Coworking spaces: new learning campuses?

Coworking spaces have emerged as modern oases where collaboration and innovation thrive. However, beyond their traditional functions, these dynamic places are transforming into what may well be the new learning campuses of the future. Architecture is developing in favor of knowledge, sharing and learning experiences are coming to life, and training establishments and universities are even taking inspiration from these hybrid spaces. That's because they have something new to offer, don't you think? Let's dive into these flexible spaces and redefine the way we work and learn.

Coworking spaces: where work and learning converge

Originally, coworking spaces were simply places where independent professionals came together to work collaboratively. Over time, this notion has evolved to include businesses of all sizes, from freelancers to large corporations eager to embrace the new codes of flexibility.

Today, these spaces are no longer simply shared offices, but complete ecosystems fostering creativity and interaction. The workspace has become a place of learning by nature. It integrates educational initiatives, workshops and professional development programs... This is notably the case at IWG Group, which offers professional assistance for team recruitment and training.

The organization of the space is designed to develop informal meeting points as well as concentration hubs. At the same time, modular spaces can host temporary events. This is notably the case at Morning Balard, where coworkers can organize forums to develop the potential for dialogue and encourage sharing.

Other centers focus more on skills development, such as Masterwork in Mérignac, France, which is due to open its doors at the end of 2023 as the very first coworking center dedicated to intercultural and language training. More than 10 modern languages are on offer. In Marseille this time, La Briquetterie has also made training its spearhead, positioning itself as the training organization for companies in the region. It offers training courses covered by the OPCO (skills operators). A winning bet, since the center has already supported over 200 companies and recorded positive growth thanks to this activity. The next step for this coworking space is to develop partnerships with schools.

What types of training are available in coworking spaces? Among the types of support offered by coworking spaces, there are 3 main types: Personal development workshops and training: Many coworking spaces now organize workshops and training on subjects ranging from leadership to stress management. This creates an atmosphere of continuous learning, where members can develop their skills while pursuing their professional activities. Incubation and acceleration programs for start-ups or to help companies develop projects in agile mode, mostly digital. These programs combine mentoring, training and workspace, creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurial growth. Learning Hubs" where learning becomes an integral part of the professional experience. Experts in the field are invited to teach courses, creating a synergy between external expertise and community members.

Companies today need to offer a genuine training experience to maintain their competitiveness and talent, and coworking spaces seem to be the ideal places to support them.

University coworking: when students' ideal campus is called coworking!

Universities, as traditional players in the field of education, are not standing on the sidelines of the coworking revolution. A new trend is emerging, where these two worlds meet to create dynamic and innovative learning environments.

In Nevada, a journalism school and coworking space Reno Collective (RC) have established an innovative collaboration. Together, they offer courses to students, led by both members of the coworking space and their professors. This synergy between the academic and professional worlds creates an enriching educational experience, offering students a real-world perspective.

In France, although these initiatives are still in their infancy, several Hub Houses have sprung up in universities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Inspired by Anglo-Saxon and American coworking spaces, they are exclusively reserved for students. They are free student coworking structures set up on campus. La Maison du Coworking, for example, offers students optimal working conditions.

Students are increasingly attracted to these friendly meeting places, and are beginning to move away from traditional university cafeterias. These spaces offer an environment conducive to collaboration, creativity and informal learning, far removed from the traditional academic setting. For students on the Moulins campus, for whom the University of Lille has made available a 150 m² space adjoining the BU (University Library), there's no turning back. As one young student told La Voix du Nord, "Now that we've got it, we couldn't do without it" (...) "I spent the whole of last week there, studying for my midterms," says Raphaëlle. It's nice because it's the right balance between the BU, where the atmosphere is very studious, and other relaxing places where there's too much noise. ".

The alliance between coworking spaces and educational institutions is paving the way for a new era of learning. The boundaries between academia and the professional world are blurring, creating unique opportunities for students to explore, learn and grow within diverse environments. It's an educational revolution that promises to shape the next generation of professionals.

Coworking spaces are evolving beyond simple shared workplaces to become dynamic learning centers. This fusion of work and learning offers significant benefits, creating a synergy between professional and personal growth. As these new learning campuses emerge, the professional world is embracing an era where innovation and continuous learning converge, transforming our workplaces into incubators of ideas and knowledge.