Conference Room Layouts for Collaborative Work
Conference rooms can accommodate various types of meetings and professional gatherings, depending on the size and needs of a business. Coworking spaces rent out conference rooms that provide presentation technology, access to kitchen amenities, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Modern business models can incorporate creative seating arrangements to conduct meetings that require communication and collaboration. Here are some conference room layouts ideal for collaborative work:
Huddle Layout
Intimate spaces are ideal when the goal is brainstorming among a small group. This layout is designed for small, focused discussions and collaborative work that does not involve food or drinks. Coworking spaces typically offer smaller private rooms to accommodate groups of this size. Small groups may be broken up into informal circles for huddling or group shadowing exercises. Some modern huddle rooms omit chairs to encourage standing and healthy postures. These rooms are ideal for the following situations:
- Small businesses
- Informal meetings
- Single department meetings
- Brainstorming meetings
- Impromptu conferences
Banquet Style
A banquet layout has multiple round tables spread throughout the room, allowing small groups to sit facing each other as part of a larger whole. This is ideal for workshops or other activities that involve breaking up into small training groups and when food is served. A banquet-style layout facilitates employee communication and provides ample space for laptops and notes. Coworking spaces often provide access to kitchen facilities when a meal or snacks are needed for an event.
Boardroom Style
This type of conference room features a large central table with chairs surrounding it, allowing employees to face each other directly. Boardroom layouts are ideal for formal business conferences that involve extended presentations. This layout works well when each employee has their laptop open and needs to face each other. Traditional conference rooms may feature a large, rectangular table with chairs arranged around it. Typically, a leader will sit at the head of the table to host the conversation or event. This layout is beneficial for:
- Executive meetings
- Board of directors
- Formal meetings with a presentation
- Strategic planning events
U-Shape or Horseshoe
When you arrange tables in the shape of the letter “U,” with chairs around the outer edges, collaboration is easy. The U-shape should be set up so everyone can see the speaker. This layout encourages direct communication and interaction, allowing presenters to move freely within the shape of the tables and engage with their team more directly. It is suitable for events like training sessions and interactive discussions. Conferences can also be set up in a hollow square style for equal, democratic decision-making.
Lecture Style
When presenting events like a keynote speech, rows of chairs can be set up so everyone faces the same direction. This layout is also called theater style, resembling a cinema’s seating. It allows for maximum capacity when you want to fill a room with people in a large group. There are usually no tables involved with this layout, and the main focus is to deliver a large amount of information to everyone simultaneously. Lecture-style conference room layouts are similar, but they also provide a table or desk for each individual.
Rent a Conference Room From a Coworking Provider
The room size and layout you choose should be based on your business’s specific needs. Other layouts include classroom, crescent, or fishbowl styles for different activities that may occur. Every conference room needs good Wi-Fi and presentation connections to allow meetings to run uninterrupted. Coworking space rentals are usually available with flexible lease terms, so you can access a conference room when needed. Call an office space provider today to learn what room sizes are available and which layout is right for your event.
