Workspace of your own
. . . wherever you are . . . whenever you need it. Office space for your
company . . . wherever you are . . . by tomorrow. Meeting space . . . wherever
you are . . . this afternoon. This is space on demand. Workspace becomes a
service, not a property transaction.
Coworkspaces and ‘space matchmaker apps’ could
revolutionise the way in which office workspaces are accessed and used. This is
one of the main findings from a new British Council for Offices research report
“Space on Demand” launched last week. AMA’s Alexi Marmot led the research
project and presented its conclusions at WeWork’s South Bank office.
‘Space matchmaker
apps’ and ‘space on demand’ (terms coined by the authors) describe a growing
set of technology applications and platforms that match people seeking space to
spaces seeking people.
‘Space on Demand’ reviews the growth of
both coworkspace and space matchmaker apps, and examines the underlying reasons
for their growth. The report identifies the scale of change to date and
identifies the impact of space on demand for property investors and developers,
for urban planners, corporate occupiers and office space users.
One million people are
predicted to be members of coworking spaces globally by 2018. The rise of
coworking can be explained by growing demand for office space coupled with the
power and ubiquity of digital tools and data, and the rise in flexible working.
Coworkspace is a way
for companies to outsource their requirements for space, infrastructure and its
management. It often comes bundled with other services. Sociability, connection
with others, flexibility, and a cool, non-corporate atmosphere, design and
layout are all part of the appeal and the marketing.
Matchmaker apps allow
customers to find and book space and operators to manage the space. They also
help coworkers in a particular community to engage with one another for
business or social reasons.
The report argues that
these are disruptive innovations. Companies providing digital platforms that
enable peer-to-peer exchanges are, in some cases, outstripping traditional
market leaders. The potential benefits of better using property resources, and
reducing time and energy wasted in unnecessary commuting, are profound. Yet the
sustainability benefits offered by coworkspaces and space matchmaker apps have
been little noticed or understood.
Alexi's presentation was followed by a lively panel discussion featuring Cal Lee of Savills, Nigel Fuller from Legal & General and Leesman's Chris Moriarty, ably chaired by Steve Lang of Savills.
Alexi's presentation was followed by a lively panel discussion featuring Cal Lee of Savills, Nigel Fuller from Legal & General and Leesman's Chris Moriarty, ably chaired by Steve Lang of Savills.
