The Future of Truly 3rd Spaces
? Frederik Joustra MSc ?
???????????? Rethinking work beyond place. Harnessing data, psychology, and strategy to create workplaces that adapt, engage, and empower—wherever work happens. #Workplaced
Bridging Public Realms and the Modern Workplace
Employees and employers alike are exploring environments that transcend traditional office spaces. The "Truly 3rd Space" has emerged as a forward-thinking solution—an innovative space that is neither home nor office, but rather a flexible, communal setting where work, relaxation, and social interaction flow seamlessly. Yet, to unlock the full potential of these spaces, we need more than creative design; we need a commitment to porosity—the seamless integration between public realms and commercial real estate (CRE).
Redefining the 3rd Space Concept
Historically, third spaces have been synonymous with coffee shops, libraries, and coworking hubs—places that balance personal and professional needs without the formalities of the office. The Truly 3rd Space builds upon this by offering a more flexible and inclusive environment, where the boundaries between public and private are intentionally blurred. This flexibility invites a blend of public energy and private comfort, allowing people to transition freely between work and leisure in spaces that feel neither confined nor conventional.
The Power of Porosity: Blending Public Access with Workplace Utility
The core of the Truly 3rd Space lies in porosity—a design approach that promotes open, fluid movement between public spaces and CRE, both physically and socially. In such spaces, structural boundaries are minimized to encourage organic transitions from public areas like parks or plazas to curated workspaces, lounges, and cafes within a building. This intentional flow of spaces nurtures dynamic interactions and spontaneous collaborations, in contrast to the often rigid layouts of traditional office buildings.
Porosity isn’t only about creating physical access; it’s about fostering an authentic sense of belonging. People from all backgrounds should feel welcomed and valued, enhancing collaboration across diverse perspectives. For CRE developers, this design principle means crafting spaces that invite the public in while supporting the needs of employees, tenants, and local communities—creating a shared ecosystem.
Why Truly 3rd Spaces Are Essential for the Future of Work
With hybrid work reshaping the modern workplace, Truly 3rd Spaces address key challenges facing employers and employees today. These spaces support a balanced work-life dynamic, nurture in-person connections, and inspire creativity and well-being. People are more likely to feel engaged and motivated when they can move naturally between work-centered areas and leisure-oriented spaces, fostering a positive and productive atmosphere.
For employers, these spaces also enable more effective collaboration, as they encourage both casual encounters and organized meetings within a versatile setting. Employees can connect with colleagues, meet clients, or find a quiet corner for focused work—all within a single, adaptable environment that meets diverse needs throughout the day.
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Workplaced: Shaping the Future Workplace Experience
At Workplaced , we believe that a modern workplace experience should embody the principles of Truly 3rd Spaces and porosity. Through our platform, we help organizations create environments that are flexible, human-centered, and aligned with socio-ecological principles. Our technology enables a deep understanding of occupancy and utilisation patterns, guiding companies to shape workspaces that support varied needs, facilitate meaningful interactions, and foster a strong sense of community.
By rethinking space with porosity in mind, we aim to set a new standard for work-life integration. The Truly 3rd Space is not just a future ideal—it’s an essential evolution in the workplace experience that bridges the gap between public and private realms, enriching daily life and enhancing both personal and professional well-being.
Creating a New Era of Workplace and Community Synergy
As we look to the future, Truly 3rd Spaces provide an exciting opportunity to redefine what workplaces can be. Through thoughtful design and a dedication to porosity, we can create environments where people, ideas, and innovation flow seamlessly—setting a new benchmark for the synergy of work and life integration. At Workplaced, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, helping organizations craft spaces that bring the best of both worlds into one cohesive, collaborative space.
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