Site Selection of Co-Working Spaces under the Influence of Multiple Factors: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China

Abstract

Co-working spaces (CWSs) have gradually become a new form of spatial economic activity in large cities in China. This not only innovates the traditional office model, but also helps to realize the efficient utilization of office buildings and the sustainable development of office spaces. Taking Hangzhou as a case study, this paper uses big data analysis technologies including Python and ArcGIS to reveal the distribution characteristics of CWSs. From the perspectives of traffic accessibility, business atmosphere, innovation environment, living convenience, and rental cost, we innovatively constructed an indicator system of factors affecting site selection of CWSs. We then conducted an empirical study to reveal the influence mechanism behind different factors. Our conclusions are as follows: (1) CWSs in Hangzhou generally present a multi-center distribution pattern; (2) based on the different degrees of dependence of the target customer groups on resources such as commerce, capital, and information, the factor that has the most significant impact on the site of CWSs is the regional innovation environment, and its weight is 0.3941. The order of importance of other influencing factors is the convenience of life (0.3147), business atmosphere (0.1352), and traffic conditions (0.1171). The cost of rent has the most negligible impact on site selection, and its weight is only 0.0195. We hope that the research can be used to provide a scientific basis for the rational planning and development guidance of CWSs.