KOCHI: A flexible workspace that is inclusive and is a brand in itself — that is how the 48,000-sq-ft coworking facility ‘i by Infopark’ at Ernakulam South metro station has been envisaged. Billed as the state’s first neurodiversity-friendly coworking facility, it boasts world-class amenities and will support 580-plus professionals. The facility — which is expected to be officially inaugurated in September — is also being seen as a boon for space-strapped Infopark.
“In a world where 20% of the total population is neurodivergent, a workspace that takes into account their needs is very important. Each floor of this facility has been designed based on the neurodiversity-friendly concept of ‘Spectra’, which is being adopted globally in workplace design. It has an area of about 48,000 sqft and offers 582 seats, high-speed internet, 100% power backup, 24/7 security, along with a wide range of services such as professional reception, cafeteria, office pods, and meeting zones,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a post on X.
This is the model for the workspace of the future and will be scaled across the state to boost innovation and employment, the post said.
“Another important feature of ‘i by Infopark’ is the rental system that helps in arranging the office space in keeping with business needs. It is primarily targeting gig workers, freelancers, multinational companies, IT/IT-related firms, and companies looking to set up global capability centres in Kerala. It also addresses the issue of space constraint at Infopark,” said Susanth Kurunthil, CEO of Infopark.
“Once the project proves successful, the government plans to start similar centres across the state,” the CM posted.
Susanth said, “The workspace is spread across the 3rd to the 9th floors of the metro station complex. The goal is to position Infopark as the premier choice for businesses seeking a dynamic, supportive, and strategically located workspace solution in Kochi, with a unique emphasis on inclusive and neurodiversity-friendly design. Once the facility is well accepted, Infopark will envisage constructing more such facilities across Kerala.”
Explaining the facility’s neurodiversity-friendly design, he added, “The ‘Spectra’ concept is built on the idea of variation in human brains being biologically normal and adaptive, fostering unique perspectives, and greater innovation. Neurodiversity reflects the idea that variations in human brains are normal and adaptive".
"Our design aims to support individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome, among others. Each floor is thoughtfully designed with a specific sensory focus, creating a symphony of senses to enhance comfort and productivity for all occupants,” he added.