Crafted for Community
As a leading coworking brand in Makati City, Work.able required a workplace that would embody its identity while providing a flexible environment capable of supporting coworking, townhall sessions, social gatherings and everyday collaboration. The ambition was to create a distinctly Filipino coworking destination that could stand alongside international operators while offering an experience rooted in local culture and community.
In response, DB&B developed a workplace strategy centred on flexibility, community engagement and cultural authenticity. Rather than assigning spaces to fixed functions, the design introduces a series of adaptable environments that evolve throughout the day to support changing patterns of work, interaction and event use. Operable partitions, flexible planning and multi-functional settings enable the workplace to accommodate a diverse range of activities while maintaining a cohesive user experience.
Guided by a Modern Filipino design concept, familiar materials, craftsmanship and cultural references are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Terracotta tones inspired by traditional Vigan clay tiles are paired with woven textures, patterned finishes and natural materials, creating a warm and welcoming environment that reflects Work.able’s identity while establishing a strong sense of place.
Distinctive Arrival
The arrival experience introduces the workplace through a material palette inspired by traditional Filipino craftsmanship. Terracotta tones influenced by Vigan clay tiles are complemented by Work.able’s signature blue and vibrant orange accents, creating a visual identity that feels both familiar and contemporary while reinforcing the brand’s distinct character.
Flexible coworking settings designed to support community interaction.
The Community Lounge
Supporting Work.able’s focus on community and collaboration, a variety of coworking settings are integrated throughout the workplace to accommodate different work styles and user preferences. Individual focus stations sit alongside collaborative environments that encourage interaction, teamwork and knowledge sharing throughout the day.
Operable glass partitions allow spaces to transform seamlessly between coworking zones, townhall venues, event spaces and social lounges. This adaptability ensures the workplace can respond to changing operational and community needs while maintaining a consistent design language.
Flexible coworking settings designed to support community interaction.
The Community Lounge
Responding to Work.able’s emphasis on community building, the social lounge was designed as a flexible gathering space where users can connect, collaborate and unwind. Traditional Filipino materials including handcrafted Vigan tiles, Machuca flooring and woven solihiya details are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, creating an environment that celebrates local craftsmanship while supporting modern coworking culture.
Complementing the material palette are iconic Butaca Classic Chairs crafted from bamboo and rattan. Paired with marble topped tables inspired by locally sourced Romblon marble, these elements introduce an authentic expression of Filipino heritage while contributing to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
A social destination inspired by Filipino craftsmanship and community.
Designed to support both everyday interaction and larger gatherings, the lounge connects to an adjoining social space through operable walls. This flexibility allows the environment to function independently or combine into a larger venue for townhall sessions, events and community activities.
Operable walls connect both lounge spaces to support larger gatherings and events.
The adjoining lounge adopts a more contemporary character through modern furnishings, timber tables and integrated power points. Together, the two spaces provide complementary experiences that support gathering, collaboration and social engagement.
Contemporary furnishings and integrated amenities support informal meetings and everyday interaction.
Culture and Connection
Beyond the main lounge, an interactive gathering space introduces a playful interpretation of Filipino culture. Bambike seating handcrafted from bamboo celebrates local innovation and sustainable craftsmanship, while the illuminated Padayon feature reinforces a spirit of resilience, perseverance and community.
The Padayon feature celebrates resilience and craftsmanship through a contemporary interpretation of local culture.
A collaborative lounge inspired by traditional Filipino dwellings incorporates woven bamboo textures and amakan detailing. Designed for informal discussions and social engagement, the space strengthens the workplace’s cultural narrative while encouraging meaningful connections between users.
Woven textures and natural materials create a welcoming environment for conversation.
Collaboration in Motion
A variety of collaboration settings are thoughtfully integrated throughout the workplace to support different modes of interaction and engagement. From informal discussions to team gatherings, these adaptable environments encourage idea exchange, teamwork and community building while supporting the evolving needs of coworking users.
Flexible collaboration settings accommodate informal discussions and shared learning.
Conversation
Meeting spaces draw inspiration from Filipino craftsmanship, cultural references and tropical landscapes. Woven textures, locally inspired motifs and bespoke lighting features create distinctive environments that enrich the meeting experience while reinforcing the workplace’s Modern Filipino identity.
Flexible collaboration settings accommodate informal discussions and shared learning.
One featured meeting room takes inspiration from the traditional Filipino banig, celebrating native craftsmanship through textured patterns and locally inspired detailing. Sculptural lighting crafted from woven bamboo materials introduces warmth and authenticity while creating a memorable focal point within the space.
Meeting spaces inspired by Filipino craftsmanship and woven cultural traditions.
Rest and Recharge
Recognising the importance of employee wellbeing within flexible working environments, the workplace incorporates a dedicated rest lounge featuring double decker sleeping pods. Designed as a quiet retreat, the space provides opportunities for rest and recovery throughout the day while supporting a balanced workplace experience.
Rest lounges provide users with a quiet retreat.
A Lasting Impression
Towards the exit, woven bamboo inspired lighting features and textured natural finishes continue the Modern Filipino design narrative. A motivational LED installation transforms a familiar phrase into a playful message of encouragement, creating a memorable final impression that reinforces the workplace’s positive and community focused character.
An uplifting departure experience inspired by positivity, perseverance and community spirit.
More than a coworking destination, Work.able 9F demonstrates how design can support flexibility, community and cultural identity within a single workplace environment. By translating Work.able’s vision into a highly adaptable coworking experience, DB&B created a workplace that responds to changing user needs while celebrating the richness of Filipino culture through contemporary design.
