5 X CO-WORKING IN SHANGHAI NAKED HUB As an experienced resort operator, naked Hub rents co-working spaces at the premium end of the shared office trend in China. With eight locations in Shanghai, all offices boast a café-like common area, green walls, state-of-the-art air filters and nap rooms. Monthly membership starts from RMB 1800 (235€). WEWORK
These were among the reasons why Ying decided to move part of her strategy team to the naked Hub Xikang Lu office early in 2017. With a steady 20-year presence in both Finland and China, the familyowned company specialising in glass façades comes from a traditional corporate background. Ying, however, felt that to keep her team growing in step with the fast-paced market that China is, they needed to find a more dynamic space. “Two weeks in Shanghai is the same as two months in Helsinki. The pace is just so different here,” says Ying. A co-working space, with its daily buzz and constant exchange of ideas and insights, is a natural accelerator. “Everything happens through contacts in China, so having this ready-made network is pretty powerful,” she adds. While the companies working within naked Hub represent everything from pet shops to bitcoins, Ying sees them as sharing common traits such as creativity and a desire to remain on top of trends. “I like the playfulness of these spaces. As we also work in a creative field, it’s good to be surrounded by that spirit in your office,” says Ying.
SANDBOX One of the first co-working spaces in Shanghai, Sandbox3 remains the favourite of freelancers, startups and students. With three locations around the city, the use of the common areas is free. PAPER This unique, communal working space stands out as a design-focused space for creative folks. Specialities include an organic kitchen, detox room and personalised cultural events calendar. Single desk rates start at RMB 2300 (€300) per month. ANKEN GREEN Located in a converted warehouse, ANKEN Green targets companies with an eco-conscious identity. Renting office space by the square metre, additional perks include a green roof with events space, urban farming, and a stylish warehouse café.
All of the WeWork spaces are designed to encourage interaction. WEWORK
Lu Ying, CEO of Lumon-Create, moved part of her strategy team to the naked Hub Xikang Lu office early in 2017.
A global forerunner of creative co-working spaces, WeWork hosts four locations in Shanghai, with two more slated to open by end of 2017. Creative interior design, craft beer, bike storage and micro-roasted coffee are just some of the perks. Monthly membership starts from RMB 1495 (€195).
DESIGNING INTERACTION While co-working was a relatively unknown concept in China just couple of years ago, the industry has mushroomed lately, with more than 500 co-working sites having sprung up in Shanghai and Beijing since SUMMER 2017
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