From coffee table to office concept
It all started at the tables of bustling coffee bars: freelancers and digital nomads with laptops, cappuccinos in hand, and the sound of espresso machines in the background. What once seemed like a temporary solution to the lack of affordable office space grew into a global movement: coworking. This trend didn’t just stick around — it transformed into a mature sector with strong infrastructure, professional services, and strategic positioning in the real estate market.
The first wave: freedom and flexibility
In the early 2000s, the first real coworking spaces emerged. They offered more structure than a café, but less rigidity than a traditional office. These spaces brought together creative minds, developers, and independents to work, network, and exchange ideas. Often located in renovated industrial buildings or lofts, they were filled with plants, vintage furniture, and an informal atmosphere.
The keyword in this phase was freedom. Coworking provided a workspace without strict rules, with flexible contracts and a sense of community that traditional office cultures lacked. Shared kitchens, lunch tables, and events fostered a dynamic environment where collaboration and inspiration were central.
The professionalization of coworking
As demand increased, the need for more structure, improved facilities, and business reliability grew. In response, coworking spaces evolved from creative hubs into professional work environments that met the expectations of growing companies.
This new generation of coworking spaces offered far more than just a desk and Wi-Fi. They included:
• Meeting rooms with modern technology
• Reception services
• Mail handling
• 24/7 access
• Secure networks and IT support
• Community managers and business events
These work hubs were designed for both productivity and growth, with a strong focus on branding, location, and professional image. Flexibility remained a core value, but it was now paired with professional services and scalability.
Coworking in the post-pandemic era
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on how we work. Hybrid work became the norm, and coworking spaces quickly adapted. Greater attention was paid to privacy (such as phone booths and private desks), hygiene, and air quality. Contract models also became more flexible, with memberships available by the day or hour.
Today, coworking is a key pillar in the new work landscape. Companies use it as satellite offices, freelancers as their home base, and remote teams as a meeting point. Coworking has become a strategic choice, offering advantages like:
• Lower overhead costs compared to traditional offices
• Local presence without long-term lease commitments
• Access to networks, partners, and talent
The future: customization, technology, and community
The next step in the evolution of coworking is personalization. More and more providers are targeting specific audiences: from female entrepreneurs to creatives, from legal tech firms to digital nomads. Technology plays a major role here — think of smart booking systems, app-based access control, and automated facility management.
Still, the human factor remains central. The true strength of coworking lies not just in the space itself, but in the community. In a time of individualization and remote work, coworking spaces offer a place for connection, collaboration, and innovation.
Coworking has evolved from an informal alternative into a fully-fledged part of the business ecosystem. The trendy cafés have made way for high-end work hubs that combine flexibility with professionalism. The future of work is hybrid, mobile, and social — and coworking is right at the heart of it.
