First WeWork Office in South Africa

WORDS Cheri Morris

Global office-sharing group WeWork has opened its first space in South Africa, designed by Paragon Architects, in collaboration with WeWork’s London design team.

As this is WeWork’s first office in Africa, the brand knew it needed to be a definitive statement that reflected WeWork as a global giant in shared workspaces. Situated at 173 Oxford Road in Johannesburg’s Rosebank, also known as The Link, the space spans six floors across 10 000 m².

“The design was driven from the design team based in London,” says Paragon Interface Director Claire D’Adorante. “It was a very collaborative arrangement, whereby they ensured we received a ‘look-and-feel’ design intent for the project, as well as layouts and technical information pertaining to their requirements.”

Design-and-build specialist Trend Group, which has taken on projects for the likes of Facebook, Oracle, Google, Red Bull, Uber, BBC and Coca-Cola, was chosen to oversee the mammoth construction project. From electro-mechanical and plumbing solutions to all of the fit-out components, the project required a total overhaul to be completed in just 14 weeks.

The final product is a series of shared office spaces with a strong design focus on comfortable communal areas. There’s a community bar and a host of inviting pause areas that boast a variety of soft furnishings that challenge the clinical-style of traditional offices. Internal glass walls welcome a wealth of natural light and views of the city.

For more information, visit wework.com.