Written by Mariah Wilson & Courtney Jones

Third spaces—community-focused environments between home and work—have long played a key role in urban life and social infrastructure. As gathering places that support social interaction, third spaces are essential to designing more connected, resilient communities. While technology and social media make it easier to stay connected online, the isolation experienced during lockdown reminded us how essential face-to-face connection really is. Since then, third spaces have seen a resurgence as people seek ways to spend time together beyond their homes, workplaces, or schools.

From cafés and parks to libraries and lobbies, these informal gathering spots host casual hangouts, foster chance encounters, and bring people together across generations and backgrounds.

In the 1980s, sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to describe the social environments where people build community outside their structured routines. His idea was simple but powerful: our communities grow stronger when we have welcoming places to gather. But, as suburban living, long work hours, and digital convenience make it easier to stay isolated, intentionally designing accessible third spaces has become more critical than ever.

Today, third spaces are reimagined to support a healthier work-life balance. This shift is especially visible in office, residential, and educational design, where thoughtfully integrated amenities help people recharge, collaborate, and connect.

Third Spaces in Office Design: Supporting Wellness at Work

Balancing busy schedules is no easy feat. Third spaces in office buildings help by offering areas where people can pause and reset without leaving the workplace. Cafés, lounges, and fitness studios allow employees to relax, socialize, or move their bodies throughout the day.

In the Ampersand, vibrant third spaces are woven throughout the design to encourage casual social moments. Tenants can shoot hoops at the indoor half-court, grab tacos from the food truck, join a spin class, or unwind in the lounge or library. These amenity-rich areas aren’t just workplace perks—they’re tools for building culture, boosting wellness, and fostering community.

Even traditional office lobbies are being reimagined. Once considered formal, pass-through spaces, many are now “power lobbies” with comfortable seating, coffee bars, and open zones where people can meet, connect, and collaborate. These spaces serve as active community hubs rather than static entry points.

Third Spaces in Residential Design: Encouraging Everyday Connection

In residential developments, third spaces enhance daily life by creating opportunities for connection beyond the front door. These shared areas allow residents to gather, focus, or relax, fostering a stronger sense of community.

At Two Park Central, for example,  residents have access to an infinity-edge rooftop pool, a cozy private lounge, coworking areas, and a craft room. These amenities go beyond function; they support well-being and create a sense of belonging. As more people work remotely or spend more time at home, the demand for thoughtful, shared residential amenities grows.

Third Spaces in Schools: Promoting Flexibility and Well-being

In educational environments, third spaces are designed to relieve stress and encourage informal interaction. Whether in primary schools or post-secondary institutions, students benefit from flexible spaces that allow them to relax, connect, and collaborate outside classrooms.

At the Olds College Werklund School of Agriculture Technology, a central atrium is surrounded by meeting rooms, creating a hub where students can gather between classes and work on group projects. Similarly, at Sibylla Kiddle School, movable glass walls connect the library and learning commons, creating a flexible space for both structured learning and informal interaction.

These spaces allow educators to create inclusive, adaptable environments that feel warm and welcoming. These types of environments support mental health, social learning, and inclusion. Nearly half of students engage in spontaneous conversations in third spaces at least once daily, making them a critical part of any learning environment.

Why Third Spaces Matter for Thriving, Connected Cities

Third spaces do more than fill square footage; they shape the soul of a community. When people return to the same café, coworking nook, or park bench, they build trust, familiarity, and deeper connections. These small, everyday interactions become the connective tissue that strengthens cities from the inside out.

As designers, planners, and place-makers, we have a responsibility to create spaces that support human connection, not just between walls but between people. Whether it’s a rooftop lounge, a school atrium, or a reimagined office lobby, third spaces are essential to our cities’ health, equity, and resilience.

Designing with connection in mind transforms a building into a place, and a place into a community.