When designing a workspace, how important are aesthetic aspects like wall art, color combinations, furniture shapes, and patterns? For the design team behind The Generator at Bounce, these deliberations were top of mind. Karen Starr of Hazel Tree Design Studio toured the second floor of The Generator, newly renovated in 2024 and opened earlier this year, to highlight some of the design choices made for the coworking space and how they work together to create an environment that is energetic, creative, and welcoming.
Upon entering through the front doors on the second floor, guests are immediately greeted with bold colors, patterns, and styles. Pinks, greens, oranges, and more fill the space across varied seating options, matching wall art, and the “INNOVATION” mural in coordinating colors on the wall leading into the rest of the space. In addition to carefully curated furniture pieces, custom artwork from Northeast Ohio artists is proudly displayed on the walls, hung from the ceiling, and in some cases, built into functional pieces like desks, lighting, and more.
“The themes throughout the second floor are growth and innovation; really honoring our roots as an industrial town but with a lot of creative innovations,” explained Starr. “You’ll see a lot of art and photography that is Akron-focused throughout.”
These pieces are not merely space fillers provided by local and resident artists, however. Many of the sculptures and artwork have a distinct story to tell, and some are even full of smaller details that you won't notice in a passing glance. Taking a closer look at one of the industrial-inspired sculptures near the front entranceway reveals rubber bouncy balls incorporated to reference Akron’s Rubber City roots. More ties to Bounce’s history as the site of the B.F. Goodrich rubber factory building can be found throughout The Generator, such as a piece that depicts silhouettes of rubber workers inside coal hatch doors and other equipment salvaged from the building itself.
Additionally, many pieces have greater ties to Bounce’s modern-day pillars such as growth, innovation, and technology. One of the space’s largest murals, found in the central kitchen area, depicts the life cycle of a flamingo; starting with a colorless chick tucked away on the side of the wall, gradually changing into a brightly-colored adult flying through the vibrant backdrop behind it. Created by local multimedia artist Tara Deetscreek, the mural symbolizes growth and relates to the entrepreneurs and companies that work and reside within Bounce.
“Tara met with Bounce, and they talked about their desire for the mural to represent innovation & growth. So, she took that in this very organic way and used the flamingo to show growth, and played off the colors that were already here.”
The varied theming is not exclusive to The Generator’s main areas, either. Each conference room, huddle room, and private phone booth has a completely distinct look, while maintaining a balance between form and function. While each room has its own unique color scheme and aesthetic, they are fully furnished with tables, chairs, and additional lighting.
Upon the inception of the renovation the second floor, Karen, the Hazel Tree team, and key Bounce members set out to create a space that was not only vibrant & appealing, but also one that encouraged productivity and creative fulfillment for its occupants.
“When people see art and see things that they don’t normally happen upon, it just has a good feel; I’ve heard that so many times that this space just feels so good,” said Starr. “It sparks productivity because your brain is taking in something creative. Even if you don’t work in a creative field, you can still come here and be inspired because of the things that you’re seeing.”
Pieces were commissioned, designed, and laid out meticulously to provide the most conducive structure for members of The Generator to do their best work in the work style or environment that suits them.
Exploring the different pieces throughout the space leads to many more local nods, hidden easter eggs, and interesting mediums that showcase both the artist sand the creativity that exists within the Bounce community.
See for yourself! Bounce offers a Free Coworking Day on the last Wednesday of every month where anyone is free to work in The Generator from 8am-5pm. The Generator also offers flexible monthly memberships and special day pass offerings. Stop in for a free tour of The Generator or visit our coworking page to learn more about coworking at Bounce. You can also learn more about Hazel Tree's work on their website.
