By Arthur Tam
If you’ve ever walked around the 2/F floor of Dorset House, you might be wondering what lies behind the azure walls of Blueprint. Inside is a newly renovated, two-floor, creative co-working space that’s bigger, better and offers even more event spaces than its previous incarnation in Cornwall House. But what’s truly unique about Blueprint is how it’s creating a community among innovative entrepreneurs, not only from startups, but also from small businesses and corporations through shared facilities and venues that utilise top-spec technology. bluerpint offers a new type of workspace that’s leading the way in developing the most optimal, comfortable and creative space for forward-thinking leaders.
Let's take a closer look to see why Blueprint is more than your average co-working space.
Indoor bar and café:
When you’re in the zone and furiously working away on your next big project, you don’t want to journey too far for your next meal. To make things convenient, Blueprint houses TONG, a café that serves breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee and alcoholic beverages to keep those creative juices flowing. And when you need to host a networking event, TONG has on-the-spot catering options and can whip up all the hors d'oeuvre and cocktails you need. Alternatively, if you want your favourite café or bar to cater an event, you can rent out TONG and use its facilities.
State of the art venues and event spaces:
There is a venue and event space for all your needs at the new Blueprint. If you need to pitch an idea, showcase a new product or host a motivating talk, there is a large auditorium that can hold up to 50 people with large projection screens and AV equipment to assist. There are also flexible event spaces with TV walls and moveable partitions for when you need to host a social event or a networking cocktail. Or, if you need to conduct a seminar or a training session with your crew, there are rooms that fit that purpose with flip charts, projectors, integrated AV panels and video conferencing capabilities.
Sleek design:
The modern layout and vast open space of Blueprint is conducive to a creative atmosphere. The sleek, techy design blends in a cultural Hong Kong-centric aesthetic. Floors are paved with old-style tiles, private seating areas are built like birdcages and lockers are shaped like vintage Hong Kong mailboxes.
Affordable cost and prime location:
Blueprint offers membership at $4,500 a month. That’s a steal considering its prime location within Taikoo Place – a hub connecting 300 top companies in town or even in the world. Many of the companies working in Blueprint have clients that are also tenants of Taikoo Place. Not to mention, Quarry Bay is home to a vast variety of different restaurants and bars that won’t bore your palate.
Fun activities:
Monthly community building events are hosted at Blueprint to encourage tenants to mingle and share ideas. Recently, it organised a yoga session on the terrace for tenants, adding a bit of lifestyle and fitness to a busy workday.
New Ventures programme:
The co-working space has always been committed to innovation through its accelerator programme, which offered professional support and a free workspace for young startups that could prove they have unique idea and viable business model. The programme has recently been re-launched as New Ventures and details will be released in the near future.
Location:
2/F, Dorset House, Taikoo Place, 979 King's Road, Quarry Bay, tel: 9631 1106; blueprint.swireproperties.com
Now that you are familiar with the space, read about the innovators working there. We interviewed Britney Spears’ former social media manager Joseph Nejman to learn why he’s chosen Blueprint.