Socialtext Workspace is designed for easy group-forming. Anyone with Host (or Admin) rights within a space can create new spaces simply by giving them a name and an email address, and then inviting people in. This is similar to forming a group by composing an email: you give it a subject, address it, CC people, compose, and send.

Key considerations for creating new spaces:

• A space is defined by the group of people using it.
• Creating too many spaces can fragment participation and information flow.
• For your organization, consider keeping one common space open for the entire group.
• For each space, create a "Front Porch" within the common space, either as a page or a weblog to let people who are not part of the smaller space know what it's about and to communicate developments.

When architects design physical spaces, one Pattern Language they use is an intimacy gradient. When you walk into the reception area of a building, that's where the least private conversations occur. At the core of the building the most private conversations are held, such as in the executive board room. Somewhere in the middle is a common space, where you can usually find the water cooler.

Buildings are in a constant state of change and renovation. If a space for a given project becomes outdated, consider moving appropriate content to the common space or redefine the group.