An al fresco twist on coworking space is coming to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway next week.
L.L. Bean and coworking provider Industrious developed the new concept as part of a multi-city “Be an Outsider at Work” campaign. The wifi-equipped pods will be installed in the Greenway’s Wharf District Park July 10-12.
The outdoors retailer is taking aim at the 95 percent of time that most people spend indoors by showing off the benefits of connecting with nature during the workday.
“We believe in the benefit of work outdoors. We want to kick off a movement to spend more time outside every day,” said Michele Martin, senior manager of brand amplification for L.L. Bean.
The prototypes include conference space and individual seating, including one conference room in an enclosed pod and pergola-type structures, Martin said. Free reservations to use the space can be booked at BeAnOutsiderAtWork.com.
L.L. Bean piloted the program at its Freeport, Maine headquarters before taking the prototype on the road to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Madison, Wisconsin. Some of the elements will be permanently incorporated into the Freeport campus.
New York-based Industrious operates coworking spaces in 28 U.S. metros, including Boston locations at 855 Boylston St. and 22 Boston Wharf Road, and 100 Summer St. opening in October.
L.L. Bean cited a survey by workplace strategy consultant Leigh Stringer that 86 percent of people who work indoors would like to spend more time outside during the workday.
Office developers are responding to demand for flexible workspaces by incorporating roof decks, terraces and balconies into the latest generation of projects in Boston.
In a project scheduled to begin next year, Morgan Stanley is updating the One Post Office Square tower with an 18-story addition and new facade, adding two roof decks and a pair of terraces overlooking the Financial District.
Boston Properties’ 651,500-square-foot office tower at The Hub on Causeway will include a covered roof deck, two terraces and seven 2-story enclosed “porches” with operable windows.
Related Beal recently submitted designs for a 140,000-square-foot office building at 533-541 Commonwealth Ave. including roof terraces facing the landmark Citgo sign which tops a neighboring building.
And Skanska recently broke ground on Two Drydock, a speculative office tower in the Seaport District, which will include a 7,500-square-foot roof terrace with Boston Harbor views.
