Abstract: This paper examines the concept of coworking and coworking space in modern urban space. In addition to the definition of coworking, the article points out the defining features of this form of working space organization, the so-called "third places" that differ from the more conventional working environments. The author draws attention to the social aspects of this phenomenon and its role in the life of modern Internet-workers, as well as positive social, economic and environmental impact on the modern city, its infrastructure and its environment. The foundation of this work based on the materials of theoretical and empirical research. To determine the popularity of coworking centers of Nizhny Novgorod Internet-workers, we used data from the author's survey conducted in 2013 (N = 140). As we can see coworking centers are gradually becoming part of modern social infrastructure, addressing an important element in the formation of human existence in the city, and enables for the vital activities of separate groups of the population in the urban space and time. The concept of a coworking center solves a number of social, economic and environmental problems that arise in modern cities that affect both its individual residents and larger group.

Keywords: coworking, telecentre, third place, Internet-employment, telecommuting, freelance, e-lance, Internet-worker, coworking center, city