Aug 4, 2023 15 min read Digital 52: Global Coworking Stories

Digital 52 4️⃣5️⃣ - The challenges and opportunities of running a coworking and coliving space in a smaller town: the story of Casa Netural.

Today’s story will take you to Southern Italy, more precisely to a small town called Matera. What’s there? Amidst its fascinating history lies a special place that has nurtured and amplified positive social impact within the local community over the years.

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Their Tags in the book
Beyond Coworking - Remote and Rural Spaces

You can read the story of Casa Netural on page 252 of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces.”

In some instances, the market where you establish your coworking space may not fully grasp the concept of coworking. It's a challenging endeavor, demanding significant time and unwavering commitment to its development, particularly in the initial years. However, the rewards are truly gratifying. Countless stories shared here in Digital 52s highlight how running a coworking space has profoundly impacted careers, lives, and local communities.

But can coworking spaces make a positive impact anywhere? Whether in bustling metropolises or smaller towns, the transformative potential of coworking extends far and wide. While launching a coworking space in a big city might seem 'easier' on the surface, the positive effects may manifest 'faster' in a smaller, tight-knit community.

Today's story takes us to Southern Italy, where we'll uncover the tale of Casa Netural—a coworking and coliving space that has been revitalizing and invigorating its local environment for nearly a decade. How did they achieve this remarkable feat? Continue reading to find out!

➡️ A little refresher

Who’s behind the featured space?

Meet Andrea Paoletti and Mariella Stella, the founders of Casa Netural. The duo met back in 2012 when Andrea came to Matera from Biella, his hometown in Piedmont.

“We decided to start a coworking space because it was a totally new idea here in southern Italy, and we wanted to see how people would have reacted to it. We wanted to experiment with the creation of a coworking as a hub of territorial development.”