Nestled in the heart of Gandhi Nagar, Backyard isn't just a space it's an experience, a catalyst for collaboration, and a canvas for creativity. A brainchild born from the fertile grounds of Akshaya Chittybabu architecture thesis, where the focus was on designing a space that encouraged co-ideation across various creative and diverse fields, the aim was to provide a hub where individuals from all walks of life could come together to think, collaborate, and unwind under one roof.
Backyard's main idea is to bring people and ideas closer together and they do this in different ways. They have special walls where you can write messages to strangers or send letters to your future self. For enhancing productivity, they offer an unlimited supply of filter coffee, milk tea, lemon tea, green tea, and black coffee free of charge, instead billing you for the time you spend at the space. The space is equipped with blackboard walls and tables, encouraging brainstorming, discussions, and focused studying. The availability of butter sheet rolls on tables and walls provides ample free-flowing paper for groups to freely ideate and think. In addition to these features, they have incorporated elements such as handmade memory games, storytelling prompts, and thought-provoking games directly on the tables, making them accessible to everyone. Acrylic panels and windows are strategically positioned to enable the easy use of Post-It notes and encourage open systems of thinking during ideation sessions. These combined strategies contribute to an environment that nurtures both productivity and innovative thinking.
Backyard stands out as an anti-café that goes beyond the conventional working environment, fostering a sense of collaboration and creativity within a community. The place features a two-level informal co-working space that is capable of shape-shifting to cater to the diverse needs of its visitors, effortlessly transforming into a dynamic event and workshop centre. These workshops cover various things like art, mental health discussions, cooking, and more. The events include open mics, music gigs, comedy shows, and even therapeutic dancing. They also organise markets and pop-up shops where you can buy things and learn the process of making them too. The flexible layout and movable furniture arrangements that accommodate different activities and groups ensure that the space remains relevant and appealing, and ready to transform from a cosy co-working spot to a theatre rehearsal space or even a honey-tasting exhibition space, which is exactly what sets Backyard apart. It’s more than just a co-working space. Whether it's freelancers working on laptops, musicians jamming, or movie screenings, Backyard offers a space that evolves with its users.
In terms of the future, Backyard recognises that change and adaptability is the only constant, which was a lesson learnt during the lockdown. The pandemic brought about a forced pivot, pushing the physical space to adapt and evolve. By remaining open-ended and responsive to emerging trends and demands, Backyard aims to continue evolving and staying at the forefront of co-working space innovation.
From witnessing the growth of first-timers who start with open-mics and go on to host events at the place, to serving as a middleman to two entrepreneurs who found love while sharing the space during the pop-up events, Backyard has been a silent partner in countless tales of connection and success. It's a place where film directors find inspiration, entrepreneurs find partners in growth, and business connections turn into romance. According to Akshaya, the most rewarding part of the space is the stories it has been a part of and facilitated. In an ever-changing environment, Backyard stands being a sanctuary for creativity, and collaboration, where boundaries blur, and possibilities brim.
