Spatial Configuration and Users’ Behavior in Co-Working Spaces

Abstract

This paper aims to examine whether there is a direct relationship between spatial configuration and users’ behaviors in co-working spaces, and if so, how this environment and behavior relationship impacts their working process. The study employed ethnographic qualitative strategy as the general method of inquiry and used visual documentation, direct observations, and behavioral mapping as methods of data collection in two case studies. Analysis of the findings demonstrates that design elements such as barriers and fields are powerful tools for influencing and guiding users’ behavior within coworking spaces. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between design and behavioral patterns in co-working spaces. The research insights in this study may inform architects, policymakers and facility managers in making conscious decisions on the design of co-working spaces that are more meaningful to the users.