Coworking as Urban Micro-Infrastructure in Johannesburg

Abstract

Abstract Coworking spaces have become important forms of localised urban infrastructure in cities of the Global South, yet their role in addressing spatial inequality and supporting new work practices remains underexplored. In this paper, these spaces are understood as small-scale (“micro”) infrastructures that provide reliable power, connectivity, and workspace environments in contexts of uneven service provision. This study examines how coworking environments in Johannesburg function as adaptive third places that enhance productivity, foster collaboration, and expand access to urban infrastructure in a spatially fragmented city. Drawing on Third Place Theory and urban spatiality, the research employs a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with 13 users across different professional sectors. Findings show that coworking spaces enable flexible work habits, motivate performance through social presence, and nurture informal communities that mitigate the isolation associated with remote work. These spaces also offer infrastructural stability, such as reliable power, connectivity, and strategic proximity to mobility nodes, thereby acting as micro-interventions that counter spatial exclusion. However, challenges persist, including noise, limited privacy, and constraints on personalisation. By situating coworking spaces within Johannesburg’s socio-spatial landscape, the study contributes to debates on urban inequality, hybrid work, and the production of potential inclusive urban environments. Policy implications highlight the need to integrate coworking models into broader strategies for spatial justice, economic participation, and urban regeneration.