How to open a Coworking

The definitive guide on how to open a Coworking in 2025.

Introduction to the Coworking Sector

The coworking sector is going through a phase of profound transformation, especially after 2020, when the pandemic completely redefined the concept of workspace.

The demand for flexible spaces continues to grow, with 85% facilities maintaining high average occupancy, reflecting a fundamental shift in working preferences among younger generations.

This trend is especially evident among Millennials and Generation Z, with the 65% favoring shared, dynamic work environments.

The real estate market is actively responding to this evolution, so much so that 30% owners have already implemented additional services in their buildings to meet the new needs of modern professionals.

This transformation is not just a temporary trend, but represents a structural change in the way we think about workspaces.

Technical and regulatory aspects for opening a Coworking

Creating a coworking space requires careful consideration of technical and regulatory aspects.

The choice of the property, which must necessarily belong to the A10 cadastral category, represents the first fundamental step, with an ideal size of between 500 and 1000 square metres.

This size is not random, but has been identified as optimal to ensure an adequate return on investment and allow for an efficient arrangement of spaces. The regulations provide precise technical specifications: each workstation must have at least 5 square meters, while for private offices a minimum of 9 square meters is required, with a height of the rooms not less than 2.70 meters.

These requirements are not only formal, but also ensure a comfortable working environment that complies with workplace safety regulations, including compliance with Legislative Decree 81/08, which requires the installation of adequate prevention devices, safety signs and facilities for disabled access.

Design and functionality of Coworking spaces

Coworking space design goes far beyond simply arranging desks and chairs.

Diffused lighting plays a crucial role in creating a productive environment, while the use of natural elements such as wood not only serves aesthetic purposes but also exploits sound-absorbing properties to improve the overall acoustics of the environment.

The color palette must be studied with particular attention, preferring pastel colors in the lounge and relaxation areas to encourage concentration, while the operational desks, which ideally measure 160x80 cm with a height of 75 cm, must be chosen in light shades with opaque finishes to ensure maximum visual comfort.

These design elements are not simply aesthetic choices, but actively contribute to the creation of an environment that promotes worker productivity and well-being.

Coworking Community Management

The success of a coworking space depends largely on its ability to create and maintain a vibrant community. This aspect requires the presence of a qualified Community Manager, a professional figure that goes well beyond the simple administrative role.

The Community Manager must be able to manage not only the day-to-day operational aspects, such as 24/7 access via personal codes, but also develop and nurture relationships between community members.

This role is responsible for organizing events, facilitating connections between members, and creating an environment that promotes collaboration and professional exchange. The relationship with coworkers is configured as a service transfer contract, not a sublease, offering greater flexibility in managing relationships and allowing for rapid adaptation to the changing needs of the community.

Conclusions for opening a Coworking

Opening a coworking space represents a significant opportunity in the contemporary work landscape, but it requires careful and detailed planning that balances technical, regulatory and design aspects. Success depends on the ability to create an environment that is not only compliant with regulations, but also responsive to the needs of an ever-evolving professional community, offering the unique combination of flexibility, comfort and networking opportunities that characterize the best coworking spaces.