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What is the History of Coworking? Tracing the Revolutionary Timeline
Feeling overwhelmed by the countless workspace options and their origins? Just interested in the history of coworking? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve been working remotely since before 2012 and have been digital nomads since 2019. And we’re fascinated by the history and ‘why’ behind our lifestyle.
If that’s you, too, this article will help you discover how coworking spaces evolved from a groundbreaking idea to a staple in today’s economy.
From the early rise of flexible workspaces in the 1980s and the expansion of coworking spaces during economic shifts to the evolving landscape and corporate adoption of coworking models, it’s fascinating!
Read on to navigate the rich history of coworking and how it could influence your future choices in the professional realm. We’ll even take a detailed look at the pioneering forces behind the coworking movement. Let’s go!
The Emergence of Flex Spaces in the 1980s
The history of coworking may seem like a contemporary tale, but its essence dates back to the 1980s with the inception of flexible workspace solutions.
During this era, entrepreneurs and businesses began to recognize the value of serviced offices – spaces that offered flexibility and convenience without the commitment of traditional leases.
This shift signaled a growing appetite for work environments that could adapt to the dynamic needs of emerging businesses and independent professionals.
The emergence of these flex spaces carved out a niche in the commercial real estate market, catering to a clientele that desired a blend of autonomy and accessibility.
It’s hard to believe that coworking is almost as old as me!
David Cole, The Tutor Resource Co-Founder
By providing a curated palette of office amenities and services with the promise of lower overhead costs, these pioneering establishments set a precedent for the collaborative workspaces that would soon follow.
They served as the vanguard of a movement that would transform the way people perceived and utilized professional work environments.
It’s within this innovative landscape that the concept of coworking quietly took root, waiting for the right moment to burgeon into an industry-defining phenomenon.
These initial stirrings represented a collective eagerness for more agile and human-centric workspaces, highlighting a notable shift in workplace culture that anticipated the collaborative explosion of coworking as we know it today.
The Origins and Conceptualization of Coworking
The journey into the shared workspace era truly began in Berlin, with the inception of C-Base in 1995.
Recognized as one of the first “hackerspaces,” C-Base was more than just a physical location. It was the cradle of collaborative innovation where computer buffs congregated to code, create, and exchange their collective knowledge.
The ethos that grew within the walls of C-Base typified the spirit of coworking long before the term entered the common lexicon, embodying community and open-source sharing among peers.
In 1999, Bernard DeKoven, a game designer and productivity visionary, introduced the term “coworking” into the modern vernacular. However, DeKoven’s terminology was not explicitly tied to the idea of a shared location.
Instead, it described the novel concept of “collaborative work” facilitated by digital technologies, without the boundaries of traditional office hierarchy.
This definition, although slightly different from our contemporary understanding, laid the foundational values of autonomy, collaboration, and community, which remain core to the coworking philosophy today.
History of Coworking in the US
It was in 2005, on the avant-garde streets of San Francisco, that Brad Neuberg breathed life into the first official coworking space, known simply as the San Francisco Coworking Space.
Housed within a feminist collective, this initiative offered the flexibility of a shared place combined with the structure and camaraderie of a community.
Although met with initial reservations, Neuberg’s pioneering model persevered, eventually leading to the creation of The Hat Factory and, shortly after, to the establishment of a global symbol for the coworking movement—the Coworking Wiki, founded by Chris Messina in 2006.
History of Coworking in Europe
While C-Base cultivated the seed of community in shared spaces and DeKoven introduced the philosophy of coworking, the progression of the concept was marked by Schraubenfabrik in Vienna, established in 2002.
Schraubenfabrik was a collective venue for different professionals, including entrepreneurs and freelancers, illustrating the practicality and appeal of flexible workspaces.
Its success was emblematic of the direction coworking would take and paired with the more widely recognized endeavor in San Francisco, it signified a turning point that helped propel coworking into an international dialogue.
Global Spread and Economic Impact
The coworking industry witnessed a meteoric rise in global ubiquity in the early 21st century, crystallizing its status as a considerable segment of the commercial real estate market.
Prior to the 2008-2009 financial crisis, coworking spaces already showcased tremendous promise by offering an innovative alternative to conventional office setups.
However, it was during the aftermath of the economic downturn that coworking not only persevered but thrived as businesses of all sizes sought to minimize financial risks and operational costs.
Coworking spaces offer affordable, flexible work environments, especially appealing during financial uncertainty. Ideal for startups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers seeking professional settings without long-term leases or high overhead costs.
Not limited to individual professionals, even larger, established companies began to explore the cost benefits, networking opportunities, and collaborative atmosphere that coworking spaces provided.
Coworking in the 2010s
By 2010, thousands of coworking spaces dotted cities worldwide, with major urban centers and even smaller townships embracing the coworking revolution.
This period also marked the establishment of the Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC), cementing the idea that coworking was more than a passing trend but a mainstay of the professional landscape.
As the 2010s progressed, the coworking sector continued to enjoy substantial growth. Between 2013 and 2018, the industry expanded by an astounding 30%, with projections suggesting that coworking might make up as much as 30% of all U.S. office stock by 2025.
This rapid growth was not only powered by the sheer number of spaces opening but also by their diversification. Industry-specific hubs and community-focused venues began to emerge, personalized to cater to distinct professional needs and cultural niches.
The surge of investment in coworking spaces, coupled with their economic resilience during the financial crisis, indicated a paradigm shift in how the workforce approached the concept of an office.
Traditional delineations between work and life began to blur, as flexibility and integration became the watchwords of the new working generation, setting the stage for even further evolution in the coming decade.
Coworking’s Evolution and Corporate Adoption
The evolution of coworking has been remarkable, particularly throughout the 2010s, as the concept adjusted to suit the diverse needs of an expanding demographic.
While initially favored by freelancers and startups for its low costs and community spirit, coworking spaces began to adapt, offering tailored services to a variety of niche markets such as tech, art, and social enterprises.
This decade also witnessed the significant phenomenon of corporate coworking, with international corporations integrating shared spaces into their real estate strategy.
Businesses recognized the value of these agile work environments, which could stimulate innovation and offer flexible arrangements for project teams or remote employees.
Coworking evolved to meet the demand for flexibility and work-life integration, offering upscale amenities, professional development, and wellness activities.
As a result, coworking spaces transitioned from being simple work areas into multifaceted centers aiming to ensure a balance between productivity and personal growth.
Coworking in a Pandemic
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked another pivotal point in the chronology of coworking. The necessity for social distancing and the abrupt shift to remote work posited unique challenges and opportunities.
Coworking spaces quickly adapted, implementing health protocols and reconfiguring layouts to cater to the new norms, while providing a resource for those unable to work effectively from home.
As companies reassessed the need for expansive, centralized offices in light of the pandemic, many turned to coworking as an alternative that offered scalability and adaptability.
The trend towards hybrid models of work continued to gain traction, emphasizing a blend of remote work with occasional office interactions. In this evolving landscape, coworking spaces emerged as essential enablers of both continuity and innovation in work practices.
Undoubtedly, the adaptability of coworking spaces in the wake of unprecedented global changes has solidified their role in the future of work.
As businesses continue to embrace flexibility, the importance of coworking within the mosaic of modern workspace solutions is poised for further growth and integration.
Final Thoughts: The History of Coworking
The progression of coworking has been an extraordinary evolution, marking its indelible impact on the business landscape while projecting a dynamic future in the work culture.
- The coworking movement began in the 1980s with flexible workspace solutions evolving into a global network of shared offices.
- In 1995, C-Base in Berlin planted the seeds for modern coworking, fostering an environment of collaboration among tech enthusiasts.
- Bernard DeKoven’s 1999 conceptualization of “coworking” laid the philosophical foundations, emphasizing non-hierarchical collaboration.
- The official inauguration of coworking spaces in the mid-2000s, beginning in San Francisco, set a precedent for community and flexibility in workspaces.
- The global financial crisis accelerated the adoption of coworking, positioning it as an economical alternative to traditional office spaces.
- Throughout the 2010s, thousands of coworking spaces launched, reflecting the diversity and adaptability of coworking models to various industries.
- The rise of corporate coworking and the shift towards flexible work arrangements became significant trends in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
- The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a paradigm shift, amplifying the demand for hybrid and remote work options and likely bolstering the expansion of coworking spaces.
As we look ahead, coworking spaces are anticipated to not only proliferate but also become an integral part of the corporate work environment, encompassing an increasing share of the global office market and transforming how we perceive and utilize workspaces.
The History of Coworking FAQs
Do you still have questions about the history of coworking and coworking spaces? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is coworking?
Coworking is a collaborative working style that involves sharing a workplace with others who are generally not employed by the same organization. This concept promotes a sense of community, collaboration, and openness, where diverse groups of freelancers, remote workers, and other professionals work in a common space to foster creativity and productivity.
How did the concept of coworking begin?
The concept and history of coworking originated in Berlin in 1995 with the establishment of C-Base, a non-profit hackerspace created for computer engineers to collaborate and share knowledge. It evolved from flexible workspaces in the 1980s and was officially conceptualized when Bernard DeKoven coined the term “coworking” in 1999, although it initially referred to collaborative work without a central physical space.
Why did coworking spaces become popular?
Coworking spaces gained popularity due to their ability to provide flexible, cost-effective work environments, especially in the aftermath of the 2008-2009 financial crisis. The sense of community and networking opportunities they offer also contribute to their appeal among freelancers, startups, and even large corporations seeking more dynamic work settings.
What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on coworking spaces?
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on coworking spaces, accelerating the trend towards remote and hybrid work models. As businesses reassessed their need for traditional office spaces, coworking spaces adapted to meet new health guidelines and became a viable option for those looking for flexible, short-term work environments with fewer overheads.
