Coworking spaces (CWS) and the associated practice of coworking, have emerged in numerous forms a... more Coworking spaces (CWS) and the associated practice of coworking, have emerged in numerous forms and various urban contexts to critically challenge traditional concepts of the workplace and location of creative work, while simultaneously confronting the way in which creative workers interact with and relate to each other as well as with space and to place. Heralded as a solution to increasingly atomised work patterns, CWS are imagined and presented as spaces of serendipitous encounter, spontaneous exchange and collaboration. Nonetheless, little is known about how coworking positively supports workers and how coworking relates to wider urban transformation processes has been largely un-researched. This paper contributes to a critical discussion through empirical analysis of a project aimed at establishing new creative CWS in city-centre locations across SE England. The study adopts a novel approach using Q-methodology. Motivations for coworking and benefits (or dis-benefits) of co-location are assessed, as is the extent to which coworking facilitates interactional effects and wider neighbourhood interactions. In particular, the role of the CWS manager as “mediator” is explored. Coworker benefits relate primarily to peer-interaction and support rather than formal collaboration. While CWS managers play a key connecting role, also ensuring coworker complementarity and compatibility, the coworker profile (motivations, needs, experiences) ultimately influences outcomes. The study cautions against the use of CWS as “quick fix” urban renewal tools, with little indication that the benefits of coworking reach beyond immediate members or that linkages are easily established between coworkers and local (resident or business) communities.
Tree planting is widely advocated and applied in urban areas, with large-scale projects underway ... more Tree planting is widely advocated and applied in urban areas, with large-scale projects underway in cities globally. Numerous potential benefits are used to justify these planting campaigns. However, reports of poor tree survival raise questions about the ability of such projects to deliver on their promises over the long-term. Each potential benefit requires different supporting conditions—relating not only to the type and placement of the tree, but also to the broader urban system within which it is embedded. This set of supporting conditions may not always be mutually compatible and may not persist for the lifetime of the tree. Here, we demonstrate a systems-based approach that makes these dependencies, synergies, and tensions more explicit, allowing them to be used to test the decadal-scale resilience of urban street trees. Our analysis highlights social, environmental, and economic assumptions that are implicit within planting projects; notably that high levels of maintenance and public support for urban street trees will persist throughout their natural lifespan, and that the surrounding built form will remain largely unchanged. Whilst the vulnerability of each benefit may be highly context specific, we identify approaches that address some typical weaknesses, making a functional, resilient, urban forest more attainable.
Future scenarios provide challenging, plausible and relevant stories about how the future could u... more Future scenarios provide challenging, plausible and relevant stories about how the future could unfold. Urban Futures (UF) research has identified a substantial set (>450) of seemingly disparate scenarios published over the period 1997–2011 and within this research, a subset of >160 scenarios has been identified (and categorized) based on their narratives according to the structure first proposed by the Global Scenario Group (GSG) in 1997; three world types (Business as Usual, Barbarization, and Great Transitions) and six scenarios, two for each world type (Policy Reform—PR, Market Forces—MF, Breakdown—B, Fortress World—FW, Eco-Communalism—EC and New Sustainability Paradigm—NSP). It is suggested that four of these scenario archetypes (MF, PR, NSP and FW) are sufficiently distinct to facilitate active stakeholder engagement in futures thinking. Moreover they are accompanied by a well-established, internally consistent set of narratives that provide a deeper understanding of the key fundamental drivers (e.g., STEEP—Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental and Political) that could bring about realistic world changes through a push or a pull effect. This is testament to the original concept of the GSG scenarios and their development and refinement over a 16 year period.
Scenarios are a useful tool to help think about and visualise the future and, as such, are utilis... more Scenarios are a useful tool to help think about and visualise the future and, as such, are utilised by many policymakers and practitioners. Future scenarios have not been used to explore the urban context in much depth, yet have the potential to provide valuable insights into the robustness of decisions being made today in the name of sustainability. As part of a major research project entitled Urban Futures, a toolkit has been developed in the UK to facilitate the use of scenarios in any urban context and at any scale relevant to that context. The toolkit comprises two key components, namely, (i) a series of indicators comprising both generic and topic area-specific indicators (e.g., air quality, biodiversity, density, water) that measure sustainability performance and (ii) a list of characteristics (i.e., 1–2- sentence statements about a feature, issue or small set of issues) that describe four future scenarios. In combination, these two components enable us to measure the performance of any given sustainability indicator, and establish the relative sensitivity or vulnerability of that indicator to the different future scenarios. An important aspect of the methodology underpinning the toolkit is that it is flexible enough to incorporate new scenarios, characteristics and indicators, thereby allowing the long-term performance of our urban environments to be considered in the broadest possible sense.
'Mixed use' is a solution often used to address (urban) sustainability concerns. The claim is tha... more 'Mixed use' is a solution often used to address (urban) sustainability concerns. The claim is that more compact, high-density urban developments that serve a multitude of uses and users can be socially beneficial while being environmentally sound and economically viable. In the case of the Luneside East regeneration project in Lancaster, UK, 'mixed use' has been specified towards the goal of achieving a 'vibrant, sustainable quarter of the city' and a 'sustainable and balanced community'. In this paper, a specific dimension of mixed use critical to community sustainability – provision of social infrastructure – is assessed using a futures analysis. Providing services and facilities that meet the needs of residents, promoting social interaction and enhancing overall quality of life are vital for building sustainable communities. However, to deliver these social benefits, one of the conditions is that there is equitable access for residents, both in the new development and for the existing community. The results of the study indicate that this condition is vulnerable in several of the futures analysed. It is important for planners to take account of these findings in order to ensure the Luneside East development will meet its social sustainability objectives both now and in the future.
Much has been written recently about the importance of 'quality of place' and 'soft infrastructur... more Much has been written recently about the importance of 'quality of place' and 'soft infrastructure' in attracting those who work in creative and knowledge-intensive activities to particular city locations. These factors relate both to the 'look and feel' of the city as well as its social and cultural dimensions. Surprisingly, therefore, little empirical research has been undertaken to determine why individuals, rather than firms, make their decisions to locate in specific cities or the extent to which 'quality of place' affects the ability of cities to attract and retain talented individuals. Furthermore, 'quality of place' was conceptualized to measure the competitiveness of US cities, and there is a lack of knowledge about the extent to which 'soft' factors influence the location decisions of individuals in Western European cities, with even less known in relation to Central European cities. Here, we compare the relative importance of selected 'hard' and 'soft' factors on the locational choices of creative and knowledge-intensive workers in Birmingham, UK and Poznan, Poland. We analyse a range of indicators in order to compare 'quality of place' in both cities and how this may affect the ability of these two cities to compete in attracting and retaining the so-called 'creative class'. We then draw conclusions about the role of 'quality of place' for the future competitiveness of post-industrial European cities.
This paper focuses on the international migration dynamics of the highly-skilled “creative class”... more This paper focuses on the international migration dynamics of the highly-skilled “creative class”. To date, little research has been undertaken to provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons behind the movements of these workers. By providing a micro-level, qualitative analysis of the motivations, experiences and migration trajectories of a sub-group of these workers, namely “creative Bohemians”, this paper offers a perspective that is currently lacking from literature. These individuals are considered to be particularly attracted by diverse and open urban milieus, as well as being instrumental in creating the type of urban environment that attracts other members of the “creative class”. Birmingham, UK was chosen as an example of a European city emulating “creative city” policies and potentially well-placed to attract international talent due to its culturally diverse population and reputation for “tolerance”. Findings call for more nuanced understandings of factors associated with both the attraction and retention of international talent, as it is clear that migration decisions depend on factors other than simply “quality of place” or diversity and tolerance. Policies focusing on subjective concepts of place attractiveness are thus unlikely to be successful. Instead, cities need carefully targeted policies that address their particular socio-economic and physical realities. Keywords: creative class; highly-skilled migration; population diversity; tolerance; location factors; quality of place.
This report helps to identify and define how the notion of ‘place’ is interpreted and expressed a... more This report helps to identify and define how the notion of ‘place’ is interpreted and expressed across the contemporary craft sector and in the role of making. It also explores how the changing concept of ‘local’ is impacting on the business models and practices of UK craft makers. The study provides a flavour of the breadth of business models and practices contemporary UK crafts-makers are adopting in response to a number of identified macro-level challenges. The examples presented demonstrate that rather than becoming less significant, ‘place’ and the ‘local’ in contemporary craft-making are becoming ever more important.
This chapter examines the policies pursued by European capital and non-capital cities in their se... more This chapter examines the policies pursued by European capital and non-capital cities in their search for competitive advantage generally and in particular regarding the development of the creative-knowledge economy. We argue that it is essential to take a broad approach to understanding the competitiveness of cities that integrates both urban-specific historical factors and more classical competitiveness factors. We compare and contrast the different pathways and possibilities of capital and non-capital cities. The starting point is that capital cities, because of their historic development as centres of socio-political, cultural and often economic power, often have a degree of in-built advantage when it comes to attracting activity and talent and maintaining competitiveness, at least within their own national boundaries. Firstly, capital cities are often dominant demographically and economically and they also tend to attract a disproportionate amount of infrastructural investment compared to non-capital cities. In addition, we argue that capital cities are more likely to contain the complex array of economic functions, cultural assets, educational facilities, and amenities that can attract, in combination with other factors, (potential) creative-knowledge workers. The trajectories of non-capital cities are, in one sense, of more interest, as they must seek competitive advantage in new and innovative ways. For example, it is often more difficult for them to develop a broad cultural and amenity base where none has previously existed and in a much shorter period of time. This has significant implications for city and regional administrations attempting to positively influence their competitiveness by pursuing policies and strategies aimed at creating an attractive urban ‘people’ climate.
The creative industries have generated much political and academic interest in recent years, with... more The creative industries have generated much political and academic interest in recent years, with the main focus on their economic and employment potential. However, much of the literature on the ‘creative economy’ disregards the ‘quality of work life’ of those in the sector and the fact that much creative employment is typically ‘nonstandard’. Creative work is typically temporary, short-term and project-based; contract working is the norm and there are high levels of self-employment and freelance working. Long working hours are typical (with work often spilling over into home life) and multiple-job holding in associated or different sectors is more frequent than in the general workforce. There is often frequent job changing; earnings areunequal and fluctuating and unpaid work is commonplace. In addition, there is little job protection or security; low levels of unionisation and uncertain career development pathways. This has led many to define working conditions in the creative sector as ‘insecure’ or ‘precarious’. Despite the high levels of risk and uncertainty, however, highly skilled (mainly young) individuals are seeking employment in the creative sector in ever greater numbers. The characteristics outlined above raise important questions about the social and economic sustainability of work and employment in the creative sector, which has implications for policy that argues for an expansion of employment in these industries under present conditions. In this chapter we present an analysis of employment conditions and ‘quality of work’ in the creative sector in three European cities (Birmingham, Leipzig and Poznan), each with different labour market conditions, in order to determine the extent to which creative employment can be regarded as sustainable or insecure and whether creative workers are indeed ‘living on the edge’. We address the following research questions: Are creative workers more exposed to ‘precarious’ and ‘insecure’ forms of employment than workers in other sectors? Do ‘precarious’ employment conditions translate into feelings of job insecurity and dissatisfaction with work, or do autonomy and self-actualisation compensate? Do the characteristics of work and employment in the creative sector reduce or increase gender imbalances? What is the effect of different labour market conditions on levels of ‘precarious’ employment and how does this affect feelings of job satisfaction and job ‘insecurity’?
Coworking spaces (CWS) and the associated practice of coworking, have emerged in numerous forms a... more Coworking spaces (CWS) and the associated practice of coworking, have emerged in numerous forms and various urban contexts to critically challenge traditional concepts of the workplace and location of creative work, while simultaneously confronting the way in which creative workers interact with and relate to each other as well as with space and to place. Heralded as a solution to increasingly atomised work patterns, CWS are imagined and presented as spaces of serendipitous encounter, spontaneous exchange and collaboration. Nonetheless, little is known about how coworking positively supports workers and how coworking relates to wider urban transformation processes has been largely un-researched. This paper contributes to a critical discussion through empirical analysis of a project aimed at establishing new creative CWS in city-centre locations across SE England. The study adopts a novel approach using Q-methodology. Motivations for coworking and benefits (or dis-benefits) of co-location are assessed, as is the extent to which coworking facilitates interactional effects and wider neighbourhood interactions. In particular, the role of the CWS manager as “mediator” is explored. Coworker benefits relate primarily to peer-interaction and support rather than formal collaboration. While CWS managers play a key connecting role, also ensuring coworker complementarity and compatibility, the coworker profile (motivations, needs, experiences) ultimately influences outcomes. The study cautions against the use of CWS as “quick fix” urban renewal tools, with little indication that the benefits of coworking reach beyond immediate members or that linkages are easily established between coworkers and local (resident or business) communities.
Tree planting is widely advocated and applied in urban areas, with large-scale projects underway ... more Tree planting is widely advocated and applied in urban areas, with large-scale projects underway in cities globally. Numerous potential benefits are used to justify these planting campaigns. However, reports of poor tree survival raise questions about the ability of such projects to deliver on their promises over the long-term. Each potential benefit requires different supporting conditions—relating not only to the type and placement of the tree, but also to the broader urban system within which it is embedded. This set of supporting conditions may not always be mutually compatible and may not persist for the lifetime of the tree. Here, we demonstrate a systems-based approach that makes these dependencies, synergies, and tensions more explicit, allowing them to be used to test the decadal-scale resilience of urban street trees. Our analysis highlights social, environmental, and economic assumptions that are implicit within planting projects; notably that high levels of maintenance and public support for urban street trees will persist throughout their natural lifespan, and that the surrounding built form will remain largely unchanged. Whilst the vulnerability of each benefit may be highly context specific, we identify approaches that address some typical weaknesses, making a functional, resilient, urban forest more attainable.
Future scenarios provide challenging, plausible and relevant stories about how the future could u... more Future scenarios provide challenging, plausible and relevant stories about how the future could unfold. Urban Futures (UF) research has identified a substantial set (>450) of seemingly disparate scenarios published over the period 1997–2011 and within this research, a subset of >160 scenarios has been identified (and categorized) based on their narratives according to the structure first proposed by the Global Scenario Group (GSG) in 1997; three world types (Business as Usual, Barbarization, and Great Transitions) and six scenarios, two for each world type (Policy Reform—PR, Market Forces—MF, Breakdown—B, Fortress World—FW, Eco-Communalism—EC and New Sustainability Paradigm—NSP). It is suggested that four of these scenario archetypes (MF, PR, NSP and FW) are sufficiently distinct to facilitate active stakeholder engagement in futures thinking. Moreover they are accompanied by a well-established, internally consistent set of narratives that provide a deeper understanding of the key fundamental drivers (e.g., STEEP—Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental and Political) that could bring about realistic world changes through a push or a pull effect. This is testament to the original concept of the GSG scenarios and their development and refinement over a 16 year period.
Scenarios are a useful tool to help think about and visualise the future and, as such, are utilis... more Scenarios are a useful tool to help think about and visualise the future and, as such, are utilised by many policymakers and practitioners. Future scenarios have not been used to explore the urban context in much depth, yet have the potential to provide valuable insights into the robustness of decisions being made today in the name of sustainability. As part of a major research project entitled Urban Futures, a toolkit has been developed in the UK to facilitate the use of scenarios in any urban context and at any scale relevant to that context. The toolkit comprises two key components, namely, (i) a series of indicators comprising both generic and topic area-specific indicators (e.g., air quality, biodiversity, density, water) that measure sustainability performance and (ii) a list of characteristics (i.e., 1–2- sentence statements about a feature, issue or small set of issues) that describe four future scenarios. In combination, these two components enable us to measure the performance of any given sustainability indicator, and establish the relative sensitivity or vulnerability of that indicator to the different future scenarios. An important aspect of the methodology underpinning the toolkit is that it is flexible enough to incorporate new scenarios, characteristics and indicators, thereby allowing the long-term performance of our urban environments to be considered in the broadest possible sense.
'Mixed use' is a solution often used to address (urban) sustainability concerns. The claim is tha... more 'Mixed use' is a solution often used to address (urban) sustainability concerns. The claim is that more compact, high-density urban developments that serve a multitude of uses and users can be socially beneficial while being environmentally sound and economically viable. In the case of the Luneside East regeneration project in Lancaster, UK, 'mixed use' has been specified towards the goal of achieving a 'vibrant, sustainable quarter of the city' and a 'sustainable and balanced community'. In this paper, a specific dimension of mixed use critical to community sustainability – provision of social infrastructure – is assessed using a futures analysis. Providing services and facilities that meet the needs of residents, promoting social interaction and enhancing overall quality of life are vital for building sustainable communities. However, to deliver these social benefits, one of the conditions is that there is equitable access for residents, both in the new development and for the existing community. The results of the study indicate that this condition is vulnerable in several of the futures analysed. It is important for planners to take account of these findings in order to ensure the Luneside East development will meet its social sustainability objectives both now and in the future.
Much has been written recently about the importance of 'quality of place' and 'soft infrastructur... more Much has been written recently about the importance of 'quality of place' and 'soft infrastructure' in attracting those who work in creative and knowledge-intensive activities to particular city locations. These factors relate both to the 'look and feel' of the city as well as its social and cultural dimensions. Surprisingly, therefore, little empirical research has been undertaken to determine why individuals, rather than firms, make their decisions to locate in specific cities or the extent to which 'quality of place' affects the ability of cities to attract and retain talented individuals. Furthermore, 'quality of place' was conceptualized to measure the competitiveness of US cities, and there is a lack of knowledge about the extent to which 'soft' factors influence the location decisions of individuals in Western European cities, with even less known in relation to Central European cities. Here, we compare the relative importance of selected 'hard' and 'soft' factors on the locational choices of creative and knowledge-intensive workers in Birmingham, UK and Poznan, Poland. We analyse a range of indicators in order to compare 'quality of place' in both cities and how this may affect the ability of these two cities to compete in attracting and retaining the so-called 'creative class'. We then draw conclusions about the role of 'quality of place' for the future competitiveness of post-industrial European cities.
This paper focuses on the international migration dynamics of the highly-skilled “creative class”... more This paper focuses on the international migration dynamics of the highly-skilled “creative class”. To date, little research has been undertaken to provide an in-depth understanding of the underlying reasons behind the movements of these workers. By providing a micro-level, qualitative analysis of the motivations, experiences and migration trajectories of a sub-group of these workers, namely “creative Bohemians”, this paper offers a perspective that is currently lacking from literature. These individuals are considered to be particularly attracted by diverse and open urban milieus, as well as being instrumental in creating the type of urban environment that attracts other members of the “creative class”. Birmingham, UK was chosen as an example of a European city emulating “creative city” policies and potentially well-placed to attract international talent due to its culturally diverse population and reputation for “tolerance”. Findings call for more nuanced understandings of factors associated with both the attraction and retention of international talent, as it is clear that migration decisions depend on factors other than simply “quality of place” or diversity and tolerance. Policies focusing on subjective concepts of place attractiveness are thus unlikely to be successful. Instead, cities need carefully targeted policies that address their particular socio-economic and physical realities. Keywords: creative class; highly-skilled migration; population diversity; tolerance; location factors; quality of place.
This report helps to identify and define how the notion of ‘place’ is interpreted and expressed a... more This report helps to identify and define how the notion of ‘place’ is interpreted and expressed across the contemporary craft sector and in the role of making. It also explores how the changing concept of ‘local’ is impacting on the business models and practices of UK craft makers. The study provides a flavour of the breadth of business models and practices contemporary UK crafts-makers are adopting in response to a number of identified macro-level challenges. The examples presented demonstrate that rather than becoming less significant, ‘place’ and the ‘local’ in contemporary craft-making are becoming ever more important.
This chapter examines the policies pursued by European capital and non-capital cities in their se... more This chapter examines the policies pursued by European capital and non-capital cities in their search for competitive advantage generally and in particular regarding the development of the creative-knowledge economy. We argue that it is essential to take a broad approach to understanding the competitiveness of cities that integrates both urban-specific historical factors and more classical competitiveness factors. We compare and contrast the different pathways and possibilities of capital and non-capital cities. The starting point is that capital cities, because of their historic development as centres of socio-political, cultural and often economic power, often have a degree of in-built advantage when it comes to attracting activity and talent and maintaining competitiveness, at least within their own national boundaries. Firstly, capital cities are often dominant demographically and economically and they also tend to attract a disproportionate amount of infrastructural investment compared to non-capital cities. In addition, we argue that capital cities are more likely to contain the complex array of economic functions, cultural assets, educational facilities, and amenities that can attract, in combination with other factors, (potential) creative-knowledge workers. The trajectories of non-capital cities are, in one sense, of more interest, as they must seek competitive advantage in new and innovative ways. For example, it is often more difficult for them to develop a broad cultural and amenity base where none has previously existed and in a much shorter period of time. This has significant implications for city and regional administrations attempting to positively influence their competitiveness by pursuing policies and strategies aimed at creating an attractive urban ‘people’ climate.
The creative industries have generated much political and academic interest in recent years, with... more The creative industries have generated much political and academic interest in recent years, with the main focus on their economic and employment potential. However, much of the literature on the ‘creative economy’ disregards the ‘quality of work life’ of those in the sector and the fact that much creative employment is typically ‘nonstandard’. Creative work is typically temporary, short-term and project-based; contract working is the norm and there are high levels of self-employment and freelance working. Long working hours are typical (with work often spilling over into home life) and multiple-job holding in associated or different sectors is more frequent than in the general workforce. There is often frequent job changing; earnings areunequal and fluctuating and unpaid work is commonplace. In addition, there is little job protection or security; low levels of unionisation and uncertain career development pathways. This has led many to define working conditions in the creative sector as ‘insecure’ or ‘precarious’. Despite the high levels of risk and uncertainty, however, highly skilled (mainly young) individuals are seeking employment in the creative sector in ever greater numbers. The characteristics outlined above raise important questions about the social and economic sustainability of work and employment in the creative sector, which has implications for policy that argues for an expansion of employment in these industries under present conditions. In this chapter we present an analysis of employment conditions and ‘quality of work’ in the creative sector in three European cities (Birmingham, Leipzig and Poznan), each with different labour market conditions, in order to determine the extent to which creative employment can be regarded as sustainable or insecure and whether creative workers are indeed ‘living on the edge’. We address the following research questions: Are creative workers more exposed to ‘precarious’ and ‘insecure’ forms of employment than workers in other sectors? Do ‘precarious’ employment conditions translate into feelings of job insecurity and dissatisfaction with work, or do autonomy and self-actualisation compensate? Do the characteristics of work and employment in the creative sector reduce or increase gender imbalances? What is the effect of different labour market conditions on levels of ‘precarious’ employment and how does this affect feelings of job satisfaction and job ‘insecurity’?
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Papers by JULIE BROWN
urban contexts to critically challenge traditional concepts of the workplace and location of creative work, while
simultaneously confronting the way in which creative workers interact with and relate to each other as well as
with space and to place. Heralded as a solution to increasingly atomised work patterns, CWS are imagined and
presented as spaces of serendipitous encounter, spontaneous exchange and collaboration. Nonetheless, little is
known about how coworking positively supports workers and how coworking relates to wider urban transformation
processes has been largely un-researched. This paper contributes to a critical discussion through empirical
analysis of a project aimed at establishing new creative CWS in city-centre locations across SE England. The
study adopts a novel approach using Q-methodology. Motivations for coworking and benefits (or dis-benefits)
of co-location are assessed, as is the extent to which coworking facilitates interactional effects and wider neighbourhood
interactions. In particular, the role of the CWS manager as “mediator” is explored. Coworker benefits
relate primarily to peer-interaction and support rather than formal collaboration. While CWS managers play a
key connecting role, also ensuring coworker complementarity and compatibility, the coworker profile (motivations,
needs, experiences) ultimately influences outcomes. The study cautions against the use of CWS as “quick
fix” urban renewal tools, with little indication that the benefits of coworking reach beyond immediate members
or that linkages are easily established between coworkers and local (resident or business) communities.
Books by JULIE BROWN
urban contexts to critically challenge traditional concepts of the workplace and location of creative work, while
simultaneously confronting the way in which creative workers interact with and relate to each other as well as
with space and to place. Heralded as a solution to increasingly atomised work patterns, CWS are imagined and
presented as spaces of serendipitous encounter, spontaneous exchange and collaboration. Nonetheless, little is
known about how coworking positively supports workers and how coworking relates to wider urban transformation
processes has been largely un-researched. This paper contributes to a critical discussion through empirical
analysis of a project aimed at establishing new creative CWS in city-centre locations across SE England. The
study adopts a novel approach using Q-methodology. Motivations for coworking and benefits (or dis-benefits)
of co-location are assessed, as is the extent to which coworking facilitates interactional effects and wider neighbourhood
interactions. In particular, the role of the CWS manager as “mediator” is explored. Coworker benefits
relate primarily to peer-interaction and support rather than formal collaboration. While CWS managers play a
key connecting role, also ensuring coworker complementarity and compatibility, the coworker profile (motivations,
needs, experiences) ultimately influences outcomes. The study cautions against the use of CWS as “quick
fix” urban renewal tools, with little indication that the benefits of coworking reach beyond immediate members
or that linkages are easily established between coworkers and local (resident or business) communities.