Third Spaces and Mental Wellbeing

Backlash arose in early 2026 when mirrors along the underground linkway near Gardens by the Bay were frosted, preventing dancers from filming and practicing in the once-popular space. With much of the discourse focused on citizens’ desire for common spaces, it is clear that third spaces, in this case, a simple linkway, are needed in Singapore. In the fast-paced Singaporean society, citizens are especially susceptible to urban alienation, as casual conversation with strangers has become increasingly scarce, making third spaces all the more important.

The term ‘third space’ was originally coined in 1989 by Ray Oldenburg, author of The Great Good Place. It refers to informal public gathering areas separate from home and work, often used by people who share common interests. And in Singapore, this could refer to spaces like hawker centres, libraries, community gardens, and community centres. 

Third spaces can serve as places for mental resets, leading to stress reduction. Acting as a neutral space, citizens seek relief as they are temporarily shielded from the stress brought on by their workplaces or homes, allowing them to take a breather. They allow people to engage in the things they love while physically stepping away from stressors, significantly boosting mental well-being. 

Another important function of third spaces is their role in building communities and fostering neighborliness and the Singaporean kampong spirit. Third spaces provide low-stakes opportunities to interact, allowing people to let their guard down and connect. Opportunities for connection are abundant as diverse groups of people come together to partake in shared hobbies, bringing a whole array of people across different backgrounds together to form a greater community– promoting inclusivity and intergenerational bonding.

Third spaces bring about a whole slew of benefits, helping people reduce stress and forge stronger relationships. So why not take this as a sign to bring a friend along this weekend to your favourite hawker centre or park and spend more time there? 

Writer: Annabelle

Published: 09/07/2026

References:

Rise of third spaces: Meet the Singaporeans making room for community. (2026, May 9). PEAK Singapore. https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/lifestyle/third-spaces-singapore

Project for Public Spaces. (2008, December 31). Ray Oldenburg. Project for Public Spaces. https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg

Health, I. (2025, June 30). Finding Your Third Space: Why It’s Essential for Your Well-Being. Https://Www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/; Inspira Health. https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/healthy-living/finding-your-third-space-why-its-essential-your-well-being

Brooks, O. D., Rubiga Thanganathan, & Gittings, L. (2025). Growing third places: A qualitative study of experiences and perceived benefits of a campus community garden as a nature-based health intervention. PLoS ONE, 20(12), e0338602–e0338602. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0338602

The. (2024, October 29). Third Places: A Framework for Communities AND Crisis Care - Petrie-Flom Center. Petrie-Flom Center - the Blog of the Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School. https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2024/10/29/third-places-a-framework-for-communities-and-crisis-care/

Subramaniam, A. (2017, January 25). Defining Third Places: A Singaporean Context. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325319700_Defining_Third_Places_A_Singaporean_Context

Northeast Psychological Wellness. (2024, August 29). Third Places and How They Can Promote Mental Wellness. Northeast Psychological Wellness. https://www.northeastpsychological.com/third-places/