A few years ago, the idea of working from anywhere just by connecting to the internet would have seemed ludicrous. But with advancements in technology, it’s not unusual now to see young professionals who need nothing more than a laptop and the internet to earn a living. This new labour force, labelled ‘digital nomads’, basically carry their livelihood in their laptops and can work independently in any place, be it a café, a bar, or even a beach. Seeking to discover a new culture and learn a different language, these ‘nomads’ have flocked to work in places like Argentina.
Although this new trend has allowed many to escape the dreary life of a nine-to-five office, it has its negative aspects as some find that they miss having colleagues and the social interactions of an office environment. Areatres was created to fill this gap; a third space that falls in a grey area somewhere in between working at home and working in your bog-standard everyday office.
Areatres is a flexible office space available for temporary rent. But as creator Martin Frankel explains, it is also so much more. As a new type of office, it is bridging the gap between “what [the workplace] used to be and what it is now”.
“The slogan is ‘reinvent your workplace’; let coming to work be pleasurable and pleasant,” said Martin. Teaming up with architects Leonardo Militello and Fernando Hitzig, he set out to create a space that would meet the needs of those who have no permanent workspace. The concept of Areatres combines three main elements: a comfortable and relaxed environment, the productivity of an office, and the stimulation of a diverse group of professionals.
The space is designed to imitate the comfort and informality of working at home or in a café, but without the distractions. “We started with the premise of designing a place where we would want to work,” described Martin. From the comfy study chairs and low coffee tables of the living room to the outdoor patio, you could almost think that you are in a boutique hotel rather than an office. Martin described how the chic design of the space is intended to create a relaxed atmosphere, but also encourage creativity. “People can sometimes think that work is something unpleasant and onerous, and this is not helped when the workspace is ugly and boring,” said Martin.
Even the location was chosen with this concept in mind. “Our target customer wants a place to work, away from home, but without the corporate feel,” said Martin. “Palermo Soho with its designer boutiques and trendy bars is therefore the ideal location.”
Although the design of the place may leave you expecting to find a spa through one of the doors, Areatres still maintains the productivity of an office. For those who might find the café-like feel of the living room too relaxing, workstations and private offices are available. Additionally, the office is equipped with the newest IT equipment including wireless printing and projectors. With prices ranging from $80 for one day to $4100 a month for a private office, rent includes everything from a secretary and telephone line to use of the meeting room and lockable storage space.
One of the most important elements behind the concept is to encourage social interaction and networking. “You’re isolated when you work from home,” said Martin as he explained how the space can provide the social aspect of an office but without that stuffy feel. He calls the living room “the heart” of what they want to create. He described how he hopes that it can become a space where people can interact, network and share ideas among a diverse group of professionals. Although the office is currently being used by more foreigners than Argentines, he hopes that it will become a 50/50 mix in the future, allowing foreigners to integrate into the local community and locals to meet new and interesting people.
areatres, Malabia 1720, 11B, Palermo Soho. For more information visit www.areatresworkplace.com