Designing university coworking spaces: a two-study investigation of provider and user perspectives

Abstract

This study investigates how university coworking spaces (CWSs) enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, mutual learning, and entrepreneurship among diverse academic stakeholders. While providers and users of commercial CWSs have been extensively studied, research on their university counterparts remains limited. By drawing on the concepts of third spaces, we examine how university CWSs should be designed to meet the needs and preferences of university CWS users, while adhering to institutional constraints. We employ a two-study design using data from university CWS managers, academics, and students across multiple institutions. Findings reveal that university CWSs must harmonize physical layouts, amenities, services, and community-building activities while leveraging digital technologies to maximize collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning. By integrating flexible designs that facilitate both collaborative and individual activities, university CWSs challenge rigid classroom-focused structures and act as spatial nodes among different stakeholders within university ecosystems. We highlight the importance of involving students and academics in the conceptualization process to ensure that university CWSs meet user needs and promote interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, innovation, and well-being. Ultimately, well-designed university CWSs catalyze innovative teaching methods, collaboration, and entrepreneurial endeavors within academic settings.