Digital 52 3️⃣2️⃣ - On growth, coming together in hard times, sustainability and space design: the story of HAN Spaces.

Join us on a journey to Istanbul, the bustling capital of Turkey, where we'll explore an innovative coworking brand that's changing the way people work. HAN Spaces is the result of a collaboration between two companies with diverse yet complementary expertise, coming together to create a truly unique and memorable experience for their clients.

You can read the full story of HAN Spaces on page 145 of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”.

If you've been following our Digital52 series, you may have already read about two different instances where coworking spaces were established not by individuals, but by companies [See here and here]. Today's story, however, presents a new twist. Rather than one company launching a coworking space, we'll be exploring how two companies with diverse yet complementary backgrounds have joined forces to revolutionize the way we live, work, and connect in the workplace. The result is HAN Spaces, a coworking brand that has not only expanded in size but also in influence and understanding of its role in the evolving world of work. Are you ready to journey to Turkey and discover how this collaboration came to fruition?

➡️ A little refresher

Who’s behind the featured space?

HAN Spaces is a partnership project between two companies: Alkaş and Nurus. Alkaş was established in 1997 by Avi Alkaş to provide services in project development, leasing, and management to the Shopping Centers and retail sector. Avi Alkaş is also Chairman of JLL in Turkey.

Nurus is a specialized office furniture brand and community in Turkey that aims for increasing socialization, decrease hierarchy, bring different generations together; design furniture and new technologies to create spaces that support health, happiness, and motivation.

➡️ Key Figures

• Opening year: 2019
• Size when they started: 1 space in 1 country
• Size today: 10 spaces in 2 countries

➡️ A little tour around HAN Spaces

➡️ Behind-the-scenes

Things you didn't read in aw250cs

➡️ HAN Spaces Today

In the early days of 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey, leaving many in need of aid and support. At that time, we reached out to Gizem and her team to understand how we could assist with our own resources. Digital52 provided an ideal platform to showcase how coworking spaces can serve as a source of strength and support during difficult times. However, our discussion extended far beyond the earthquake. We explored HAN Spaces' growth, new initiatives, and areas of focus, reflecting on the journey that led them to their current success. Are you ready to join us and delve deeper into their story?

💫 Growing in a sustainable way and with the right partners.

💬 I’d like to start by asking you: what’s new at HAN Spaces since September 2021? (the month the book was released)

As HAN Spaces we have achieved remarkable growth and expanded our operations to 10 locations in the last 3 years since our foundation. Our success has extended internationally, with a thriving location in Budapest and upcoming ones in Baku and Tashkent. Our "work from the beach" summer model and resort coworking model at Palandoken have demonstrated that work and play can coexist. We have become a thriving business ecosystem, catering to individuals, SMEs, and major corporations. Our vision is to create a sustainable work-life platform that sets the standard for regional brands worldwide while developing smart building management systems and proptech solutions as part of our trajectory toward sustainable growth.

I also wanted to take a moment to share some information with you about a project that is especially close to our hearts and its success is currently one of our top priorities. As a company, we believe in leveraging the power of networks to create a collaborative social ecosystem that promotes connections for the common good. In light of the recent devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6th, we organized search conferences and project groups where 46 NGOs and organizations collaborated on earthquake relief. Now, in the second stage of the project, we're working with ENDEAVOR, GIRVAK, HABİTAT, and KAGIDER to develop co-working spaces as post-disaster recovery hubs for the region.

The initial plan is to build coworking spaces in 4 cities hit hardest by the earthquake. These spaces will focus on local development, collaboration, and entrepreneurship providing safe and productive workspace for those who lost their offices or were displaced to work remotely.

💬 What’s the biggest change the pandemic has brought to you guys?

In the past few years, we've all had to change the way we do things, and sustainability has become a big part of that. It's not just companies that need to think about sustainability - we all do. A survey by the IBM Institute for Business Value showed that 93% of people around the world said that the pandemic has influenced their views on sustainability.

This just goes to show how important it is to prioritize sustainable practices in both our personal and professional lives. I think the pandemic has really emphasized the importance of taking a structured and accountable approach to sustainability. We've decided to align governance and spaces with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. We acknowledge that our industry is uniquely positioned to champion and embed them in every workspace on a permanent basis.

By adhering to these goals, we aim to foster a more sustainable future and make a positive impact on our environment and communities.

💬 HAN Spaces is the outcome of two brands coming together to create flexible workspaces: Alkas and NURUS. How is the expertise of both companies manifested/represented in all your spaces?

Alkaş and Nurus share a common ethos in enhancing the quality of living and working environments. With almost three decades of experience in the industry, Alkaş brings a wealth of expertise in commercial real estate focusing on shopping mall leasing and concept development, and visionary thinking. Their exceptional ability to create inspiring shopping malls and connect brands and social networks for collaboration really sets them apart.

Nurus draws from its 96-year heritage as an industry leader in design and craftsmanship to create furniture and technology that foster social interaction, break down hierarchical barriers, and promote human well-being in the workplace. Both companies prioritize social connections and community, making them a driving force in creating environments that prioritize human well-being.

It's exciting to see how our HAN identity has organically evolved to reflect the cultural and industry expertise of our founding companies, and we're committed to continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible in the industry.

💬 NURUS being a furniture company, let me ask, how do you guys conceive the interior design of all your spaces? What’s the key concept?

When we design spaces, we place people and their needs at the forefront, but we also consider the dynamic interplay between people, their surroundings, and our ecosystem. Through observing how people interact with their surroundings - be it nature, architecture, or everyday objects - we gather valuable insights that guide our design choices. Sustainability, aesthetics, and technology emerge as the three key pillars here. We see three of them as intertwined. Just as looking at a beautiful object activates our very being, prompting us to pause, reflect, and contribute our own perspective, aesthetics in sustainable and smart design similarly activates workspaces. When we are surrounded by beauty, we are more likely to feel connected to our surroundings, and this sense of connection can foster a deeper engagement with our work and colleagues. Ultimately, aesthetics in sustainable design is not just about making a workspace look good, it's about creating a space that supports the health and happiness of the people who use it. We strive towards creating workspaces that promote sharing, equality, and inspiration through art, design, and technology.

💬 Beyond providing places to work, HAN spaces also blend hospitality and lifestyle with in-house cafés and art galleries across your different locations. Why was this important for you guys to blend all of those together?

At the heart of our approach lies a comprehensive membership model which transcends the traditional concept of physical space. We provide our members with access to a diverse array of amenities and services, curated with their unique work and lifestyle needs in mind. Let me touch upon three fundamental pillars here two answer your question: integrated experiences, flexibility, and smart building technologies.

Our integrated spaces offer end-to-end services, providing diverse experiences upon entry into our locations. Imagine walking into a space and being greeted not just by a desk, but by an entire network of people and experiences tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Who knows, maybe a conversation over a cup of coffee with a new connection could lead to a game-changing brainstorming session in one of our meeting rooms. We organize networking events and seminars, so our members can expand their knowledge and grow their businesses. It could be the convenience, the technological infrastructure in the meeting room, the beautiful artwork, or the soothing biophilic design elements that draw them in. Our goal is to offer spaces where our members can work, learn, and connect in ways that suit their unique needs.

Our emphasis on flexibility is also partly inspired by the hospitality industry, as we believe that workspaces should be dynamic and adaptable to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals and teams.

This is now more important than ever, with the pandemic leading companies to come up with innovative hybrid and customizable work arrangements. Adopting smart building management systems like keyless room entry, online booking, and room scheduling ensures efficient execution of flexibility. At HAN, we use our in-house system, HAN IQ, to gain real-time insights into the changing needs of our members, keeping our ecosystem dynamic and adaptable.

💬 In the book you said something very interesting: “Being on the high-street level makes us very approachable and makes you feel connected to the city whilst having an isolated and inspired space to work” - Can you expand on this notion of being “approachable” by being on the ground floor?

To truly grasp the philosophy behind HAN Spaces, one must delve into the cultural heritage that inspired it. Back in 11th century Anatolia, the Turkish word "Han" had a much deeper meaning than just a regular old inn. Hans (Inns) were placed strategically at the crossroads of trading routes, making them a hub for people of similar professions and trades. In the Han culture, work was more than just a means to an end. It was a chance to connect with others, share knowledge, and improve one's craft.

The hans themselves were built in a way that encouraged this social aspect of work. Imagine a rectangular building with a beautiful courtyard in the middle, lined with covered walkways. This space was perfect for chatting with your neighbors, picking up new skills, and even making new friends. The courtyard was often the center of activity, where people could take a break from work and enjoy each other's company.

We strive to honor and celebrate the legacy of our dynamic culture.

We believe that one of the ways to do this is by situating ourselves on the ground floor and creating a welcoming, accessible space that promotes the kind of sociality that is characteristic of traditional hans. We also love to have a café at the entrance of all our spaces, which serves as a gathering point for our members and visitors alike. Despite being over nine centuries old, the Han culture remains incredibly relevant to modern workspaces.

💬 You currently operate spaces across Turkey and 1 in Budapest. Why did you choose Budapest as your first European city?

When we were considering our first global destination, Budapest immediately stood out to us. Its strategic location in Europe, which provides easy access to major markets, makes it an ideal hub for various sectors, thereby expanding the talent pool.

Just recently, for example, Euronews joined our ecosystem and we are excited to see the diverse perspectives and insights that their international team will bring to our community.

Another key factor was the city's growing start-up culture and the presence of a highly talented workforce. There are around 2,900 startups in Hungary, which is a testament to the country's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.

Moreover, Hungary is making significant strides in scientific innovation, which adds to its appeal as a destination for innovative businesses. Lastly, as a company that traces its origins to Istanbul, we are inevitably drawn to the rich historical and cultural heritage of cities like Budapest which offer unique historical and ecosystem models that provide valuable insight into what the future of workspaces could entail.

➡️ Reflections on building HAN Spaces

💬 What has been your biggest learning out of bringing to life AND growing HAN Spaces?

We've learned that it's essential to have a solid foundation if we want to keep growing, which means keeping our roots close while still being open to change. We appreciated the importance of staying true to our roots while striving to push boundaries and explore new horizons. It's this balance of innovation and tradition that makes us who we are and drives us forward. Let me give you one example.

As we strive to improve our digital archiving practices, we set out to take a more unconventional approach and delve into traditional archiving methods. We decided to seek wisdom from the archival wizards and embarked on a journey to the Beyazıt State Library, which has the first national library of Ottoman manuscripts.

The library director showed us around, and it was really exciting to see how they transformed an old soup kitchen and stable into a public library in the 19th century. Not only did we discover unexpected archival approaches that we can incorporate into our smart systems, but as a company that thrives on imagining alternative uses for spaces and finding new and creative functionalities for them, we felt an instant connection to the space and its rich history, and it sparked our own creative energies.

💬 What would be your best advice to someone thinking about opening a coworking space?

Creating a coworking space is no easy feat. There are so many aspects to consider - from construction to management, to fostering a community, to retail, and beyond. That's why it's very important to team up with experienced brands in the industry.

At HAN, we are open to different types of collaboration, including management services and franchising, and we're always happy to share our management expertise and prop tech solutions with new players in the game. We offer a wide range of management services, including expert development processes that involve programming the space, designing smart and functional layouts, and integrating the latest technology to streamline operations. And once everything's up and running, we focus on maximizing revenue, increasing revenue streams, and enhancing member experience every step of the way, from welcoming new members to fostering a thriving community.

In line with that, partnerships are truly at the core of everything we do. We believe that working with like-minded organizations is essential to creating a dynamic and thriving ecosystem for our members. From partners that help us design beautiful workspaces filled with lush greenery, to the galleries that surround our HANs with captivating art, to cafes and gourmet partners that provide a lively space for engaging conversations and exciting gatherings, every partner plays a vital role in our community. We work with NGOs that strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment, and we're fortunate to collaborate with creative partners who provide valuable support in areas such as well-being, mindfulness, leadership, and strategy. These partnerships help us offer our members a well-rounded experience that extends beyond just work. To that end, my one piece of advice for a future coworking space operator would be to invest in meaningful and lasting partnerships which align with your mission.

💬 If you could chat with coworking operators now, what would you like to ask them?

At HAN Spaces, we're passionate about building bridges across borders and connecting people to create meaningful networks.

That's why I would absolutely love to explore collaboration opportunities with our fellow coworking operators.

At the heart of our mission lies the belief that building networks and fostering collaboration always leads to creating something greater than the sum of its parts. That's why we're eager to explore new paths with other coworking operators and to create a truly global ecosystem. With our combined expertise and resources, we can make coworking more accessible and flexible than ever before, bringing it to unique and exciting destinations around the world. And while we're at it, we'll be making a positive impact on society too, by working towards sustainable solutions and fostering strong, dynamic, and innovative communities.

To give you a more specific answer, we are really enthusiastic about sustainable food and agriculture practices. We believe that this is a crucial area that deserves our attention, and we are eager to play our part in supporting startups and organizations that are working towards creating more sustainable and innovative agricultural systems. I’d be keen to know what other operators are doing in this field. One of our current projects is to leverage our spaces and social network to bring together individuals and organizations working towards sustainable food and agriculture. In this way, we can also expose our own ecosystem to new and innovative approaches in the field.

💬 And if you could chat with coworking members?

If I were to ask members of our coworking community, I would ask where they would want to take their "coworking" lifestyle on the road! You see, the traditional 5-day work week is becoming a thing of the past and more and more people are working from home, on the go, and while traveling. That's why we are bringing HAN to popular holiday destinations and helping inspire new and flexible work rhythms.

We launched our first “work from the beach” location at Momo Beach in Çeşme in 2021, and just this winter, we took it up a notch by moving to the mountains with our HAN Palandöken location at Polat Palandöken, one of the most popular winter destinations in Turkey. In these spaces, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - work and play, whether you're at the beach, in the mountains, or any other destination. As we continue to bring HAN to new destinations, we are also excited to explore potential collaborations with other coworking networks and spaces around the world. We look forward to working with like-minded organizations to promote flexible work lifestyles and create a global community of professionals.

💬 Last but not least, where do you want to bring HAN spaces next?

We have a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline, both in Turkey and abroad. One of our most anticipated openings is, HAN Cadde, our premium location on Bağdat Street, which is a famous high street on the Asian side of Istanbul. This vibrant street is renowned for its excellent food, fantastic shopping spots, and amazing views of the sea. There are also exquisite city parks nearby, which make for a perfect place to stroll and relax after a day of work. Our HAN team is always on the move, and we often work from the latest location we've opened. So, we're all eager to add even more mobility and flexibility to our work by opening our second location on the Asian side. We also have a number of projects in the works for Central Asia that I hope we can talk more about in another interview! As we continue to grow, developing new proptech solutions and smart systems will remain a top priority for us.

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