Evolution of co-working places: drivers and possibilities

The popularization of information and collaboration technologies in the workplace in addition to global economic changes and the requisites of sociability have created a need for flexible office locations that support mobile and collaborative work. Co-working is currently a globally generalizing workplace phenomenon. This study investigates the evolution of co-working places from the 1960s until today to identify the primary concepts and drivers of this development. An analysis of the academic literature demonstrates that the evolution of co-working spaces involves three primary concepts: telecentres, serviced offices and co-working spaces. The main drivers of these concepts relate to new ways of working, attractiveness, work-life balance, economic efficiency, sustainability and regional development. The aim of this review is to provide perspectives for designers, service providers and facility managers working in both the private and public sectors when developing new collaborative workplace service concepts.