Description of coworking for a brief on innovation spaces

[Christine Prefontaine]

Hi All,

I am writing a brief on innovation spaces for the Beyond Access: Libraries Powering Development initiative. This also builds on exploration into this topic at the Technology & Social Change group, at the University of Washington Information School.

So I wanted to share with you my draft description of coworking. It's below. I'm using an "open-notebook" approach to write the brief. You can see and comment on it in all its messiness :) There are also descriptions of hackerspaces, fablabs, and telecentres.

I'm really pleased about this because I was able to use the experiences of being a member and volunteer for Station C in Montreal and mix them with my international development work. Here's to more coworking spaces around the world -- and more embedded into development initiatives and public libraries!

Cheers,

Christine

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Coworking — A coworking is a space where independent professionals (“free agents”), entrepreneurs, and employees with locational flexibility can work, connect, and host meetings and events. Coworking can also be an informal event — a “jelly” — that temporarily gathers a group of workers in a public space, private home, or business. Typical coworking spaces have an open-concept interior layout, with tables, desks, meeting rooms, and eating/lounging areas. WiFi is always included and most provide basic office equipment. Workers can become members with a dedicated desk, or pay a drop-in rate and use whatever space is available. Coworking emerged in response to the emotional and professional needs of independent knowledge workers, in particular the need — the need for social interaction, ad-hoc feedback and support, and work/meeting spaces that are flexible, affordable, and project a professional image. Benefits include increased productivity, work quality, and opportunities. Coworking spaces are distinguished by their members’ commitment to a core set of values (collaboration, openness, and diversity, among others), an innovative and creative spirit, and activities that foster community, serendipity, and civic engagement.

[Christine Prefontaine]

Oh here's the talk that Chris Coward did on innovation spaces at TASCHA: http://tascha.uw.edu/2012/04/coward/

[Alex Hillman]

This looks pretty good. 

One small "nit pick":

Workers can become members with a dedicated desk, or pay a drop-in rate and use whatever space is available.

I would advise against conflating membership with dedicated desks. Membership takes on many forms, and drop-in usage tends to be a "gateway" to membership in addition to being a part of the flexible usage model.

I think that theres also room for a mention of the larger connection/movement/community across coworking spaces - the very existence of this "meta community" - as a valuable component to Coworking spaces & hacker spaces. 

-Alex

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/ah
indyhall.org
coworking in philadelphia

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[Christine Prefontaine]

Thanks, Alex! 

I'll fix the membership/drop-in thing. 

Also the broader community point is really important. 

You rock. Appreciate you taking the time to read and provide feedback.

C.