Coworking Canvas Work&Playbook

The 2019 Coworking Canvas Work&Playbook presented a workshop framework for examining and developing collaborative coworking businesses. Produced by Coworking Accelerator, it defined collaborative coworking as an approach that went beyond providing shared workspace by creating opportunities for members to connect, work together and receive peer support. The framework placed three values—belonging, nurturing and place-making—at the centre of six operating elements: co-location, network, peer support, learning, hosting and space. These elements were grouped according to their roles as value creators and value enablers. The publication supplied guidance on preparing and facilitating workshop sessions, including resource planning, participation, feedback and documentation. Its six practical exercises addressed the use of space, the six elements of the canvas, member needs, organisational values, intended impacts and key performance indicators. Printable worksheets and a two-page session-planning checklist supported delivery. The checklist covered decisions about participants and exercises, facilitator preparation, materials, allocation of session leads, follow-up and reflection. The workbook was intended for teams considering or operating coworking spaces at different stages of business development.

Key findings

• The Coworking Canvas combined six operating elements with the core values of belonging, nurturing and place-making.
• Six exercises covered space, the canvas elements, needs, values, impact mapping and key performance indicators.
• The workbook treated co-location, network and space as value creators, and peer support, learning and hosting as value enablers.
• A session-planning checklist covered participants, facilitation, materials, assigned leads, feedback, reflection and follow-up.

Published by Coworking Accelerator, 2019