Dezeen promotion: the government must prioritise new models of affordable workspaces to ensure that London maintains its "global competitiveness" as a centre of commerce, according to a new report by New London Architecture.
The report is part of the WRK / LDN Insight study by New London Architecture (NLA) ? an independent forum for discussion, debate and information about architecture and construction in the capital.
It addresses ways for London to protect its existing commercial and industrial sites, while also ensuring the sufficient creation of workspaces to meet demand from growing digital businesses.
As part of the study NLA researched workspace initiatives and projects in the capital, like the hotdesking WeWork space at 199 Bishopsgate Kitchen. Photograph by Hufton + Crow The NLA report calls on the central government, the mayor of London and other stakeholders in the capital to ensure that the provision of affordable workspace is a key part of planning policy, in order to maintain the capital's position as a preeminent commercial centre.
It suggests replicating the large-scale mixed use schemes popular in other global cities, which integrate living, working, making, manufacturing and leisure. It also advises on ways to improve transport links and make the city more digitally connected.
The NLA also looked at the informal meeting booths in the Assael Architecture Putney offices
"The ways we work, and the places in which we work, have evolved drama...