Our friends over at GOOD just posted an article about entrepreneurs and self-employed proffessionals working in communal space. Richard Florida, an American urban studies theorist and author of the 2008 book Who’s Your City, wrote:
“economic growth comes from the clustering and concentrating of talented and productive people, what I call the clustering force. New ideas are generated and our productivity increases when we locate close to one another in cities and regions. The clustering force makes each of us more productive, which in turn makes the places we inhabit more productive.”
This “clustering force” is seen on the most basic level in cities from Denver to New York City. However, instead of professionals just being in the same city, they are clustered together in the same building. Because of the shared space, they are able to collaborate and create a powerful network that otherwise would not exist. From the article:
“Some spaces are quiet and private, some are more professional, some are casual and artsy, all of them are fun. Often spaces will offer a free drop-in day pass, so check a few out and give them a try. After all, Rachel Beresh said it best: ‘Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them—so go out and start creating.'”
If all types of professionals followed this “24/7 hub” office style of creativity and collaboration, imagine the things they could create and the ideas that could spread.
Would you find this environment conducive to your creative habits?
