Third spaces are social settings separate from home (the first place) and workplace (the second place). Ray Oldenburg, an American sociologist, created the term to describe the casual and social environment where people go to chat with others and connect with their community according to the University of Chicago. These can be libraries, community centers, cafes, volunteering opportunities, parks, etc. It doesn’t necessarily matter what the place is, more that it’s where people can interact with friends, community members and strangers. Third places are meeting grounds where people can build relationships with others outside of the home and workplace.
