Armenian ‘office of the future’: Woods Centre offers a new format for workspaces surrounded by nature

The Woods Centre project is an example of how a combination of infrastructure, comfort and nature is shaping a new approach to the working environment in Armenia.
 

YEREVAN, 24 November. Novosti-Armenia. The Woods Centre project is an example of how a combination of infrastructure, comfort and nature is shaping a new approach to the working environment in Armenia. Artur Safaryan, co-founder and director of Woods Centre, told Novosti-Armenia in an interview why atmosphere, ecosystem and networking are becoming key factors for business success and how the centre plans to expand throughout Armenia.

Novosti-Armenia - Do you remember the moment when the idea of the Woods Centre first seemed real to you — more than just a project on paper?

A. Safaryan - My brothers and I came up with the idea for the Woods Centre in 2018 after attending international forums, when we wanted to bring this experience to Armenia. We started construction in 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic and the 44-day war, and completed it in the summer of 2024.

Novosti-Armenia: I am reminded of a line from the famous song, ‘Yerevan is not houses and buildings, but us.’ The same can be said about Woods Centre: it is not just architecture, but people, an ecosystem and networking. Please tell us about the concept behind the centre's creation.

A. Safaryan - First and foremost, we wanted to create an environment that is in harmony with nature. The Woods Centre was built opposite the Jervezh National Park, designed by the distinguished architect Garegin Egoian. It is located close to the centre of Yerevan and can be reached in 15-20 minutes. People or companies that hold their events here are provided with basic comfortable working conditions. The service also includes coffee, fruit and vegetables. There is no need to pay for them, as their cost is included in the rent. All five floors of the building have their own kitchen.
In addition, the centre has a gym, a food court, a reasonably priced Armenian-Georgian restaurant, a bar, a car wash, and a children's centre where you can leave your child. A hairdresser's will open soon. Our free bus runs daily from the centre of Yerevan in the morning and evening. We have created an atmosphere where working people can enjoy a full day without wanting for anything. We already have around 300-400 people working for us.

Novosti-Armenia: What emotion lies at the heart of the Woods Centre—what would you like people to feel when they first visit the centre, and what do you feel?

A. Safaryan – First and foremost, we wanted to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. That is why we entrusted the construction project to a talented architect, so that it would stand out from others and be comfortable for everyone. This is also facilitated by the fact that the building is constructed from high-quality natural building materials.

Novosti-Armenia - The large library also sets the Woods Centre apart, which is especially important in the age of TikTok and Instagram...
A. Safaryan - No matter how times change, books will always remain in first place. E-books are convenient, but paper books remain irreplaceable as a source of knowledge. We have purchased books, most of which are specialised literature in English. We want to create a large library that can be used by as many people as possible.

Novosti-Armenia: When you showed me around the Woods Centre, you constantly drew my attention to various details and gave me instructions...
A. Safaryan - From day one, I have put my heart and soul into the centre. Before going up to my office, I walk around all the premises every day - from the first to the fifth floor, from the gym to the open veranda with its stunning view.
 

Novosti-Armenia: Woods means ‘forest.’ How do you feel about the balance between nature and architecture? It seems that nature is an important part of your project. The view from the stained-glass windows alone is truly stress-relieving.
A. Safaryan - We specifically designed the conference rooms and almost all of the workspaces to have a view of the forest. This was done so that people in our digital age would not lose touch with nature. After all, it's wonderful that you can enjoy views of the national park just 15 minutes from the centre of Yerevan.

Novosti-Armenia: What is the nicest compliment you have heard about the Woods Centre?
A. Safaryan: That the Woods Centre was a complete surprise for those visiting it for the first time and that people feel cared for and relax their souls here.

Novosti-Armenia: If you were to start the project over again, what would you change and why?
A. Safaryan: I wouldn't change anything.

Novosti-Armenia: Are you considering opportunities for joint projects, in particular with Goght Urban Valley?
A. Safaryan: Yes, of course.

Novosti-Armenia: What do you respect about the Goght Urban Valley concept that would make the partnership impossible without?
A. Safaryan - Projects such as Goght Urban Valley can only be welcomed. Like Woods Centre, the village is located close to Yerevan, just a 30-minute drive away. Serious construction work is underway there, requiring large investments - all of which contributes to the development of the regions and the creation of new jobs for rural residents. I am confident that many will appreciate the project and want to live in Goght, enjoying comfortable conditions, all the benefits of civilisation and the bosom of nature. This is especially true for those who choose clean air, safety and the opportunity to give their children a quality education. After all, Yerevan is growing and developing, and it needs to start relieving the pressure.
 

Novosti-Armenia - The Woods Centre will develop and become more socially involved. How do you see it in 5–10 years?
A. Safaryan - If the project continues to develop as we plan, it will be scaled up to cover the whole of Armenia. We will open similar centres in the forests of the Tavush and Lori regions so that people have the opportunity to work in different places.