Transforming The Garden Into A Conducive And Innovative Space To Combat COVID-19

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has created many challenges for businesses and individuals around the world. In addition to posing a significant health risk, many infected people have no symptoms at all. This makes it extremely difficult to detect and prevent the spread of disease. As a result, much of the world has sheltered in place and many non-essential businesses have closed. 

While it’s true that businesses can only remain closed or operating at limited capacity for so long, reopening creates its own unique challenges as well. Businesses that plan to reopen in the coming weeks must look for ways to prevent the spread of disease.

Preventing the Spread of Disease

At The Garden, the health and safety of our staff and members is our top priority. As such, we have implemented several measures to help keep everyone safe while on the premises. We are currently operating at limited capacity. Although we would love to see our event spaces and co-office spaces bustling with people again, we do ask all visitors to stay home. Anyone choosing to come to our facility must wear a face mask.

In addition to limiting the amount of people allowed in our facility at one time, we have installed hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipe stations throughout the building. We are also following all CDC recommendations regarding cleaning procedures and social distancing.

Using Technology to Combat COVID-19

Although The Garden is only operating at limited capacity, we have been allowing Building Momentum to continue using our co-office space for developing new ideas. We feel that many of these inventions could play a significant role in reducing the risk of the global pandemic. 

Building Momentum uses technology to solve complex problems. In addition to providing drone training to schools, community groups, and the military, Building Momentum uses their extensive experience to innovate and create. Over the past few months, Building Momentum has focused their efforts on developing innovative solutions designed to combat COVID-19. 

Building Momentum’s recent innovations include prototypes of masks, ventilators, and equipment used to sanitize surfaces. Most recently, Building Momentum designed and built an autonomous robot that uses UV-C light to disinfect buildings. This invention could prove exceptionally useful in the coming months as businesses start to reopen. While following a line, the robot sanitizes all vertical and horizontal surfaces. Early tests have shown the robot kills 99.9% of all viruses and bacteria in a space.

Although The Garden hopes to begin operating at full capacity soon, we are very excited to provide a space for Building Momentum to explore new ideas. We believe these innovations could prove extremely beneficial as we all adjust to our new normal. 

Event Spaces & Co-Office Spaces in Alexandria, VA

The Garden offers event spaces and co-office spaces for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Our facility is owned and operated by Building Momentum. A premier tech-training organization, Building Momentum has trained over 3,000 active duty service members and numerous individuals and businesses.

Preparing for Office Life After Coronavirus

Recent events have caused all of us to think more carefully about cleanliness and how we interact with other people. This has created some challenges for office workers. Although many of us are currently working from home, eventually we will return to office life as usual. Once this occurs, it’s important to continue practices that help slow or stop the spread of disease. This is important for a number of reasons even after Coronavirus no longer poses an immediate threat to the general population.

At The Garden, we want to assure our valued members and visitors that we are taking all necessary precautions to help stop the spread of disease. We have implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing techniques throughout our entire facility, and we have installed hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipe stations throughout the building. Although we remain open at this time, we will only permit 10 people in each meeting room at a time. We encourage all of our members to stay at least 6 feet apart as recommended by the CDC.

Although most of us already know the importance of washing our hands and not touching our face, workers should take a few extra precautions to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Before returning to your office, we encourage you to take some time to learn how to properly protect yourself and your workers.

Establish a Cleaning Schedule

Set aside some time in the morning or at the end of your workday to clean your office space. Pick-up any papers you’ve left lying around and wipe down all surfaces with a disinfecting wipe. Make sure you clean your computer keyboard, mouse, armrests, and office telephone as you probably touch these things several times throughout the day. Keep in mind that you should never use a disinfecting wipe directly on your computer screen. Instead, clean your computer monitor with a clean microfiber cloth.

Keep a Reasonable Distance from Other People

If there’s one thing most of us have learned from coronavirus, it’s that it’s a good idea to keep a reasonable distance from other people, especially if you’re sick. Although this is a little more difficult in the workplace, it’s still a good idea to keep about a desk-length apart from any visitors, clients, or other office workers. Another good tip, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close by if you’ll be shaking hands regularly.

Stay Home if You’re Sick

All of us get sick sometimes. Regardless of how sick you think you really are, it’s still a good idea to stay at home. Even if you know you’ll bounce back quickly, other people you come in contact with might not. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Co-Working Space Available

The Garden provides co-working office space for entrepreneurs, small businesses, freelancers, and more. We offer a variety of options including floating desk space, small and large office space, and optional use of our laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and table saws. Regardless of your needs, we have a co- working space that fits your budget. Please contact us for more information.

Important Things to Consider When Looking for an Event Space

You have many things to consider when planning an event. Although it’s important to plan the food, entertainment, and decorations, none of this matters if you don’t have a venue for your event. In fact, there are several important aspects of your event you can’t even plan without knowing the location and date your event space is available. The event space you choose can have a big impact on the overall success of your event. You need to make sure you select a venue that meets all of your needs and space requirements.

1. Size

Perhaps the most important thing to consider, you need to make sure the event space you choose can accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite. Keep in mind that event space capacity doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be enough room for all of your guests. Room layout can make a big difference. You need to make sure your guests have enough room to move around feely. Consider visiting the event space before booking. Actually seeing the space and its layout can help you avoid any nasty surprises on the day of your event.

2. Cost

Another important thing to consider, you need to make sure the event space you choose fits within your budget. You also need to find out if the venue provides event necessities like tables and chairs. This can save you a lot of money over renting these things yourself.

3. Location

Make sure the event space you choose is in a location that all of your guests can access easily. Try to avoid choosing an event space in a remote location.

4. Parking

Equally important as location, you need to make sure there is plenty of parking for your guests. Ideally, choose an event space that has free on-site parking.

5. Food

Options Whether you’re planning a corporate event, party, or wedding, it’s important to provide your guests with something to eat. This isn’t always easy or affordable with the limited menus many event spaces offer. Before booking, make sure the event venue will allow you to bring outside food and drink. This can help keep your costs down and ensures everyone has something to eat.

6. Ambiance

You want to create an atmosphere that appeals to your guests and fits the topic of your event. Although you’ll probably want to add your own decorations, make sure the event space you choose provides the perfect canvas or backdrop for your event.

Popular Northern Virginia Event Space

The Garden features 2,600 square feet of space and accommodates up to 200 people. This unique event venue is conveniently located by Van Dorn Metro Station on the Blue Line in Alexandria, VA. The Garden provides a rustic and industrial-chic location for film and photo projects, team meetings, corporate events, presentations, parties, weddings, and more.

With no minimum booking time and tables, chairs, and other event necessities included, The Garden provides a cost-effective option for a wide range of events.

Please contact us to schedule a tour or to book our event hall for your next event.

10 Important Things to Look For in a Co-Working Space

Co-working spaces, or shared workplaces, have grown in popularity over the past few years. The right co-working space provides everything workers need to complete daily tasks at a fraction of the cost of renting or buying an office or shop. 

Multiple workers share these energetic and affordable office spaces which provide an enticing alternative to working from home. Instead of paying for an entire private office, workers only pay for what they need. Co-working spaces are an ideal choice for entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, and independent contractors. 

Recent interest in co-working spaces has led to a massive increase in availability. It seems like there’s a co-working space in every neighborhood these days. While the co-working space next to your home might seem appealing because of the short distance, it’s important to remember that not all co-working spaces are created equal. Please read on to learn the 10 most important things to look for when selecting a co-working space.

1. Welcoming Atmosphere

You’ll likely spend a lot of time in your co-working space. You might even use the space to meet with potential and existing clients. It’s important to make sure the co-working space you choose feels comfortable and inviting.

2. Location

Location is one of the most important factors when selecting a co-working space. While most people pick a location close to home, you need to consider your team and your customers. Choose a co-working space located in a convenient and easy to find location. 

3. Types of Companies/Freelancers Working There

Community is extremely important to every co-working space. Select a space that meets your needs and compliments your business type.

4. Hours

Only you know what hours you do your best work. Make sure the co-working space you choose is open and available during those hours. 

5. Price

When it comes to price, no one likes unexpected surprises. Look for a co-working space with clear and reasonable pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask about additional fees and membership options.

6. Available Space

Most co-working spaces offer a variety of options for their members. When researching co-working spaces, look for spaces that meet your needs and requirements. Keep in mind, these needs might change in the future. Will the space you’re considering accommodate these changes?

7. Noise Levels

We all have different requirements when it comes to the perfect office space. While some people work best in a quiet environment, others work better with lots of noise and commotion around them. Of course, the amount of workplace noise varies by industry. It’s important to consider the type of environment you need to effectively complete your work.  

8. Wi-Fi Access

As more people communicate and complete work on the Internet, having access to reliable Wi-Fi has become a necessity. Make sure the co-working space you choose provides Wi-Fi access.

9. Seating Options

The best co-working spaces offer a variety of seating options. 

10. Community Feel

Great co-working spaces bring people together and create a sense of community unlike anything you’ll experience in a traditional office building. 

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The Garden offers a variety of co-working spaces for both individuals and businesses. We offer flexible and affordable co-working plans. Please contact us for more information.