Abstract
Abstract. This paper investigates the spatial pattern and operating mechanism of coworking spaces based on existing practices in Shanghai with focus on the rising phenomenon of industrial heritage-based coworking spaces. The geographical distribution of the coworking clusters along the riverside of Huangpu River was analyzed refer to the abundant industrial properties remains, due to some historical reasons in modern history as well as local contribution in advancing creativity to support cultural-led regeneration. On the basis of the spatial analysis and value interpretation of those coworking spaces which retrofitted from industrial heritages, the paper proposes a conservative strategy in presenting the cultural and social value of the industrial heritages in coworking context, through the provision of underpinning urban identity and cultural meaning with contemporary social working style. To conclude, we discuss the applicability of the conservation-based strategy by highlighting its attributes in community base and corresponding advantages in cultivating conservation awareness grassrootly and innovatively in workplace, hoping to shed lights to further enhancement on exploring the urban philosophies under current governmental policies and political emphasis of sharing economy and urban renewal in China.
Highlights
With the rapid development of international and communication technology and digital industrial revolution in recent decades, the world is undergoing a paradigm shift to the era of ecommerce and internet economy
There witnessed a natural tendency in coworking industry towards modern industrial heritage properties, especially in industrial plants and ancillary warehouses, that the coworking companies are prone to refurbish the coworking spaces on former vacant industrial properties
The paper is guided by the following research questions: (1) Why in coworking industry see a notable increase in retrofitting industrial heritage properties in terms of physicality; (2) What is the role of the industrial heritage properties in the coworking service chain; (3) How to balance the economic development and heritage conservation through heritage-based coworking spaces?
Summary
With the rapid development of international and communication technology and digital industrial revolution in recent decades, the world is undergoing a paradigm shift to the era of ecommerce and internet economy. The world has seen a significant increase in internet-based revolutionized companies, such as Airbnb, Uber and Hellobike. Among all its products, coworking space – a 'third place' features high autonomy, strong social network, and knowledge-based community (Moriset, 2013) – becomes an inevitable outcome of modern office work mode in the internet era. The paper is guided by the following research questions: (1) Why in coworking industry see a notable increase in retrofitting industrial heritage properties in terms of physicality; (2) What is the role of the industrial heritage properties in the coworking service chain; (3) How to balance the economic development and heritage conservation through heritage-based coworking spaces?. The strategy will be presented in conservation context to illustrate its value and feasibility, and conclusions are drawn together with its challenges and practical suggestions on future development
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