How Coworking is Changing Work in Argentina
The coworking phenomenon has also taken root in Argentina, where it is reshaping the work culture in big cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario.
Highlights
Read about how coworking spaces encourage collaboration and creativity
Learn why coworking spaces offer flexibility and affordability
Explore what challenges come with open-plan coworking spaces
In recent years, coworking spaces have surged in popularity, transforming how people think about work. What began as a niche solution for freelancers and startups has quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting businesses of all sizes. The rise of remote work, the need for flexibility, and the desire for a sense of community have driven this growth as more companies and professionals seek out environments that foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation. This shift is not just about where we work—it's about how we work, as coworking spaces redefine the culture of the modern workplace.
The Contrast Between Open and Closed Spaces
In the traditional office setting, closed doors and isolated cubicles once symbolized professionalism and hierarchy. The architecture of these spaces reinforced a culture of separation, where collaboration was limited to scheduled meetings, and rigid structures often stifled innovation. Today, coworking spaces have emerged as a powerful alternative, offering open environments that break down barriers in ways that traditional offices cannot.
This rigid traditional office structure is humorously but tellingly depicted in the film The Incredibles, where Bob Parr, formerly known as Mr. Incredible, works at an insurance company trapped in a soulless, gray cubicle farm. In contrast, a modernly designed coworking space located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Architecture, Hierarchy, and Collaboration
The design of a workspace profoundly influences the dynamics of collaboration and hierarchy within a company. Traditional office layouts, often characterized by private offices for executives and rows of cubicles for employees, reflect a top-down approach that can hinder agility and innovation. This rigid structure, common in older corporate environments, creates physical and psychological barriers between different levels of the organization, limiting spontaneous interactions.
In contrast, the rise of open layouts and interdisciplinary working spaces aligns with the broader trend of companies adopting more agile methodologies inspired by the rapid ascent of the software industry - especially those in the FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) group. These tech giants have set a precedent by embracing horizontal structures, where the focus is on cross-functional teams and rapid iteration rather than strict hierarchies.
Coworking spaces are designed with their open-plan architecture to support this shift. They encourage interaction across all levels of a company by providing shared desks, communal lounges, and transparent meeting rooms, fostering an environment where employees from different departments—and even different companies—can engage.
Ultimately, these changes have proven to greatly benefit the companies that embrace them. Greater dynamism and lower barriers allow companies to accelerate product development, improve responsiveness to market changes, and, in turn, drive growth and profitability.
Open spaces, sustainability and connection with nature are some of the trends that can be seen in coworking spaces in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Impact on Business Innovation
Cross-Work and Interdisciplinary Work as Mechanisms for Innovation
One of the most significant advantages of coworking spaces is their ability to bring together professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds. This mix of talent and expertise creates a fertile ground for cross-disciplinary work, where individuals can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and generate innovative solutions that might not emerge in a more homogeneous environment. The spontaneous exchanges that occur in coworking spaces often lead to unexpected partnerships and creative breakthroughs.
For instance, a software developer might collaborate with a marketing expert to create a new digital product, or an architect might team up with a graphic designer to develop a unique branding concept. These cross-disciplinary collaborations are not just encouraged—they are facilitated by the very design of coworking spaces, which prioritize flexibility, openness, and community.
Successful Companies That Started in Coworking Spaces
The success stories of companies that began in coworking spaces further illustrate their role in driving innovation. For example, Instagram, the popular social media platform, started its journey in 2010 in a coworking space before being acquired by Facebook for $1 billion. Similarly, Uber, the ride-sharing giant, also began in a coworking space, where the founders could collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs and access the resources they needed to scale their business rapidly. These examples show how coworking spaces can serve as incubators for startups, providing them with the right environment as well as a budget-friendly option for a project that does not have the capital or people to rent office premises.
Pros and Cons: The Argentinian Coworking Experience
The coworking phenomenon has also taken root in Argentina, where it is reshaping the work culture in big cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario. Companies of all sizes and independent professionals across industries choose coworking spaces as they seek flexible and affordable work environments.
"As a freelance graphic designer, I used to work from home, but I often felt isolated and found it difficult to work in the very space where I live. In 2022, I started going to a coworking space in Buenos Aires, and that changed everything. I'm surrounded by other creatives, and the energy of the space is contagious. The price is reasonable; I pay by the day, and since I started going two or three times a week, finding collaborators for projects has been much easier. I've even found new clients just from casual conversations in the kitchen" - Maria, Buenos Aires.
However, it is not all roses when sharing working spaces with limited private rooms.
"Coworking spaces have their perks, but they're not without challenges. As a technical sales engineer in a global company, I often need quiet to focus on complex projects. Since a downsizing in 2018, we moved to a hybrid working scheme where I have to work from the office three times a week, and sometimes, the noise and distractions in the open-plan layout can be overwhelming. While the community aspect is great, finding a balance or a space that offers quiet areas when needed is important." - Francisco, Córdoba.
Funny enough, on Wednesdays, Francisco shares the coworking space with their employer's main competitor, another industrial manufacturer company. He recounts with amusement the ups and downs of sharing so much time in close proximity to the enemy.
Conclusion
Coworking spaces are more than just a trend—they represent a fundamental shift in how we work. By breaking down physical and hierarchical barriers, these spaces foster a culture of collaboration that is crucial for innovation. Whether you're a freelancer looking for a supportive community or a startup seeking to scale, coworking spaces offer the flexibility and resources needed to thrive. As the experiences from Argentina show, while there are challenges, the benefits of coworking often outweigh the drawbacks, making it an increasingly popular choice for professionals around the world.
