Two Scandinavian coworking spaces flaunt high design

The coworking craze—exemplified by snazzily renovated former industrial spaces—does not seem to be slowing down.

Nor is it exclusive to the U.S. Case in point: Two stylish shared workplaces have opened in Stockholm and Copenhagen, and not only are they sights to behold, they’re also master classes in Scandinavian design.

First up is Alma (as in “alma mater”), a new members-only club for creative professionals and entrepreneurs in Stockholm. Conceived as a space for work and play, Alma—which was founded by Stockholm native Fredrik Carlström (who is also behind Austere, the design store in Los Angeles)—is located in Nybrogatan 8, the former home of Beckmans College of Design.

Carlström, Alma’s CEO Anna Behring Lundh, and architecture firm Tham & Videgård worked together to reimagine the two-building, five-story complex. The result is a dark and moody scheme characterized by a color palette of gray, green, and navy, rich materials, and custom furnishings.

As for the facilities, Alma comprises a grand atrium, dedicated work areas, meeting rooms, a studio, communal and private dining spaces, and an outdoor terrace. A restaurant (again, members only), overseen by chefs Martin Brag and Leo Frodell, a coffee bar, and an outpost of Austere are also included in the program. (The latter two are open to the public.)

Photos by Emil Fagander courtesy of Alma

Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, a circa-1840 courthouse designed by Danish architect M. G. Bindesbøll is now Nomad Workspace, a colorful, full-service coworking space in for freelancers and small businesses.

Founded by Oliver Bernhard—a tech entrepreneur and former DJ—and Peter Madsen, Nomad puts design and service front-and-center in its identity. Inspired by hip hospitality outposts like the Ace Hotel and Soho House, Nomad includes a photo studio, meeting rooms, a cafe, and both open and private offices.

The founders enlisted interior designer Natalia Sanchez to resurrect and transform the old building into a contemporary and dynamic space that combines warm colors, patterned fabrics, luxe materials, and furniture from up-and-coming Danish designers—as well as pieces custom-made by Natalia. Works by artists Justin Morin, Magni Borgehed, and James Viscardi populate the walls.

Photos by Line Thit Klein courtesy of Nomad Workspace