Kairos13 Coworking and co-churching

Ora et labora

After the innovative coworking space project 'Kairos13' of the Protestant Church in Karlsruhe, the oldest church still in use in Karlsruhe – the 'Kleine Kirche' – has now opened its doors for 'co-churching'. With the support of the City of Karlsruhe and in collaboration with the feco team, the church gallery has been converted to provide seven mobile workstations in a unique setting. Deacon Daniel Paulus, the initiator of the project, has realised his vision of a co-working space in a church, creating a place that brings together people committed to sustainability, social responsibility and justice.

Builder: Evang. Alt- und Mittelstadtgemeinde Karlsruhe
Occupant: Evang. Alt- und Mittelstadtgemeinde Karlsruhe
Planning: feco / Interior designer Stefanie Ranko
Completion: 2021, 2024
City: Karlsruhe
Sector: Public buildings
Office furniture: Agile work, Lighting, Lounge, Workplaces
Photos: Nikolay Kazakov
Brands: Vitra, Sedus, COR

The space invites contemplation and combines work with spiritual reflection – a principle based on the ancient monastic way of life ‘Ora et laboura’. The project is characterised by flexible furnishings that allow for agile use. At the same time, the church remains a place of contemplation, emphasising its special atmosphere. Coworkers use the functional and welcoming working environment on a donation basis, contributing to the self-financing of the space. This innovative concept of ‘co-churching’ is an example of the opening up of the church to modern forms of use and shows how sacred spaces can be integrated into today’s working world without losing their significance as places of contemplation and reflection.