Co-working Spaces for Young Entrepreneurs Towards an Architecture of Shared Spaces for Urban Communities in the Context of Malaysia

DOI: 10.5176/2425-0112_UPPD17.55

Authors: Hanif Chattun, Dr. Sucharita Srirangam

Abstract: The residential typology in Malaysia has not undergone much evolution on perspectives of sharing and coexistence. With a forecast of more than 80{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of the population living in the cities by 2030, it is essential to provide the community and the people who contribute to the economy with a better urban lifestyle. There has been seemingly too much uncontrolled urban sprawl with no ecological sensitivity thereby leading to wastage of valuable shared resources. This is why there is a need to redefine the typology for communities targeting young entrepreneurs. Architecture is thus able to steer the Small and Medium Enterprises towards a knowledge-based economy which is thereby beneficial to the entire community. With the availability of literature reviews and case studies on shared spaces, the implementation of adequate design strategies can, therefore, provide young entrepreneurs with user-oriented coworking spaces so as to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation. At the same time, the increase in social interaction will empower and give rise to a creative and resilient community. With the growing student population and young graduates in Kuala Lumpur, there is a great potential to explore the efficiency of co-working spaces. Recommendations on design qualities will then be developed based on the relevant literature and case studies. Finally, this research aims to understand how to successfully empower urban communities for young entrepreneurs in Malaysia through an architecture of shared spaces.

Keywords: Co-working Spaces; Urban Communities; Young Entrepreneurs; Shared Spaces; Knowledge-based Economy