An effective knowledge base is not formed just by success stories. Those are perfect for the hype, but not for not committing avoidable mistakes. For this target, knowing what went bad in a coworking might help to avoid some risks. Here's the story of what i've learnt from the failure of 22A|22, a supercool coworking space i've cofounded back in 2009 and shut in late 2012.

1. tips from 3 years of coworking... went bad
TRIAL AND ERROR
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2. 22A|22
was a coworking and
design gallery that has
been active in Florence
from 2009 to 2012
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3. we hosted workshops...
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4. exhibitions...
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5. temporary stores...
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6. parties...
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7. photoshootings...
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8. concerts...
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9. cinema shows...
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10. but mainly it was
an alive coworking.
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11. despite all this,
we had to shut.
What happened, then?
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12. Well,
we’ve done mistakes:
Here’s what i’ve learnt from
errors committed before
starting...
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13. At first,
i just needed
a studio
Start with a clear project
don’ just stumble upon it
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14. But couldn’t
afford it, just
then seeked
for partners
Team is crucial. Choose
wisely a motivated, diverse
but tight group to start with
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15. We begun
dreaming big,
too big
Dream big, start small.
Or at least lean. Or go big
only if you are almost sure
you can afford to do that.
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16. ...while planning
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17. We fell in love
with a place
but it was
a mess
Plan accurately
your initial expenses.
Handle restorations with
care, it’s hard to foresee
how much it will really cost
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18. And it was
too expensive
to mantain
Don’t spend all the money
with initial expenses. It will
take time to reach your
project’s full potential
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19. Enthusiasm
weighted far
more than its
cost
Enthusiasm, passion,
boldness are great things.
But give them robust roots
to grow efficiently
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20. ...while managing
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21. The project
was split in 2
uncoherent
parts
Give an understandable
strong, solid, firm identity
to your project, and let
coworking power it
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22. We’ve chosen
to become too
self-referential
and closed
Your place
won’t remain the coolest
place in town for a long
time. If you’ll play on
exclusiveness, you’ll lose.
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23. Definitely too
many clueless
hipster parties
People joining a party
want to drink and have fun,
not necessarily to use your
desks. Beware the hipsters
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24. ...while taking care
of the community.
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25. We left people
alone to solve
their problems
People have to feel
comfortable and cared.
You can’t ask coworkers to
bear problems and
inefficiencies.
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26. The space
changed from
shared to
partitioned
Struggle for keeping
your community open and
dynamic. 2-3 empty desks
are better than a blocked,
closed community
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27. We didn’t
involve people
in the activities
Help coworkers
to feel part of your project.
Let them help, propose,
participate, share, live it.
Your project is their project.
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28. Nonetheless, there’s
a lot i’ve learnt
and a lot i’ve got:
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29. friends,
mates,
experience,
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30. and a new project
( with many new mistakes to do! )
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31. Mattia Sullini
cowo Firenze 22A|22
cowo Firenze COMBO
thanks!
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