(Credit for all photos: Flickr central Coworker) In October last year had seen an article on co-working at TreeHugger (Co-Working: The Perfect Compromise?) and I had been very interested in the idea of offices shared by professionals freelance.
A few months later, through the site Palermo Valley, I hear that already the first spot for co-working in Buenos Aires: CoworkCentral.
Its founder is Fernando Maclen, a designer and web developer who was inspired by the initiatives that were emerging in Canada and the United States and decided to take the initiative in the city. BA CULTUREMIX spoke Maclen, then who has some project details.
BA Culturemix (BACM): -How did the idea of starting this space?
Fernando Maclen (FM): -Arose from a design blog I usually read, where they made mention of these types of places, and it seemed a good idea to implement in Buenos Aires, given the large number of freelancers there.
BACM: -How many people work there now?
FM: -We now have a 12 People who use the space daily, and our maximum capacity is 19-20.
BACM: -Some time ago, work freelance in Argentina was relatively modest, and few people could live it, but the change favorable for outdoor work became an outlet for many. Coincidís with it "?, Developing what you think is in Buenos Aires?
FM: -That statement is true, today can not live on this and not only by the foreign exchange. I know freelancers Argentina working for clients and this allows them a very good lifestyle without having to depend on employment full or part-time. I believe that much of this depends on the quality of work that you generate and experience.
BACM: -Recently participate in the event Start me up, What you see web projects development professionals in the city?
FM: -Projects there are thousands of different types. Today I think that what is on the rise are more social networks, this concept that brings the Web 2.0 and which is reflected in sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and LinkedIn, to name the most famous. Some colleagues and I are also creating new web-based projects similar to those mentioned, and also some mobile phone.
BACM: -What you have to develop projects CoworkCentral?
FM: -Our idea is to build small events, lectures and trainings for our members (and the wider community) can keep abreast of the latest technologies and trends. So, to enhance their work and gain experience. On the other hand, also encourage the networking. We try all our members to meet, know who does what and if there is, they can work together.
BACM: -What are your blogs / sites Argentine favorites?
FM: -I have very few, Argentine especially. But here I am subscribed to feeds Palermo Valley, Unblogged and Digitalec. Outside, visit SimpleBits, Authentic Boredom, Veerle's Blog, FreelanceSwitch, Internet-Business-Mastery, among others (the list is quite extensive).
BACM: -Were you born in Buenos Aires?, What is your favorite place in the city?
FM: -I was born and always lived in Temperley (Lomas de Zamora game, Buenos Aires Province). But overall Buenos Aires is my favorite city whole.
Central Coworker rates vary depending on the days you need to use space. The ‘Light Members’ have access to two days a week and pay a monthly fee $275; while ‘Full Member’ can use it five days a week for a fee $495. These prices include an individual desk, Internet connection, meeting room, equipped kitchen and coffee. The space is open Monday to Friday 9 about 18.
More, at the official site.
::Buenos Aires Central Coworker
::Note on coworking en The New York Times
::Note to Fernando Maclen in supplement Yes! Clarin
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