THE LOWDOWN

Amidst an age of increasing flexibility and creative avenues, gone are the typical archetypes that represent the makings of an “average office space”. Past the waves of surging freelancers and tradition-challenging workplaces, coworking spaces have made a home in these wandering hearts. With a commonly Scandinavian aesthetic comprising of a variety of fresh and lively hues as well as a calm and collected ambience to boot, it’s little wonder why coworking spaces have become this generation’s “utopian workspace”. 

Enter Common Ground - the coworking space behemoth that was one of the integral pillars of the earlier coworking days, now proudly boasting a total of 15 locations in Malaysia alone and with even more venues in Thailand and the Philippines.

Also the resident coworking space of KL EcoCity, Common Ground (CGKLEC), graced me with the tune of “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and immediately greeted me with the trademark friendliness and warmth from the team at Common Ground. Formalities aside, I was quickly taken around and was delighted to see that the space was adequately equipped with a multitude of facilities; namely the hot desks, fixed desks, and private offices, as well as fully equipped pantries, nursing rooms, call booths, and lounges. There was even a fully operational cafe that served hot food and artisanal coffee on the main floor for those that craved a little more. 

Similar to the offerings of other Common Ground outlets in the Klang Valley, CGKLEC offers more than just an unconventional alternative to average office spaces; it also comes with meeting rooms of varying sizes to cater to patrons that sometimes have needs varying from just a private discussion space to a full blown board meeting esque room.

A HIGHLIGHT

Perhaps what really makes this outlet of Common Ground stand out is the Enterprise Solutions that was offered and had taken place within the same building. Here, Amazon Web Services had set up shop on two specifically customised floors made just for them.

The concept of “Enterprise Solutions” was moulded with the intention of catering to large teams in a customised manner. In other words, companies tell Common Ground what they look for in an ideal office space, and Common Ground builds it!

What transpired was a marvellously crafted work space that accurately depicted the union of two distinctly different yet similar work environments.

Slightly different yet distinctly familiar - Common Ground definitely outdid itself with this great Enterprise Solution. Whilst maintaining the tone that one would typically encounter at Common Ground, the open spaces are trimmed down ever so slightly to afford a greater deal of privacy for the discussion-oriented environment required of Amazon Web Services’ employees.

Far larger spaces have also been made available with the inclusion of large projector screens for the purpose of trainings (which I was told are conducted quite frequently).

But as corporate as the company veers towards in terms of their design, they also keep it well in equilibrium in the casual feel of modernity; I.E. the touch of the well stocked pantry, at this point very well a Common Ground signature. 

THOUGHTS AND VERDICT 

My time at CGKLEC albeit brief, was delightful. There is a nice sense of comfort that is derived from the homeliness of the space, but has just the right touches to instil a sense of responsibility to carry on with the work. More so, it’s an added joy to be able to work headphone- free thanks to great tunes like “You Make my Dreams Come True” by Daryl Hall & John Oates playing in the background.

I was particularly taken with the enterprise solution provided to Amazon Web Services. Common Ground delivered a great product in the working space and I believe any companies interested in enterprise solutions should look no further! Common Ground’s Enterprise Solutions can cater to companies with 50 employees or more. Not only providing the full range of tailored aesthetics, but also entitling all the perks of a regular Common Ground patron - gym and restaurant promos, events of business talks to self-improvement workshops, professional networking panels to social mixers. You would also be on the receiving end of a commitment to celebrating diverse and unique interests of individuals beyond the workspace, and so much more.

Life in the 21st Century is nothing if not on the go and luckily, Common Ground has got you covered. Equipped with a fully functional community-based and function-driven app, members stay connected 24/7 with the latest benefits, events, business opportunities, and thousands of other members across all Common Ground’s coworking locations. The app also enables members to book meeting rooms, flights, hotels, airport transfers, HR services, finance services, and more through Common Hub. Downloading the app for more information and getting untethered access to all Common Ground locations would be highly advisable.

So there you go! If you’re looking for a way to spice up your day-to-day’s, visit Common Ground at KL Eco City now!

For more information, visit their website here.