Without ever realizing it, third spaces may be some of the most important places we spend our time. What are third spaces? They're places outside of our homes, workplaces, or schools where we are around other people and usually (but not always) interacting with them.
Most people frequent third spaces regularly — if you've recently attended a book club, participated in a running group, or met up with friends at a cafe or bar, you've inhabited a third space. Having a go-to third space can be beneficial for a person's mental and physical health, so it's a good idea to think about what yours might be.
“I think we should all work on defining our third space,” says Aura De Los Santos, a clinical psychologist and specialist at health information site the EHProject. “Having a routine that involves only home and work can lead us to monotony, losing the meaning of life, and feeling lonely. We need to break away from the routine and create one where we have a space to socialize and connect with others.”
Here's what you need to know about third spaces, including where you can find them, and why they're so important.
What Are Third Spaces?
Third spaces are locations separate from home and work — those are considered people's first and second spaces respectively. Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg developed the concept of third spaces in the 1980s, and, per The UNESCO Courier, he defined them as informal public places where people can gather, socialize, and maintain a democracy.
Importantly, third spaces allow people to connect with others, often by sharing a common interest or hobby such as tending a community garden or playing pickleball. According to The Brookings Institution, third spaces are “locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.”
“In third spaces, people manage to disconnect from their routines,” explains De Los Santos. “They're places where you can rest, be distracted, and have fun.” Third spaces also help people forge friendships and nurture relationships, says De Los Santos. “Those who live alone can feel less lonely knowing that they have a place to go and create connections with others.”
There is often a need for establishing new third spaces in particular areas, says Kyle Brown, the cofounder of Bookstore Gallery, a safe third space in Atlanta, GA. “Third spaces usually fill gaps that folks have yet to notice,” he explains. “However, once the gap is filled, people begin to realize the void they had ignored.”
According to De Los Santos, Brown, and The Brookings Institute, common third spaces include the following:
- Libraries
- Beaches
- Gyms
- Recreation centers
- Parks
- Coffee shops
- Bars and clubs
- Places of worship
- Community gardens
- Support groups
- Hairdressers
Why Third Spaces Are Important
Third spaces allow people to socialize with others outside of their home and work life, and they are instrumental in growing community bonds. Here are some of the most important benefits of third spaces, according to experts.
Community engagement
Human beings tend to crave connection, and socializing is an important part of our daily lives. When the social element is missing, our physical and mental health can be impacted in negative ways.
“Third spaces help us feel less lonely, which has an impact on our mental health,” explains De Los Santos. “It reduces the likelihood of developing stress and depression, allows us to connect with others, and helps us feel that we belong to a group.”
Engaging with people in our local communities also gives us a sense of purpose, which is beneficial for everyone.
“Community engagement fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness among residents, strengthening the social fabric of the area,” explain Jason McCarthy and Marnique Heath of STUDIOS Architecture.
Inclusivity
Along with providing locations for people to socialize in, third spaces may serve a specific need within the community that previously hadn't been available.
“Alternative spaces are explicitly created to address unmet needs that are most prevalent in communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalized populations,” says Brown. “These spaces are often ‘by us, for us.’”
When working on community projects and developing third spaces, McCarthy and Heath note the importance of making sure the process is “inclusive and representative,” giving individuals a voice when it comes to their needs and wants. Ultimately, third spaces are usually designed with people — and the importance of socializing — in mind.
Historic preservation
As well as placing a focus on the individual, third spaces also provide an opportunity to preserve a community's history. In developing new third spaces, there is often a chance to honor the area and what a place has previously been, allowing people to connect more deeply with their surroundings.
“Preserving historic elements or structures maintains a connection to the area's heritage and cultural identity, enriching the community's sense of place,” McCarthy and Heath explain. “Historic preservation allows for the storytelling of the community's past, promoting a deeper appreciation of its history and traditions.”
Ultimately, third spaces can “elevate and transform people and communities,” Brown explains. As a result, they remain of the utmost importance in our day-to-day lives.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
