The Hive – Working Space for Busy Bees

As a writer, a co-working space is first and foremost my go-to place when I need to get myself in the zone. One of my favorite places is The Hive Thonglor at Piman 49 where I feel inspired to work. Besides being a co-working space, it is also a place where a community of entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and freelancers converge, hang out and socialize.

Pantry area | Credit: The Hive

The Hive was founded by British entrepreneur Constant Tedder who’s determined to create a network of co-working spaces across Asia. Traveling members can now use The Hive’s facilities at different locations such as in Hong Kong — where it first started, Singapore, and in Thailand.

I am particularly intrigued by how The Hive Thonglor is decorated. Tedder first started The Hive with one question in mind: “Why can’t the place you work be as comfortable as your home?” He explained, “As we were designing The Hive, it was important for me to create a place where people can collaborate, socialize, and relax as well as work.” With that idea, he turned a five-story shophouse in Hong Kong into a huge modern working space with a coffee shop on the rooftop. The Hive also has its own spa on the first floor where members can relax and get a massage after a long day of work.

The Hive Thonglor follows the same design approach as the Hive Hong Kong, which was designed by the eminent British interior designer James Waterworth. The designer has left his mark on several international hospitality and residential projects such as the renowned Soho Beach House in Miami.  His essence of style is distinctively visible throughout The Hive Thonglor’s décor.

Common area | Credit: The Hive

The space is neatly disported with well-thought-out structures, yet the ambiance is full of aesthetic vibes. The loft-style building comes with a high ceiling which includes an area for a giant projector screen. The high ceiling optimizes the use of natural light by allowing it to enter through the glass mirrors of the pitch-black window frames. The second- and third-floor areas are skillfully divided into hot desk zones with three difference sizes of meeting rooms available to accommodate five to 20 people.

The interior décor is industrial chic complete with dangling lights and wooden furniture. Yet to ensure a relaxing and lively feel, they’ve added lots of greenery throughout the space and comfortable and colorful couches and sofas in the common area where members can just sit back and relax. What I personally adore are the telephone booths that allow members some privacy during their calls. The booths are decorated with warm-toned lightings and lined with wood paneling.

Rooftop coffee shop with outdoor balcony | Credit: The Hive

The fourth and fifth floors are reserved for private offices with full working facilities. The coffee shop on the rooftop comes with an outdoor balcony. The décor is a contrast between black window frames and white wooden furniture. To add an interesting dimension to the space, the warm halogen glow from the light bulbs –dangling from the dark-toned wooden battens – provides a cozy atmosphere.

The Hive takes relaxation very seriously. Besides the main floors where people can unwind and hang out, a mezzanine floor has been added to serve as a sitting area that occasionally hosts movie nights. “As an entrepreneur myself, I wanted somewhere that provided a more comfortable and positive working environment,” Tedder explained.

Booths for private calls | Credit: The Hive

The Hive isn’t just an ordinary co-working space with fast internet and aesthetic interior design, but it is a place where people come to do their creative thinking and increase their work productivity. This is a co-working space where you can truly enjoy work.

The Hive Thonglor – 46/9 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Tel. 02 662 6062, www.thehive.co.th