FC NOW: The Fast Company Weblog
September 16, 2004
Work Space
Baby, once a free-agent clubhouse in Amsterdam seems to have since evolved into an international network of artists, galleries -- and a magazine. During the boom, experiments in shared workspaces and free-agent offices were relatively widespread -- at one time, Fluidminds even planned an international network of collaborative workspaces. And even today, shared workspaces such as 116 W. Houston St. and OfficeOps in New York City continue the new tradition of like-minded independent leaders connecting and collaborating.
So it was nice to see an announcement for the opening of the Gate 3 WorkClub. Launching in Emeryville, California, this fall, the WorkClub combines shared professional services with a learning community -- which includes coaching, leadership development opportunities, and networking events. While individual efforts such as this should be lauded, I'm surprised no one has succeeded with a franchise-like model yet. As the economy becomes ever more global, it seems to make sense to leverage the benefits of a global network of forward-thinking professionals sharing services, developing ideas, and building better businesses.
Are there other examples of organizations like Gate 3? I'd sure like to learn about them.
Posted by Heath Row at September 16, 2004 3:37 PM | Category: culture |
4 Comments
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The economics of working life in New York are so much different than the rest of the world, and San Francisco, too. My gut feeling is that most metro markets just don't have the volume of high-paid freelancers to make it work. Wish they did, and if anyone ever figures it out how to makeit work in Middle America, I will buy a franchise.
There are really good reasons for WorkClubs to exist wher-ever there are workers seriouly engaged in entering into a transformed work culture. People everywhere, from corporate planners in the largest corporations to free agents emerging from dot bomb are recognizing and grappling with undeniable trends that demand new work institutions.
There is no doubt that a WorkClub in middle America will look different than on the coasts - just as fast food restuarants are discovering they need to do. However they will all have certain characteristics in common - a place close to home where people can freely associate around work interests, but where they don't have to check rest of their personality at the door.
Anyone interested in how we're doing this are welcome to come visit us in Emeryville.
Neil Goldberg
Founder and CEO, Gate 3 WorkClub
Today's entrepreneurs are devouring large corporations from the inside. Fed up with the inane, creativity-crushing policies of their pointy-headed managers, more and more workers are striking out on their own and opening up businesses on kitchen tables, in basements and in funky loft apartments.
But what about in-the-flesh human community? The water cooler laughs about William Hung's side-splitting rendition of "She Bangs" the night before on American Idol. Getting the perfect referral to ace Friday's pitch while waiting at the elevator. Workers that hunker down too long at home sacrifice the unexpected windfalls of daily human interaction in an office.
More at Eckotek.
Does anyone know what happened to the original Baby workspace? Is it still in existence? From my research it seems that most if not all of these spaces are no longer around.... Are there any current successes to note?