Affordable Workspace Challenge

Main Yard Studios, Hackney Wick

In May 2021, Tapestry was selected as one of four finalists in the Affordable Workspace Challenge led by the Mayor’s Resilience Fund & Nesta.

Inspired by temporary pavilions where great ideas are exhibited and people are brought together, Pavilion aimed to create a rentable library of re-useable materials, able to be booked through an online platform. Our kit of parts would define and customise spaces depending on the use and length of time needed.

The primary beneficiaries of our solution were local, creative, small and micro businesses and community organisations in Hackney Wick and Fish Island – an economically and socially diverse place that is currently, truly mixed use. We aimed to provide opportunities for economic and personal growth, to help make our community more inclusive and resilient to future economic shocks. 

Flexing floorplates

Our solution proposed fit out as a service, with local businesses and community organisations able to hire fit-out solutions that enable them to “right size” empty commercial spaces, then kit them out with the equipment they need. We intended to use a simple and affordable no code technology platform, with a customised user interface to manage the kits of parts. Hiring equipment rather than purchasing it upfront can support better cash flow. Starting small and spreading costs also enables small businesses to invest in scaling up, without depleting the savings needed to make them resilient.

Our fit-out solution comprised modular & reconfigurable components that can be returned to a central “library” hub for re-use by others later, literally giving businesses the opportunity to scale up or down, giving them much needed flexibility in an uncertain time. Contact us for a copy of the full report.