Forum Co-Working Space in Melbourne Blends Roman-Inspired Public Design with Modern Comfort
In the heart of Cremorne, Melbourne’s burgeoning tech and creative district known as “Silicon Valley,” Foolscap Studio has redefined what a co-working space can be. With the Forum co-working space in Melbourne, the studio has created a setting that channels the communal spirit of Roman forums while accommodating the contemporary needs of startups, creatives, and freelancers.
Covering 2,730 square metres, Forum is part of the Sixty-five Dover development and is operated by The Commons, a co-working company with locations across Sydney and Melbourne. The concept goes beyond shared desks; it fosters dynamic social interaction, layered comfort, and a boutique hospitality feel.
Materials like travertine, timber, cork, and linen are used throughout to create a warm, earthy palette, while the spatial arrangement encourages both casual collaboration and focused solitude. The result is a thoughtfully curated workspace where aesthetics, comfort, and community converge in a seamless, tactile experience.
Design That Reimagines the Roman Forum
Monumental Entrance and Spatial Drama
Upon entering Forum, visitors are greeted by travertine-wrapped columns and stone block-style seating that mimic Roman colonnades. These classical references are paired with modern touches like a marble-framed reception desk and tiered flooring, creating visual rhythm and openness.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Columns | Wrapped in travertine, evoke Roman architecture |
| Reception | Framed with marble for elegance and clarity |
| Seating | Chunky stone-like forms, integrated into platforms |
| Materials | Cork, linen, timber, travertine stone |
Hybrid Functionality: Social and Solitary Zones
From stepped communal seating to booth-lined kitchens and hushed reading corners, Forum balances social buzz with contemplative privacy. Seating booths and an island in the breakout kitchen area are made to resemble large carved stones, reinforcing the civic architecture inspiration.
In the library, shredded-wood textiles soften the acoustics, while floor-to-ceiling bookshelves display curated objects that provoke curiosity.
| Space | Function | Material Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Social breakout | Terracotta tiles, cork, stone-like booths |
| Library | Quiet reflection | Shredded-wood walls, communal desks, curtains |
| Desk areas | Individual work | Timber panels, ochre carpets, textile dividers |
Architectural Analysis: Tactility, History, and Human Scale
Foolscap Studio’s design strategy is a modern reinterpretation of civic engagement spaces. The Roman forum was a marketplace, stage, and gathering point; Forum co-working space borrows this archetype to foster spontaneous collaboration.
- Material Use: Natural and tactile—travertine, cork, linen—emphasizing sustainability and sensory connection.
- Spatial Logic: A variety of scales and seating types—from open amphitheaters to curtained nooks—promote a democratic, user-led experience.
- Contextual Fit: Located in a tech and design-focused district, Forum aligns with Cremorne’s character while pushing against sterile corporate norms.
The layering of materials and programs offers a nuanced space that’s flexible without feeling generic, bold without being brash.
Project Importance: A New Model for Future Workspaces
Forum challenges conventional workspace design by positioning itself between a boutique hotel and a civic plaza. It offers a blueprint for future offices by:
- Redefining Co-working: It’s not just about desk space, but emotional engagement and social well-being.
- Prioritizing Materials and Craft: Locally made, sustainable, and crafted elements showcase how design can be environmentally and culturally grounded.
- Encouraging Presence: In an era of remote work, Forum’s inviting layout and warm palette draw professionals back to in-person collaboration.
The project highlights how physical environments can nurture community, creativity, and shared identity, shaping not just how we work—but how we connect.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
Forum’s reinterpretation of ancient civic space through modern materiality results in a workspace that feels both grounded and aspirational. The layering of textures like cork, linen, and travertine brings warmth and visual tactility. The layout shifts fluidly between open-stage energy and introspective calm.
However, the reliance on thematic design (Roman architecture) may raise questions about long-term adaptability—will its bold identity still feel relevant in five years?
Nevertheless, Forum stands out as a forward-thinking co-working space that values emotion, material honesty, and the rituals of daily collaboration.
Conclusion: A Return to Human-Centered Work
The Forum co-working space in Melbourne does more than provide desks; it provides a narrative. By reviving the spirit of the Roman forum, Foolscap Studio has created a workplace that celebrates interaction, creativity, and balance.
Its layered approach to space—public, private, transitional—mirrors the rhythms of modern work life. And through careful material selection and local sourcing, the project reflects both environmental consciousness and community support.
Forum offers a compelling counterpoint to soulless corporate offices, inviting users to stay, converse, explore, and belong. As more professionals seek environments that reflect their values and inspire their day, Forum sets a high bar for what the future of workspaces can—and should—be.
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