The Significance of Third Spaces in Fostering Well-being

In the world of interconnectivity, people still feel extremely isolated and alone. In 2022, a systematic review conducted by Hossain et al. (2020) found that about 20-25% of urban Indians reported that they frequently felt lonely in their daily lives. And on a more global level, a study conducted by Project for Public Spaces, in 2020 reported that people were more likely to feel connected to their community and others when they have access to spaces such as libraries, cafes, parks, etc.

All these stats and figures highlight that the presence of Third Spaces outside of work and home is very important for the well-being of individuals. In 1989, in his book, the Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg an American sociologist introduced the concept of third space. According to him, Third Spaces are the informal spaces outside of work and home where people can gather and interact with each other. Third spaces can range from cafes, libraries, parks, gardens, churches, etc. In this article, we will explore how Third Spaces play a crucial role in fostering well-being.

Impact of third Spaces

Social Interconnectedness

Third spaces act as a social hub to foster connection and build relationships outside the home environment or workspaces. However, the question is that, if you can feel socially interconnected with other people at work and at home, then why do we need Third Spaces and what elements make Third Spaces a better catalyst for building trust and relationships? One of the characteristics of the third species is that it provides a neutral ground which is free from any social hierarchy or formal structures.

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At work or even at home, there is a power dynamics and social hierarchy which puts some expectations on individuals. Hence, Third Spaces are often free from any kind of responsibility and expectations that the individual needs to fulfil. Workspaces are often focused on productivity and completing professional goals, and the house environment is focused on household activities and caregiving responsibilities. Hence, due to this developing genuine connection and trust with individuals sometimes can be a challenge. In Third Spaces, people can relax without any burden of obligations or expectations, allowing for more interconnectedness.

Mental Health Benefits

Third Spaces provide us with a stress buffer. In homes in space workspaces, we are often bombarded with a lot of responsibilities and pressures. However, Third Spaces are designed for leisure and recreational activities. Hence it tends to promote relaxation and stress relief. Third Spaces often interact with nature a lot such as parks, gardens, and cafes, which helps us to significantly reduce our cortisol levels. Various research also highlighted the link between social isolation and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Having a positive social connection and relationship with people tends to reduce these mental health issues. A study by the American Journal of Public Health found that regular social interactions with individuals are often linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Third spaces provide opportunities for individuals to express themselves and their emotions freely and without any judgements. For example, certain LGBTQIA+ support groups provide space for sharing emotions and providing support. This kind of space can be very therapeutic and also reduce any kind of stigma around mental health struggles.

Physical Well Being

Some common Third Spaces include parks and community spaces in which you can engage in certain physical exercises, such as running, jogging, walking etc. This encourages better mood, and a healthier life and also promotes overall physical well-being. For example, in a study conducted by Mitchell, de Vries & Gidlow (2018) There was a 16 to 21% reduction in cardiovascular diseases with the greater axis to green spaces in the neighbourhood.

A study by Schipperijn et al. (2013) states that proximity to accessible and relatively large green spaces and parks may increase the level of physical activity and engagement in individuals living in urban areas. Cities such as Bangalore and Mumbai have taken the initiative in establishing these Third Spaces. These Third Spaces act as physical health hubs in cities which are characterised by open sedentary life and long working hours. These areas provide opportunities for the neighbourhood to engage in a more active lifestyle. More than just focusing on exercise, these Third Spaces also act as in way to interact and participate in collective activities which enhances both physical and mental health.

Types of Third Spaces

By definition, Third Spaces include a wide range of places and settings. Some of the most common Third Spaces are:

• Cafe
• Libraries and bookstore
• Community centres and clubs
• Gyms and health club
• Places of worship
• Theatre
• parks

Public parks are one of the most common types of Third Spaces which exists in the urban area. For example, in New Delhi, Lodi Garden serves as a means for people seeking some relaxation. It has become a haven for both mental and physical well-being. A study conducted by Rajagopalan, Srinivasan & Rao (2018) highlighted the effects of green spaces in open areas on mental health and well-being. The finding suggested that people who tend to spend more time in these places experience, improvement in mood and reduction in their stress levels.

Challenges and Criticisms

Third spaces have great potential for fostering well-being and better mental and physical health for a lot of individuals, but it doesn’t come without its drawbacks and criticism. In India, many of these Third Spaces such as parks and gardens are usually concentrated in economically affluent areas, making them less accessible to individuals from a lower socioeconomic background. A study conducted by the Ghosh & Bhat (2017) found that women are less likely to use these third pieces such as parks in India due to their concerns related to safety.

While there is an increase in cafes and popular social hubs, which also act as a third space for a lot of people, unfortunately, they have been increasingly commercialised. In most of the metropolitan cities, these trendy cafes tend to cater more to affluent customers again, excluding
people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. this over-commercialisation of means that these spaces are now designed for profit rather than genuine community building.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apart from your first space, which is your home and your second space, which is your work, you also need a third space. Third Spaces are crucial in order to foster a sense of well-being, belongingness and fulfilment in life. Third spaces could range from anything like parks, to community centres, church, cafes, etc. Third Spaces could be anything as long as you can interact with people freely, you can relax and feel a sense of belongingness.

These third spaces tend to improve one’s mental well-being by reducing stress significantly, and also tends to positively impact physical well-being as well. While third spaces has various benefits, there are certain challenges related to its accessibility, safety and commercialisation. Efforts can be made in order to make these third spaces, more inclusive and affordable for all of the members of the society, regardless of their so economic status and gender.