Meet 2024 Next Work Environment Competition winner of the hybrid environments shared space category: Avila Cowork Cafe.
Carlos Goncalves
Teresa Jacinto
The project by Avila spaces‘ Carlos Goncalves and Teresa Jacinto is the first of its kind to integrate a barista service, created in partnership with Portuguese Coffee Brands.
Check out the submission below:
Located in Lisbon (Parque das Nações), the Cowork Café spans 1300 square meters over two floors. It is the first coworking space to integrate a barista service, created in partnership with Portuguese Coffee and Gin Brands. The space also offers 12 private offices (168 workstations), 128 coworking spaces, 15 phone booths, nine meeting rooms, an Innovation Room designed for brainstorming and idea creation, and an auditorium with a capacity of 100 people.
All Avila spaces are unique but maintain a high standard of quality in design and technology. All meeting rooms are equipped with professional videoconferencing systems from Logitech and Jabra (also members of Avila Spaces), and they are available for free to all customers, whether in private offices or coworking spaces.
This space adheres to the best international practices, introducing the concept of a “lifestyle office” in Portugal. Avila aims to go beyond the simple workplace: today, companies increasingly view the office as a place where they can provide their employees with an experience of work, leisure, and creativity. With the hybrid model, the office is increasingly a meeting point for co-workers to discuss ideas, brainstorm, socialize, and participate in community events, which encourages networking and personal relationships.
Space should be designed and built to match and service the neighborhood. here you’re in downtown Lisbon, So they are building a community within a community.
— The 2024 Next Work Environment Competition Jury
This Cowork Café is accessible to all members of the other two locations at no additional cost. It addresses the needs of companies adopting a hybrid model by providing employees with the opportunity to work from various locations in the city.
Avila Spaces operates three locations in Lisbon and was recognized as the “Best Coworking in the World” at the Global Startup Awards 2023. It is also the most awarded workspace in Portugal and a leader in innovation within the flexible workspace market in the country.
We connected with Carlos and Teresa to see how the Avila Cowork Cafe has evolved since entering the competition:
The Cowork Café concept has far surpassed our initial expectations in recent months, becoming a true success story.
By adhering to global best practices and introducing the “lifestyle office” model in Portugal, Avila Spaces has transformed traditional office environments. Today, companies increasingly recognize the need for spaces that foster not only productivity but also creativity, relaxation, and community. The Cowork Café offers exactly that – a flexible workspace where employees can seamlessly integrate work and leisure.
One of the key features driving this success is the ease of access: members of any of our three locations can use the Cowork Café without extra cost, offering convenience to businesses adopting hybrid work models. Employees are empowered to choose where they work, whether from their primary office or another location within the city.
This flexibility, combined with the vibrant atmosphere of the Cowork Café, has made it a preferred choice for companies and individuals seeking a dynamic and supportive workspace.
We also asked: What is the next big trend in coworking?
Coworking is evolving toward a hospitality-driven model, offering more than just functional workspaces. Spaces are incorporating hotel-like amenities such as concierge services, premium coffee bars, and wellness facilities to enhance the user experience. This shift caters to professionals seeking comfort and convenience, blending work and leisure in a seamless way. Personalized services, such as event planning, tailored support, and even on-site dining options, are becoming standard. By integrating these hospitality elements, coworking spaces aim to create a welcoming environment that promotes both productivity and relaxation, making workspaces feel more like a home away from home.
That´s why our Avila Cowork Cafe is a true Success!
Special thanks to our 2024 Innovative Brand Partners:
