Welcome back to our limited series: Reviving the 3rd spaces!

In Part 1, we explored the decline of 3rd spaces like cafes, parks, and community centers, and discussed the negative impacts this has had on social connection and mental health.

In this post, we’ll focus on the resurgence of these spaces, particularly the role coworking spaces are playing in reviving the concept of 3rd spaces in a post-pandemic world.

Part 2: The Return of 3rd Spaces: How Coworking Spaces Are Leading the Change

The Comeback of 3rd Spaces

While the initial shift to remote work and digital interaction seemed like a convenient solution during the pandemic, it quickly became clear that humans have an inherent need for physical connection and shared environments. Online friendships and Zoom calls provided a temporary bridge, but they couldn't replace the casual, face-to-face interactions that build real communities.

Post-pandemic, there has been a growing recognition of the need for spaces where people can connect outside of their homes and workplaces. Parks, cafes, libraries, and other public spaces are seeing a resurgence in use, as people seek to reestablish their social circles. Germany, for example, has seen new community-centered spaces pop up, including urban parks like Berlin’s Tempelhofer Feld, which has become a central hub for social gatherings, outdoor sports, and events. This revival of shared spaces reflects a broader cultural shift back to prioritizing in-person interactions.

Coworking Spaces as Modern 3rd Spaces

One of the most significant contributors to this comeback is the rise of coworking spaces, which have begun to fill the void left by traditional 3rd spaces. Coworking spaces are more than just places to work; they are environments that foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging—key aspects of the 3rd space concept.

Unlike cafes or parks, which offer casual interaction opportunities, coworking spaces are designed to actively encourage networking and community building. They provide a unique opportunity for people from diverse fields, industries, and cultural backgrounds to meet, exchange ideas, and work together in an open, inclusive environment. This blend of work and community creates a hybrid model where coworking spaces serve as both professional and social hubs.

The Benefits of Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces offer lots of benefits that extend beyond just providing a place to work.

According to a study by Statista, the number of coworking spaces in Germany has been steadily rising, with over 1,200 spaces as of 2022. This shows the growing demand for environments where both work and community are equally valued.

Additionally, a survey conducted by Deskmag found that 84% of people who work in coworking spaces report feeling less lonely, and 89% say they are happier compared to working from home or in a traditional office setting.

Here at Denizen in addition to the main benefits of coworking spaces, such as flexibility, reduced isolation and enhanced productivity we also provide the conditions for growing access to the supportive community throught the events and community activities.

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate the changing nature of work and social interaction, coworking spaces represent one of the most sustainable and scalable solutions to the decline of 3rd spaces. By combining the professional with the communal, these spaces offer a unique way for people to stay connected, not just to their work, but to each other. For those looking to rebuild their social networks, coworking spaces are a great place to meet new people, foster relationships, and even organize activities outside of work.

In our next posts, we’ll talk to one of Denizen co-founders who had the original idea of creating this company and explore practical ways you can find or create your own 3rd spaces and how coworking can be just the beginning of reconnecting with your community. Stay tuned!

‍