Examples and Dynamics of Third Places

Our lives are divided into distinct periods of time. At certain intervals, we either sleep or devote time to our own interests and hobbies. Broadly speaking, life can be divided into three parts. But what about the places where we spend our lives? Here, too, there are generally three categories.

The first is our comfort zone: our home. The second is the place where we fulfil our responsibilities or obligations, such as our workplace or educational institution. The third is our social space, separate from the first two, where we think we will feel good: the “third place”. Where are these places? Let's take a look.

Today, I would like to address a calm topic and issue a reminder.

This is essentially a sociological concept. The term 'third place' first appeared in a 1989 book by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who is renowned for his writings on the importance of public spaces. Oldenburg outlines the defining features of third places, which he lists as follows: (Source 1) & (Source 2)

Open and inviting. You don’t need an invitation or appointment, and you can come and go as you please. Comfortable and informal. You feel that you belong there. Convenient. It’s close enough to visit often, ideally right in your own neighborhood. Unpretentious. Everyone is on the same level, there’s nothing fancy or fragile, and it’s not expensive. There are regulars. And often there’s a host who greets people as they arrive. Conversation is the main activity. Discussion, debate, and gossip are part of the mix. Laughter is frequent. The mood is light-hearted and playful. Joking and witty banter are encouraged.

Although this term was coined relatively recently, in 1989, it has always existed in some form throughout history. This is because, when people are united at their core, the situation takes on a timeless form.

Examples include squares in ancient Greece, forums in ancient Rome, taverns and courtyards in medieval towns, coffee houses and bathhouses in the Ottoman Empire, and market centres, gathering places and fountain heads in every era and geography.

Conversation and the flow of information are key elements here. People feel at ease. There is no hierarchy, and everyone voluntarily takes their place as part of society. Ideally, a traditional structure will emerge because continuity is the most important aspect.

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Now, let's think about which areas are not suitable for this.

For example, we mentioned Ancient Rome. The activities at the Colosseum are not suitable for this purpose. Why? Because it was a one-off situation. People only gathered there for large-scale shows and entertainment events. There was no freedom. We can compare this to today's stadiums. People don't gather there when there are no sporting events.

Shopping centres are the same. The main objectives are shopping and consumption. We rush around and socialising is not our main goal. Neighbourhood markets are perhaps a slightly more suitable example. Although it may not be obvious at first, the most important factor that distinguishes markets from shopping centres is money itself. There is a material and psychological barrier between places where we can spend money and places where we cannot. It is difficult to find local conversation and sincerity amid the cold, foreign brands of shopping centres. One can even observe a hidden hierarchy.

This is precisely why schools and educational institutions are referred to as the “second place”. The teacher–student relationship restricts egalitarian conversation and does not conform to the elements of the third place. In this context, it would be more accurate to include parts of the school, such as the canteen or garden, in this category than the educational activities themselves.

House parties and private events require an invitation and are not open to the public. Worship centres do not fall under the third place category because they are based on religious obligation. However, conversation and mutual assistance within the congregation are more appropriate here. We discussed this when talking about schools and educational institutions. In the workplace, (a secondary place), various relaxation moments (such as smoking) or meal breaks are instances of a third place within a secondary place because they provide an escape from compulsory work and can reduce or even eliminate hierarchy.

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We started with some historical examples, but what do you think they might be today? I'm sure a few spring to mind. Let's take a quick look at them before we finish the article.

Let's start with the term's namesake: coffee shops. Ideally, we're talking about local cafés, not chains. People socialise more quickly in these places.

Street corners, neighbourhood parks and small squares are also good places for this. Admittedly, today's young people don't spend much time in these places. However, this does not change the fact that they are third places. These are places where people chat and recognise each other only by sight.

Gyms may not be the first examples that pop into your head, but they are quite suitable for this purpose. Regular participation, as well as conversations and cooperation regarding the organisation of sports activities, can help reduce individualism. Moreover, you can go whenever you want and there is no obligation.

In my opinion, modern libraries and co-working spaces will play an important role here. Admittedly, they may fall short in terms of socialising, and many of you may not consider them to be 'third places', but establishing dialogue in these environments largely depends on personal preference. Besides, some libraries now have conversation corners or cafés.

There are also gaming zones, board game cafés, bars and taverns. These spaces need no explanation. They are obvious and easily meet the criteria.

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“All right, we understand. There are plenty of places and we've essentially been heading towards these 'third places' without realising it. But what's the point of them?”

We literally need these places. Yes, that's right. As we said, we generally have three separate time slots during the day. This gives us a balance that goes beyond habits. The same goes for the places we are in. Being in the same place all the time and doing the same thing is neither educational nor healthy, and it's certainly not enjoyable. Mobility and intermittent change are necessities for every individual.

Socialising is one of the factors that overcomes our introversion and challenges (or comforts) us. Although we cherish our individuality, we are part of a community by human nature, and we can only get to know the community by being an active part of it. We need spaces where we can listen to others (cafés and playgrounds), see and discover new places (city squares), take advantage of opportunities (libraries and sports centres), and learn to act together (community spaces). It is these factors that shape who we are. They facilitate our emotional and logical development, often without us realising.

In short, third places are where we experience the essence of “being human” outside of home and work. Without them, life becomes unbalanced and lonely.