Dezeen Magazine

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

Yves Behar opens "boutique" co-working space in San Francisco

Yves Behar has become the latest designer to open a co-working space, with a members-only facility in San Francisco.

Behar worked with Amir Mortazavi – founder of property developer M-Projects – and Steve Mohebi to create the Canopy space in the city's Pacific Heights neighbourhood.

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

Located in a building on Fillmore Street by M-Projects, the venue is intended to be the first of many for creatives that live close by.

"A beautiful and authentic local workplace, void of trivial distractions, Canopy is committed to supporting members' ventures and encouraging their next conversations," said the team.

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

The venture follows a growing trend for flexible, communal working environments, which are particularly popular for those who don't require a permanent office space.

Others that have picked up on the shift include British designer Tom Dixon, who has so far opened co-working spaces in London's Camden and Clerkenwell areas, and the Soho House group, which has also opened co-working spaces in the UK capital.

Canopy's first "boutique space" accommodates 45 members, and is furnished with both classic and contemporary pieces.

Users have the option to work at shared tables, personal desks with lockable storage and private bookshelves, or in a private office for up to four people.

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

Much of the furniture was designed by Behar and his studio Fuseproject, including the Public Office Landscape desk system and Sayl chairs – both produced by Herman Miller.

A reception desk and feature wall are covered in black marble, while the floor features a chevron-patterned parquet.

The ceiling is punctured by funnel-shaped elements designed by Behar and Mortazavi to act as skylights. Fixtures for artificial lighting are from Michael Anastassiades' range for Flos.

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

Designs from the 1960s and 1970s found across the interior include furniture by Joe Colombo, Alexander Girard, Stilnuovo and Don Chadwick.

"It is that pioneering spirit of makers past and present that we want to celebrate in Canopy's design approach," says Behar.

"The result is a dynamic, high-design workspace that we feel will attract a creative and sophisticated membership that chooses to do their greatest work in the best of environments," added Mortazavi.

Canopy co-working space by Yves Behar

Bookable amenities in the building include conference rooms and private phone booths, as well as a fully stocked kitchen.

Secure Wi-Fi, smart-locked offices, 24-hour access and tech support also come as part of the packages.

Canopy membership is $650 (approximately £534) per month for a shared table and $1,100 (£904) for a personal desk. Private offices range from $2,850 (£2,341) to $5,500 (£4,517) monthly.

Photography is by Joe Fletcher.