Coworking Spaces as “Third Places”: The Transformation of Urban Workplaces in Bangkok during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the importance of coworking spaces (CWSs) as flexible alternatives to traditional offices, characterized by both their function and spatial distribution. This study aims to analyze the role of CWSs during the pandemic within the urban context of Bangkok, using data collected from a sample of 200 respondents. The research compares workplace behaviors before and during the pandemic.
This study applies Location Theory, the concept of the Third Place, and Urban Decentralization to explain changes in workplace patterns. The study results classified workplace locations into Bangkok’s inner, middle, and outer urban zones, and identified types of workplaces used before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that workers shifted from commuting to CBD offices to working at home and in CWSs. Working at home increased from 30.75% to 40.04%, and the use of CWSs rose from 24.89% to 36.08%. Workers also chose workplaces in the middle and outer urban zones more, with change rates of 16.32% and 2.95%, while the inner zone decreased by 4.88%. These shifts helped workers maintain their jobs and show a clear move toward working outside the CBD.
The study highlights the potential of CWSs to serve as urban infrastructure that supports both urban resilience and decentralized workplace systems. Recognizing the importance of CWSs in urban planning strategies can significantly reduce the challenges associated with commuting to the CBD. Furthermore, it can broaden access to a diverse range of high-quality work environments in the context of a post-pandemic urban landscape.
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