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In a time where remote work, hybrid schedules, and social isolation are reshaping how we live and work, the idea of a third place, a community space between home and workplace, has never been more relevant.
At Dash Spaces, we believe coworking is emerging as a vital new third place, uniquely combining utility, community, and flexibility. Below, we explore the history of third spaces, their evolving role, and how coworking compares to cafés and libraries, as well as why these environments matter more than ever.
What Is a Third Place? A Brief Historical View
The sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the term “third place” in his classic work, The Great Good Place (1989). He described these as informal public gathering spots that are distinct from home (the first place) and work (the second place). According to Oldenburg, true third places have certain defining qualities: they are neutral ground where people can come and go, conversation is the main activity, they are accessible, and they foster sociability.
Historically, examples include:
• Agora in Ancient Greece: a meeting place for commerce, debate, and social life.
• Coffeehouses in 17th- and 18th-century Europe were often referred to as “penny universities,” as these establishments provided inclusive spaces where ideas circulated and people from diverse backgrounds mingled.
• Public libraries, barber shops, pubs, markets, salons, and other venues where people might linger, talk, read, and interact have also fulfilled this social role.
Over time, many traditional third places have faced decline due to commercial pressures, zoning regulations, digital culture, and changing travel patterns, resulting in a decrease in casual meeting spaces.
Why Rebuilding Community Through Third Places Matters
In our modern context, third places are essential to social cohesion, wellbeing, and creativity. Some of their benefits include:
1. Reducing Isolation & Loneliness
In a world where working from home or alone is more common, third places reconnect people, encouraging unplanned conversations, chance encounters, and social bonds.
2. Cross-Pollination of Ideas
Places where people from diverse backgrounds meet often spark innovation; someone in one field may cross paths with someone from a different one. This mixing is less likely in purely digital or siloed spaces.
3. Support for Local Economies & Culture
Independent cafés, libraries, and local coworking spaces keep money, identity, and community rooted in the local area. Oldenburg warned that chain or corporatised “third places” can weaken local engagement.
4. Mental Respite & Cognitive Reset
Third places act as psychological buffers: stepping out of home and work roles into a relaxed, neutral space can help us refresh, reflect, and feel more grounded.
5. Democratic & Inclusive Spaces
True third places are accessible, informal, and welcoming, with no membership and no pressure. They’re an arena of social equity and community voice.
Given all this, the future of third places must evolve to serve the needs of modern work, culture, and community. That’s where coworking comes in.
Coworking vs Cafés. Vs Libraries: How Third Places Compete & Complement
Cafés
Strengths
• Low barrier of entrance, casual, neutral ground
• Good for short bursts of work, meetings, and casual socialising
• They offer ambient energy, casual social spots, and refreshments
Weaknesses
• No guarantee of power outlets, quiet space, or privacy
• Seating turnover, pressure to buy (spend or move on), and limited day-long workstation reliability
• Less suitable for longer focused work or dedicated teams
Libraries
Strengths
• Quiet, contemplative environment with minimal distractions
• Publicly funded, often free, accessible
• Good for concentration, research, reading, and study
Weaknesses
• Strict silence rules, restricted opening hours
• Limited flexibility (meetings, food, groups)
• Fewer amenities for community building or social interaction
Coworking Spaces (like Dash Spaces)
Strengths
• Purpose-built for work: reliable infrastructure (power, internet, meeting rooms)
• Flexibility: private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, event space
• Social and community programming: events, mixers, workshops
• More sustained occupancy: members feel ownership and belong
• Hybrid of work and social space
Challenges
• Must maintain membership or revenue to survive
• Requires programming, hospitality, and community management
• Need to differentiate from cafés or remote/home setups
Coworking thus occupies a hybrid middle ground. It offers much of the energy and accessibility of cafés, combined with the infrastructure and intentional community building that extends beyond the tranquillity of libraries.
The concept of a third place has deep historical roots, dating back to the Greek agora and extending to European coffeehouses and neighbourhood libraries. In today’s hybrid and remote work era, coworking spaces are well-positioned to evolve that tradition, combining utility, community, and flexibility in one place.
At Dash Spaces, we believe the future third place is about belonging, connection, and possibility. If you’re seeking more than a desk, if you want a place where your work life intersects with community life, see how we’re building that future by the river.
