Third Spaces & Neuroarchitecture
As architects and designers, we often find ourselves at a loss when clocking out for the day. After you sync your Revit model and close your laptop, the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) sets in. Like the days of architecture school, where countless hours were spent by most burning the midnight oil, one can find oneself again in this environment where work consumes time and energy.
COVID-19 introduced a new phenomenon where we as a society are more conscious of how and where we spend our time physically in the digital age. More people are signing up for health clubs, private networking spaces, and incubator hubs for the same purpose -- connection. Human connection thrives when community and interests intertwine in an environment where gathering and belonging are as accessible as going to the office or home. From a psychological standpoint, the intentionality behind these familiar areas has characteristics that our collective identity translates as a safe space: a third place away from the office or home.
Ray Oldenburg, author of The Great Good Place (1989), introduced the term "third place", where he emphasizes the importance of informal public gathering spaces. Oldenburg defines "third place" as "a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work." (PPS 2025). This broad category for various public locations hosting regular, voluntary, informal, and eagerly anticipated gatherings of individuals outside their homes (first places) and workplaces (second places) is more important than ever in the digital age. With the overconsumption of social media and reclusive behaviors during a pandemic, a third place provides individuals with an opportunity to set aside their concerns and enjoy the company of others.
Third spaces already exist in many communities that we design and know well. The parks in a master plan for a local municipality, the creative hubs in a bustling downtown area, and the student centers for institutions that seek to redefine their campuses. However, from the lens of Neuroarchitecture, the discussion is more nuanced than green spaces and designated programs. Psychological ownership and collective experience define a comfortable third space for the user. Lappeenranta University of Technology professor, Dr. Iiro Jussila, defines psychological ownership from a marketing lens. In their paper, psychological ownership has become a significant factor in understanding workplace motivations, attitudes, and behaviors. By expanding the use of psychological ownership theory in architecture, we as designers could gain a deeper insight into storytelling, cultural references, and the end-user experience based on the collective identity of communities we impact with our work.
According to researcher Leo W. Jeffres, the most commonly referenced third spaces include community centers and town meetings, coffee shops, restaurants and cafés, and churches (Jeffres et al., 2009). These third spaces can be categorized into four groups: eating, drinking, and talking, organized activities, outdoor venues, and commercial venues. These elements are rudimentary for peacemakers in our profession. However, the intentionality of the design behind them may be more foreign.
Neuroarchitecture is an emerging field that requires attention from the clinical community due to its scientific nature, which integrates holistic and artistic treatment processes. It is associated with special structures and the relationship between the human mind and the built environment. We currently classify these third spaces as secondary or tertiary elements of our design, often treated as an afterthought to meet stakeholder requirements. This methodology can be detrimental to how this generation seeks to connect to the world as their experiences drastically differ from previous generations. The local bar, where incredible stories are shared; the chess tables at the park, where elders impart their wisdom; and the creative incubator spaces, where inspiration flourishes—are connection points that are both ancestral and innovative. They are essential in redefining how we can strengthen our communities.
To create intentional third spaces that elicit a positive response from the community, we, as architects and designers, can implement several specific strategies. First, prioritizing accessibility is essential; we must ensure that these spaces are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport to encourage diverse community activity. For interior design, flexible layouts that can accommodate various activities—such as seating arrangements that foster social interaction—can enhance the user experience. Additionally, integrating natural elements such as green spaces, water features, and daylighting strategies can help improve mental well-being and create a calming environment. Utilizing local materials and cultural references in context can instill a sense of collective identity and belonging, encouraging psychological ownership among users. Finally, engaging with the neighborhood and local decision-makers during the design process through workshops and feedback sessions will help translate the actual needs and desires of the community with responsive design. Exploring the interstitial space between hospitality, athletics, education, and residential typologies can lead us to create more responsive and more enjoyable environments for us to spend our limited free time as professionals.
This summer, I encourage readers to explore various third places in Washington, DC, and consider how architects and designers can redefine work-life balance with a focus on "life-work." We spend about 16 hours each day at home or work—why not create a space to enjoy during the remaining 8 hours?
1. Grounded
2. SOST
3. Eaton Wellness in the Eaton Hotel
4. The Adams Morgan Community Center
5. The Roof of the MLK Library
6. The Gathering Spot DC
7. District Running Collective
