Culture
Co-working spaces in Singapore: Shared offices for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups for optimum productivity
Working outside the boxGATHER
Where: Opened in July 2018, GATHER is nestled in the heart of Robertson Quay, where it is surrounded by great cafes such as Common Man Coffee Roasters.
Vibe: Designed by Takenouchi Webb (the masterminds behind Tippling Club), GATHER radiates an inviting warmth with its soft earthy palette, high ceilings, and full-length windows.
Who: GATHER is ideal for creatives who are looking for a stylish yet visually uncluttered workspace.
Temasek Shophouse
Where: Located opposite Dhoby Ghaut MRT, Temasek Shophouse sits within a conservation building along a row of rustic buildings beside MacDonald House that have been recently refurbished by the philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings.
Vibe: Temasek Shophouse aims to be a beacon of social responsibility. The first level contains a multi-purpose events space, which featured the edgy [Not-So] Convenience Store that aimed to educate the public on sustainability as well as a social enterprise cafe that offers employment opportunities to the differently-bodied. The co-working space occupies the second level.
Who: Progressive professionals who identify with the establishment’s strong belief in social responsibility, or just about anyone who’s looking for a co-working space with good coffee.
The Working Capitol
Where: Situated in the vibrant Keong Saik and near to the Duxton, Working Capitol has made its home in a group of shophouses which are tastefully coated in a sheen of white and grey.
Vibe: An unapologetically chic multi-functional venue that also features an event space, pantry, magazine library, shower (yes, you read that right) and F&B options like their in-house cafe and rooftop bar. Coincidentally also designed by Takenouchi Webb, these spacious shophouses are constantly filled with natural light, making you feel right at home whilst you bask in its rustic charm.
Who: The hustlers that want their own private space – which they don’t have to abandon for trivial life functions like eating – whilst they obsess with their work, owing to all the amenities available.
The Great Room
Where: There are three locations conveniently dotted around the city area: Centennial Tower, One George Street and Ngee Ann City.
Vibe: A sophisticated aesthetic meets high-end hospitality in this world-renowned space. Think polished marbles, shiny metallic surfaces and rich timbres contrasted against a highly graphic checkerboard stone pattern on the floor.
Who: For those who love the idea of mingling while working, but aren’t willing to sacrifice their high standards of plush comfort and luxury.
Straits Clan
Where: Located a stone’s throw away from Outram Park MRT station as well as the hip-and-happening Keong Saik and Duxton neighbourhoods, members’ club Straits Clan sits at 31 Bukit Pasoh Road.
Vibe: With four floors spanning 22,000 sq ft — the site of the former New Majestic Hotel has been repurposed into an exclusive members’ club for the creative community. You might not get a whole lot done while you’re at Straits Clan considering its boutique gym, splashy parties and a see-and-be-seen café but it would certainly be the most entertaining option on this list.
Who: Social cool cats, talk-of-the-town celebrities and anyone with an ounce of influence in this tiny country
The Hive Lavender
Where: Opened in early 2018, The Hive Lavender is a 5-minute stroll from Bendemeer MRT on the top floor of the brand new Vanguard Campus Building.
Vibe: The Hive Lavender prides itself on being a “maker-space”, where co-working offices sit alongside photography studios and design workshops.
Who: Rub shoulders with mid-career creatives from a range of fields including architects, photographers, writers and sculptors.
21 Moonstone
Where: The most out-of-the-way on this list, this creative space sits on the ninth floor of an old industrial building alongside the Kallang River near Macpherson.
Vibe: Co-founded by The Sam Willows’ Narelle Keng, 21 Moonstone is a bare-essentials space for emerging artists to do some heavy-duty conceptualisation during the day and then transforms into a gritty dive bar on selected evenings. Expect the unusual and unconventional.
Who: Bright young things with futures in art, music and design
Mox
Where: Positioned within the thriving food meccas of Joo Chiat and Katong areas, Mox is perfect for East-dwellers who are looking for a place to work hard and eat well.
Vibe: Started by the minds behind Art Box, Mox comes with plenty of resources and amenities besides Wi-fi and furniture: a fully-equipped photography studio, 3D printers, sewing machines and a wood-working workshop.
Who: Artisans, designers and craftsmen who are fascinated with the tactile nature of materiality including wood, concrete and textile.
