New working spaces in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area: understanding location factors and implications for planning

In the last two decades, new working spaces (NWS), such as co-working spaces, libraries and cafeterias have been increasingly used as temporary or permanent locations for work. Studies on their proliferation, types and location factors are rapidly appearing from multiple perspectives. However, several European cities still lack a clear overview of this phenomenon. In this context, a systematic spatial analysis of NWS within the urban structure should be carried out, considering the characteristics of the urban form, degree of accessibility and travel mode opportunities, as well as multi-functionality of the urban districts and location of jobs. Thus, the paper first presents a review of the current studies on location factors of NWS and then develops additional planning arguments on the multi-functionality, urban form. Next, the phenomenon is empirically analysed in Helsinki Metropolitan Area. The results show that the NWS are predominantly located in the most compact and/or multi-functional districts and pedestrian zones. Unlike in many other European cities, there are both free and paid NWS. This new knowledge is not yet embedded in the planning agendas, but it can support future strategies and practices for a more sustainable urban development including the location of workplaces.