If the initiative “Park Hack” had its way, the outdoor office would soon replace the home office. After all, what could be nicer than working outside in the summer – what’s the point of all these mobile devices anyway? Although they can’t do the work for us, they enable us to choose a pleasant place for the unavoidable. Only, unfortunately the pleasure of working outdoors is over as soon as the devices’ batteries are empty and there is no nearby plug socket in the garden, park or at the beach or swimming pool.
Not so in London. The initiative “Park Hack,” launched by Groundwork London and Hackney Council, has set up a temporary co-working space in the park at Hoxton Square. Here users can enjoy working in the shade of a tree at “TREExOFFICE.” A circular pavilion has been erected around the tree trunk whose pressed paper and translucent polycarbonate structure calls to mind a half-open flower.
The lightweight construction was designed by artist Natalie Jeremijenko in collaboration with artists Shuster + Moseley and architect Tate Harmer. The office in the park has eleven individual workspaces, all with plug socket and Wi-Fi. Those wanting to hold workshops and meetings outside can also hire the entire pavilion. And because the weather in London is a little temperamental, a transparent plastic film protects the outdoor office from unexpected rain. Moreover, you are supporting a good cause when you book an open-air workspace at TREExOFFICE, with the revenue going towards the upkeep of Hoxton Square and the area’s public zones.
