Around the world, companies of all sizes find space to succeed at WeWork. Our case studies share their unique stories.
The challenge: sourcing an ideal workspace for design students
Raffles Design International is one of Asia’s top design colleges. Since 1990, it’s grown from one college in Singapore to 22 institutions in 12 countries.
In Mumbai, Raffles was in need of a new home.
“We were looking for a space that would be more in line with the Raffles brand, which is an elegant and exclusive brand,” says Mohammad Nissar, center director at Raffles.
In addition, as an educational institute, Raffles sought a space in a central neighborhood, where students would feel free to focus on their design work and unleash their creative ideas.
The solution: a space with inspiring design elements
Raffles turned to WeWork, who found them a new home at WeWork The Masterpiece in Marol, Mumbai. The neighborhood is easily accessible from major residential and commercial hubs and is home to a range of local eateries. The Masterpiece has four floors of beautifully designed lounges, private offices, and conference rooms—plus an onsite game room and inviting outdoor space.
Together, WeWork and Raffles configured a full-floor space that fully reflects the design college’s brand. A large Raffles sign welcomes students upon entry and above the library. Befitting a design institute, there’s a sewing room for fashion students and various styles of classrooms that can accommodate lectures and discussions.
In addition, a variety of spatial features allow students to work in a manner that best suits them. They can sit alongside each other at desks or duck into phone booths when they need quiet and privacy. The fully serviced pantry and game room provide students with dedicated spaces to connect and chat. Plus, they can meet people from other companies in common areas dedicated for all WeWork members, offering valuable networking and learning opportunities.
“The workspace itself lets you maintain a work-life balance,” says Nissar. “In the same space, our 68 students can now focus on creative work and unwind by spending time at the foosball table and playing board games with other WeWork members.”
The result: a new home that attracts and inspires young creatives
Raffles’s students now have a safe and inspiring space in which they can create. With WeWork’s member network, they have the opportunity to grow their connections while they are in college.
“WeWork provides valuable networking opportunities,” says Nissar. “Our students get to work alongside a variety of companies that are constantly looking for designers.”
Other WeWork members in Mumbai now reach out to Raffles when they need to hire interns or permanent employees from the design field. Plus, the Raffles marketing team has found that the WeWork space has helped them attract more students and walk-in inquiries.
At WeWork, Raffles’s Mumbai students have an ideal space where they can learn, network, innovate, and grow.
Key highlights
- Full-floor configured space that reflects the design institute’s brand
- Prime location and security ensure convenience and safety for students
- Multiple spatial configurations for teaching, learning, studying, working, and connecting
- Built-in networking opportunities with WeWork members in common areas
- Increased inquiries from prospective students and a greater volume of job opportunities for students
WeWork offers companies of all sizes space solutions that help solve their biggest business challenges.
