Sam Watkins, British Filmmaker and Videographer, and Kelly O’Brien, Irish writer and social media manager, have been TLR Family members since 2021. Last month, they travelled to Split, Croatia as part of an initiative funded by the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) and worked from our sister hub PROSTOR. Here’s how they got on!

Three years ago, set against the backdrop of a worsening global pandemic, I embarked on a transformative journey where I relocated to the Spanish sun-soaked city of Málaga. 

My professional life had started a number of years before this, on the bustling streets of Ireland, where I served as a journalist and assistant news editor for renowned publications like the Irish Examiner and Evening Echo newspapers. For a time, my career path looked set… but my itchy feet had other ideas. 

My wanderlust led me to explore distant shores, working on a freelance basis as a journalist, marketer, social media manager, and tech writer. Life was good… and then Covid-19 came along, forcing me to grow some roots. At the end of 2020, I made Málaga my new home. 

It was here, in the heart of this vibrant city, that I discovered The Living Room (TLR) Coworking—a creative sanctuary and a hub within the European Creative Hubs Alliance (ECHN).

Ben and Valeria from TLR Coworking in Málaga, Spain.

The Art and Greenery Transformation

Within a few months of my arrival, an amazing TLR initiative took off. Local artists graced the coworking walls with their masterpieces, turning our office into a vibrant gallery. 

Furthermore, a local service, run by Sonja Breuer, introduced lush green plants, beautifully integrated into our workspace, enriching the atmosphere and enhancing the overall ambiance. (For more on that, check out a piece I wrote here.)

These simple yet profound changes aimed to make TLR a more creative and uplifting place to work and spend time. 

The pièce de résistance came in the form of a street artist called Adam Palmeter who created a captivating mural on the TLR rooftop. 

Furthermore, TLR’s artistic expression continued with a graffiti workshop run by our TLR Family member Stefan Scholtz , which allowed TLR’s members to contribute to the creation of street art within the office itself.

Artist Adam Palmeter working on his mural on the TLR rooftop in June 2022. Pic: Kelly O’Brien

The Catalyst for Change

My immersion in this transformational process at TLR led me to ponder the broader significance of art and greenery within coworking areas. Could the infusion of art and greenery truly enhance productivity and foster a more profound sense of community within a coworking environment? 

I shared these thoughts with fellow TLR member Sam Watkins, and they ultimately led to both of us embarking on a project organised by the European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN) and co-funded by the European Commission. We left the sun-kissed shores of Málaga and travelled to the enchanting city of Split, Croatia, and the creative ECHN hub known as PROSTOR.

Sam filming PROSTOR hub assistant Željka Vuko hard at work! Pic: Kelly O’Brien

PROSTOR: A New Frontier

The ECHN hub PROSTOR in Split, Croatia, served as the perfect backdrop for our exploration. This space showcased a passionate commitment to art, nature, and community. It quickly became the second chapter in our aim to unearth the impact of art and greenery on happiness, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Within PROSTOR, both Sam and I delved into a project that involved conducting interviews, capturing film, and disseminating a survey to coworking members. The responses I received were nothing short of enlightening. Participants aged between 18 and 44 shared their insights, and their voices echoed a common sentiment: the presence of art in the workplace positively affects productivity. 

One participant articulated it best by saying: “It makes the space more cozy, I feel that the space has a soul, and it’s more interesting.”

Hear more voices in this captivating video Sam shot and edited while visiting PROSTOR:

A Remarkable Consensus

A unanimous consensus emerged when participants were asked whether they felt happier when working in an area that incorporates art and nature. Every respondent emphatically affirmed this notion. Their feedback reflected a harmony between nature, art, and work that resonated deeply with me.

One respondent aptly pointed out: “It makes me feel like I’m a part of a community and helps me to meet people like me and expand my knowledge.”

Sam filming PROSTOR member collaborator Michael Freer at the PROSTOR space in Split. Pic: Kelly O’Brien

The Power of Art and Greenery

Our experience at the ECHN hub PROSTOR reaffirmed my belief in the subtle power of art and greenery within an office setting. The project, the interviews, and the survey all painted a vivid picture of how the presence of art and nature not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of community and well-being. This compelling narrative further fueled my passion for exploring the interconnectedness of these elements and their impact on the modern workspace.

Here are some further facts and figures from the PROSTOR art and greenery survey, which 63% of PROSTOR members participated in:

• 100% of respondents said the presence of art in the workspace positively affected their productivity.
• 100% of respondents said they feel happier when working in a space that incorporates art and nature.
• When asked to mark, on a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied they were with their experience at PROSTOR’s unique workspace, 100% of respondents chose 10, indicating they were extremely happy with their PROSTOR experience. 
• When asked to mark, on a scale of 1 to 5, how much they believe that green surroundings (including plants in an office setting) contribute to your sense of well-being and relaxation, 100% of respondents chose either 4 or 5. 
• When asked to mark, on a scale of 1 to 5, how much they believe that arts-focused environments could enhance creativity and inspiration, 100% of respondents chose either 4 or 5. 

Sam and Kelly hanging out with Željka from PROSTOR during their trip to Split. Pic: Sam Watkins

The PROSTOR + ECHN Experience

Beyond the project’s objectives, both Sam and I want to express our gratitude not only to the team at the ECHN but also to the exceptional team at PROSTOR. They opened their doors, hearts, and minds to us, ensuring that our time in Split was truly enriching and enjoyable. One standout individual was Jasmina, co-founder of PROSTOR and Culture Hub Croatia. Her generosity and willingness to participate in interviews and assist with survey dissemination were invaluable, as was the contribution of PROSTOR volunteer Zeljka Vuko and PROSTOR collaborator Michael Freer.

In addition, the recommendations of Jasmina, Zeljka, and Michael for exploring the breathtaking city of Split during our spare time added a truly personal touch to our visit. Split’s historic beauty and the vibrancy of its streets left an indelible mark on my heart.

With professional and educational backgrounds rooted in journalism, Kelly works as a freelance writer – crafting tech content, marketing pieces, social media texts, and newspaper articles. 

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland but currently living in Málaga, Kelly runs her own company called Kelly Mary Media OU and has been a TLR Family member since August 2021. When she’s not knee deep in work, Kelly is off trotting around the globe, documenting her many weird and wonderful (and sometimes cat-accompanied) adventures on Instagram and TikTok via @TheseCornersoftheWorld

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