“An increase in agile business models and diverse hiring shows a trend in open-minded thinking that is surpassing the traditional business model,” says developer and former Al Barari CEO, Mohammed Bin Zaal.
The founder of KOA, a development that brings together residential, retail and commercial communities is one of the region’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs under 40. Nasab within the KOA development is the latest addition to his portfolio, a new definition of what a workspace can be.
“Nasab represents collaboration, connection and open-minded thinking. These are trends we are seeing in some of the world’s leading companies. Collaboration through project-based consultants is becoming increasingly prevalent as a hiring strategy.”
Planned over three open-air loft-style floors, Nasab features private and open-plan spaces where members can network, collaborate and grow their businesses.
With a holistic approach to planning, Nasab includes wellness spaces and dining options. Designed by T.ZED Architects and British interiors designer Fran Hickman, the space benefits from full office amenities and services, a photography studio, members-only fitness studio, meditation room, high altitude studio, multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, food outlets, a screening room, spa facilities, library, gallery space and an event-friendly roof space with infinity pool.
“We are a creative retreat; our members appreciate the privacy and tranquility of our location,” he notes, adding that the space isn’t the exclusive preserve of start-ups or lone freelancers as is often the case in shared workspaces. “We have some corporate members that have combined suites with our shared workspace options to allow for cost savings and an environment that better reflects their own dynamic working model.”
Zaal and his company conducted extensive research, looking at similar flexible working spaces around the world. They identified a consumer need for flexible working models and this was a key driver in designing Nasab.
“Our main aim throughout has been to develop a space where like-minded individuals have a place to set up homes-away-from-home. We want this to be a place that inspires creativity and new ways of thinking. We have deliberately focused on creating unique moments through our art selection, architecture and interiors.
We feel our aesthetic presents something unique in terms of design and creativity, and we hope it inspires our members to create in the same way. We have already seen amazing work come from collaborations from our members.”
To find out more about membership rates, visit koa.ae