Bath's Interaction designs colourful Birmingham co-working space

Bath-based workplace design company Interaction has completed its 10th major project for the UK co-working space provider Runway East, which has expended into the Midlands. 

Runway East’s latest flexible workspace in Birmingham spans nearly 20,000 sq ft on the ground and sixth floors of the city’s landmark Arca building near New Street station.

It has been designed by Interaction to encourage a sense of community and collaboration among users, and exudes colour and energy, reflecting Runway East’s playful brand. 

The new co-working office includes a large breakout area, three refreshment points - each with a distinct identity - and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the city. 

There are meeting rooms for small and larger teams, phone booth-style rooms and informal workspaces including a 1970s-style sunken conversation pit.

The interior styling of Runway East’s new co-working office features artworks by local artists which celebrate Birmingham’s rich heritage, including a Black Sabbath print. There are also meeting rooms named after Cadbury bars and a miniature metal bull.

This is the third project that Interaction has worked on in collaboration with Sheila Bird Studio who provide the initial concept design for Interaction to develop and bring to life.

It is the latest design project that Interaction has completed for Runway East which also has co-working offices in London, Bristol and Brighton. Both Interaction and Runway East are certified B Corporations, having met high standards of verified social and environmental performance.

Jacob Fisher, chief commercial officer at Runway East, said: "Interaction understand the Runway East brand and consistently deliver spaces that are full of character with a real focus on community. Our new Birmingham location is a great example of that."

Sarah Pasquall, creative lead at Interaction, said: “Runway East has become the UK’s fastest-growing co-working provider and we’re proud to have been their workplace design partner on this amazing journey.

“Expanding into the Midlands was major move for the company and they really wanted to make their mark. The new co-working space in Birmingham certainly does that and reflects our shared goal of creating unique spaces that build tight-knit communities and are fun to work in.”