The Future of Third Spaces
Can we revive the fabric of connection?
Third spaces are "those homes away from home where unrelated people relate" (Ray Oldenburg, 1989). However, where community once thrived, third spaces are now losing their essence.
Tracing back to their origins, third spaces were where marginalised communities could exist together without waiting for permission. Examples include 19th-century Harlem Renaissance rent parties, which prompted a rise in pan-African political consciousness and creativity through literature, music, and interconnectedness with communal identity; New York City’s ballrooms, which provided a haven for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated their excellence; and more recently, the Sound System era, including the R3 Soundsystem outside Downing Street, which toasts to the same melody and philosophy of freedom.
More than just a physical location, third spaces illustrate a conceptual domain where creativity intersects with culture, community, and human experience. They create neutral ground and unity, a place where you don't need an invitation but become part of its DNA.
To understand the importance and evolution of third spaces, we spoke with cultural strategist and founder of the research lab Topo Futures, Monique Lemos, based in Salvador; the organisers of London’s Hothouse Book Club, Issey Gladston and Diyora Shadijanova; and the teams behind LA Chess Club and Edinburgh’s Skateboobs collective to explore what the future might look like for these community hubs.
Where are we today?
THIRD SPACES UNDER THREAT
The Demise of Place Capital
According to the Project For Public Spaces, place capital can be defined as “the shared wealth (built and natural) of the public realm”. Not only does place nurture a sense of community, health and wellbeing, but also creates improved accessibility and supports the local economy.
As governments continue to defund youth and community spaces, there is no surprise that the epidemic of loneliness has become contagious to younger generations.
A report by the YMCA says that youth services have been cut by £1.1bn nationally since 2010/11, which is a real-terms fall of 74%. Beyond youth services, frustration continues to grow as funding for deprived areas has shifted.
The Loneliness Epidemic
Friendship in 2024 can often feel denounced by the back-and-forth Instagram meme volleys that lack in sincere connection.
Modern-day loneliness is masked with hyperconnectivity; in an interconnected digital age, virtual communities are in abundance but it's difficult to properly connect with your tribe from behind a screen. The lack of shared experiences through human interaction is a catalyst for pervasive loneliness and insular living became the norm when young people lost incentives to go outside.
Within this landscape, third spaces are emerging as an antidote to the loneliness epidemic.
Community Breakdown
Post-pandemic, many third spaces became exclusive members clubs for creatives who thrive on elitism. Establishments capitalised on our hyper-hybrid work routines, combining elusive podcast performances and "subsidised" negronis. ✨It's giving diluted run club energy✨.
A need for safety and privacy has been reflective of the rise in member clubs, but this was matched with exclusivity tension. In protest, young people began subverting the conventional third spaces, and cultivated new grassroots communities of their own. Third spaces may have become lucrative for all the wrong reasons but it’s important to remember that real community isn't performative.
Intersectional Interests
Modern third spaces thrive on the cross-pollination of interests, creating ecosystems that intersect with various cultures and sociopolitical issues. These spaces offer a platform for diverse voices and interests to come together, fostering a richer community experience.
By embracing intersectional interests, third spaces can break down silos and encourage a more integrated approach to community building. This allows for a more dynamic and inclusive environment where diverse ideas and cultures can thrive together.
What does the future look like?
THE NEW FORMULA FOR THIRD SPACES
1. Functional Simplicity
Third spaces are evolving into more fluid, relaxed environments where young people can simply exist without the pressure of performativity. These spaces are becoming less about specific interests or skills and more about providing a community without barriers. There's a growing need to move away from elitist cultural visions toward informal, everyday social spaces.
2. Digital Migration
Young people are increasingly creating and participating in decentralized online communities through platforms like Twitch, Discord, and Web3. While these virtual spaces continue to thrive, the need for physical interaction remains strong. The concept of "phygital" spaces, blending physical and digital interactions, is becoming more relevant. Brands could support this by designing accessible spaces that cater to both online and offline communities, with a focus on inclusivity and supporting underprivileged groups.
3. Polyculture
The internet has dismantled the idea of monoculture, fostering diverse identities and niche interests that spill over into physical communities. The third spaces we see now reflect a wide range of subcultures, creating rich but delicate environments. Brands must respect the needs of these communities and contribute to fulfilling them. Nurturing the growth of these subcultural identities is essential for protecting culture.
Reviving the fabric of connection in third spaces involves cultivating welcoming, informal environments that embrace diversity and inclusivity. By adapting to the fluid nature of modern communities, supporting both digital and physical interactions, and celebrating the intersection of various cultures, we can ensure these spaces remain dynamic and relevant. Brands have a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully by respecting and nurturing subcultural identities, thus safeguarding the rich and complex tapestry of our shared culture.
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