gather and exchange stories and ideas.
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While such large, shared tables do reflect this particular cultural moment – when people are seeking more interaction at work and in public settings such as restaurants and hotels – the community table has been a meaningful object for centuries, a symbol of kinship or alliance.
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Today, the table emerges as a relevant feature of an evolving workplace that exhibits many of the characteristics of a home, a place that’s more relaxed, more congenial and collaborative than traditional offices.
Design
Minimal yet warm, the well-crafted wood table is one that alludes to the domestic environment and is informal, collegial and collaborative. Like the simple ALKI table, a community table invites people to gather together, and serves as an architectural anchor for workers to converse while sitting or standing.
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It is important to create comfortable and functional spaces that allow your creativity to flow. Sitting with colleagues around a communal dining table allows us to feel like we’re part of a team, and fosters a connection with our physical workplace. The community table is an invitation to design your workflow to suit your day.
Conclusion
This can be a great way to bring people together, provide with more flexible working space and much more. It’s a design feature that’s not regularly talked about when office design is discussed, but it’s benefits are boundless.