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Third places, separate from home and work, now shape workplace design. They promise community, relaxation, and belonging by fostering collaboration. But can a place actually deliver on this promise?
Headlines now suggest third places may solve our loneliness epidemic. But can a place make us lonelier if we don’t know how to connect with others?
It’s never about the place or the structure. But what happens inside from creating dialogue, trust, to connection, and relationships. Instead, we focus on leading with structure and talk about places.
We often get lost designing perfect buildings, offices, or spaces. Even websites. The assumption is that if the place looks right, everything else will follow. But what truly matters is what happens within those spaces. The interactions, conversations, bonds formed, and trust built are the ingredients of a thriving environment.
Instead of examining the future of work and its true meaning, we now focus on the places. Third places, like coworking spaces, lounges, and cafes, are social environments separate from home and work. These trendy spaces aim to provide comfort and foster community. While they offer many benefits, they miss the point if we don’t prioritize what happens inside them.
Imagine a beautiful, state-of-the-art office with all the latest amenities. It can still feel cold and unwelcoming if there’s no real human connection. The physical structure might be impressive, but without meaningful relationships and open communication, it’s just an empty shell.
On the other hand, a simple coffee shop can become a hub of creativity and collaboration. People connect over a cup of coffee, share ideas, and build trust. These interactions are what make the space valuable, not the decor or the furniture.
But it needs an organic holistic vibe where everyone benefits. There’s a backlash taking place where people want a place to connect and work, forgetting they also need to support the business. In Spain, for example, cafes are frustrated with remote workers (laptop squatters) spending the day and only buying one cup of coffee. Bars and cafes in Valencia, Santiago, and Barcelona, have started switching off WiFi to dissuade teleworkers.
In our workplaces, schools, and communities, we need to prioritize what happens inside. A focus on fostering dialogue, building trust, and creating genuine connections. Encourage open communication, where everyone feels heard and valued. Create spaces where people share thoughts and ideas openly. How can we support businesses without draining them?
When we shift our focus from the structure to the interactions and experiences within, we cultivate environments where people thrive. Relationships deepen, collaboration flourishes, and true innovation happens. It’s not about the place; it’s about the people and the connections we form.