Urban Escape - Atelier Ellis Architects

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Project Objectives

Urban Escape in Stockholm represents a milestone for WeWork, being the company’s first workspace in Sweden. The primary objective of this project was to create an innovative and flexible office environment that aligned with WeWork’s core values of creativity, collaboration, and community.WeWork envisioned a modern workspace that not only offered a professional setting for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies but also integrated playful and energising elements that reflected WeWork’s distinctive brand identity.

The project had dual objectives:

To develop the space to meet the needs of a broad range of tenants.
To establish a design that fits within the historic and contemporary urban fabric of Stockholm, while staying true to WeWork’s creative and dynamic work culture.

Design Concept

The design concept for Urban Escape revolved around WeWork’s philosophy of blending work and play in an open, modern, and engaging workspace. The building’s aesthetic combined clean lines, fresh tones, and an abundance of natural light to create a visually stimulating yet functional office space. Inspired by Stockholm’s unique character, the design incorporated subtle references to the city’s vibrant culture and historical architecture.

A standout feature was the introduction of a giant chessboard on a glass link bridge, adding a playful touch to the sleek, modern surroundings. The chessboard served as a focal point, embodying the idea that creativity can emerge from playful interaction. This creative element, combined with practical amenities like bike storage, showers, and dog-friendly facilities, sought to enhance the daily experience of building users.

Challenges

One of the most significant challenges of the Urban Escape project involved coordinating the split of works between the Landlord’s Cat A fit-out and WeWork’s Cat B fit-out. Cat A works, which focused on the core and shell elements of the building (such as mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems), were carried out by the Landlord. These works required a detailed peer review by WeWork’s team, led by Scott, to ensure that they were compatible with WeWork’s long-term vision for the Cat B fit-out, which included the final interior designs, layouts, and branding.

Another key challenge was navigating local regulations and obtaining permits for the Cat B fit-out. The WeWork design, completed to Stage 2, needed to be developed further by White Arkitekter, the Architect of Record, who handled the local permit process. Scott remained involved as a peer reviewer, ensuring that the original design intent and WeWork’s global standards were maintained throughout the process.

Working within the context of a central Stockholm location also presented its own unique challenges. Balancing the design with the urban fabric and ensuring that the workspace resonated with both local and international tenants required a sensitive approach to the architectural and interior design.

Budget

Budget management was a key component of the Urban Escape project, with significant emphasis on maintaining cost efficiency while meeting WeWork’s high standards for design and amenities. As with many large-scale projects, careful coordination was required to ensure that the Cat A and Cat B works were executed within budget constraints, without compromising on quality or vision.

The budget was split between the Landlord and WeWork, with the Landlord responsible for the Cat A works and WeWork focusing on the Cat B fit-out. Scott, acting as the Design Manager, played a crucial role in ensuring that the budget for the Cat B works remained on track. By engaging in regular reviews and peer assessments, Scott ensured that any potential cost overruns were identified early in the process and that value engineering solutions were implemented where necessary.

Additionally, WeWork’s design ethos of flexible, adaptable workspaces allowed for cost-effective design decisions, such as the use of modular furniture and standardised materials, without sacrificing the visual appeal and functionality of the space. The efficient management of the budget was key to the successful delivery of the Urban Escape project.

Background/Context

Urban Escape is located in the vibrant district of Norrmalm, central Stockholm. Known for its bustling streets, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere, Norrmalm provided an ideal location for WeWork’s expansion into Sweden. The building itself was part of a larger urban regeneration project aimed at revitalising this central area and providing modern commercial spaces that cater to the needs of a growing business community.

The concept of co-working spaces has grown rapidly in Sweden, driven by an increasing demand for flexible office solutions. Startups, entrepreneurs, and larger enterprises have embraced the co-working model as it offers them the ability to scale their operations while reducing overheads. WeWork’s decision to enter the Stockholm market with Urban Escape was based on this increasing demand, coupled with Stockholm’s reputation as a hub for innovation, particularly in the technology and creative industries.

WeWork’s expansion into Stockholm marked a significant step in its broader European growth strategy, positioning itself in one of the continent’s most dynamic cities. The Urban Escape building not only needed to reflect WeWork’s global brand but also resonate with the local market, offering a workspace that could foster creativity and productivity while being deeply rooted in the culture of Stockholm.

Design

The design of Urban Escape was a carefully crafted balance between WeWork’s globally recognised aesthetic and the unique characteristics of Stockholm’s urban landscape. The space was conceived as a modern office environment that promoted collaboration, creativity, and flexibility, while still being mindful of the historical and cultural context of its surroundings.

The architectural approach was to create a clean, fresh, and minimalist environment, with light colours and natural materials playing a central role. Expansive windows were incorporated to maximise natural light, creating bright and inviting spaces that contributed to the well-being of users. The design also featured open-plan layouts to encourage interaction among tenants, while private offices and meeting rooms were provided for those requiring a more focused work environment.

The focal point of the design was undoubtedly the giant chessboard situated on the glass link bridge, which spanned two sections of the building. This unique feature symbolised the playfulness that WeWork wanted to infuse into the workspace, encouraging users to take a break from their work and engage in an activity that stimulates the mind in a different way. The chessboard, visible from various parts of the building, also served as a conversation starter and a memorable visual element for anyone visiting the space.

In addition to the playful design elements, practical amenities were included to support the diverse needs of the building’s tenants. Bike storage and showers encouraged a healthy and active lifestyle, while the dog-friendly policy reflected WeWork’s inclusive and flexible approach to work-life balance. The design also incorporated spaces for both formal and informal meetings, ranging from traditional conference rooms to cosy lounges, ensuring that tenants had access to a variety of environments to suit their working style.

Scott’s role as Architect and Design Manager was instrumental in ensuring that the WeWork design standards were adhered to throughout the project. His oversight ensured that the design intent established during the concept phase was carried through to the final execution, with a particular focus on quality, functionality, and user experience.

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