This reflection is inspired by the article “Coworking Spaces and Collaborative Practices” by Dr. Stefan Haefliger, published in Organization (2022). The study dives into the subtle, often overlooked mechanisms that make coworking spaces fertile ground for collaboration and innovation. The full article is accessible here.
It’s fascinating how certain spaces become catalysts for creativity. Reading Dr. Stefan Haefliger’s article, “Coworking Spaces and Collaborative Practices,” brings back memories of my own experience with coworking environments. The study explores how collaboration often emerges from the informal, in-between moments—a quick exchange over coffee or an impromptu chat in a quiet corner. These unstructured interactions, as fleeting as they might seem, often pave the way for meaningful innovation.
I remember working in a coworking space called BizWorld. It was a beautiful, thoughtfully designed space, full of facilities—a gym, showers, a diner, and plenty of working spaces, private rooms, conference rooms and classrooms. But what struck me most wasn’t the buzz of activity. In fact, it was often surprisingly empty, with so much room and potential, yet only a handful of people moving through it. The quietness added a strange charm to the space—it gave me the freedom to work, think, and reflect without distractions. It wasn’t the bustling hive of energy you’d expect, but when people did cross paths, those moments felt deliberate and meaningful.
Dr. Haefliger’s work highlights the importance of these kinds of spaces, even when they aren’t packed with people. It’s about what they enable: the chance encounters, the intentional design, and the opportunities for collaboration, no matter how infrequent. Reading this, I’m reminded that coworking isn’t just about proximity—it’s about creating an environment that makes interaction feel natural, whether in person or through technology.
In today’s world of hybrid and remote work, these insights feel even more timely. Can we replicate the subtle dynamics of coworking in virtual spaces? Can we design digital environments where innovation feels as organic as it does in a shared physical space? These are questions worth pondering as we navigate the future of work.
For me, coworking spaces are a reminder that collaboration doesn’t always need constant activity. Sometimes, it’s the stillness and the quiet potential of the space itself that sets the stage for creativity.