“Third spaces” are the small alcoves of rest and recuperation that people retreat to during their time outside of professional obligations. The idea of a third space comes from the fact that people tend to spend most of their time in two primary spaces: home and work. To escape the stress of their jobs while still being social and away from home, people often turn to third spaces. In a world where both hustle culture and digital work is becoming increasingly common, physical spaces that foster community and interpersonal connection have become more and more essential. Here are some third spaces in India and around the world.
Sabha, Bangalore
Sabha in Bangalore provides a physical space for cultural events and showcases, fostering community while allowing people to connect with traditional art forms and events. The space itself is a 160-year-old Tamil school which has been meticulously restored in order to create a space that lends itself to showcasing various arts. Sabha has an Inner Courtyard for workshops, pop-ups, and intimate gatherings, a Slope Roof Block for performing arts and events, a Flat Roof Block for gallery exhibitions, an Outer Courtyard for outdoor events, and the Sabha Cafe for patrons to grab a bite. Sabha seeks to encourage the diverse Bangalore community by providing a platform, figuratively and, to various voices and artists, offering a space for inclusivity and connection to the arts.
The Haveli of Curiosity by Studio Saar, Udaipur
Outright labelled “Third Space” by Studio Saar, the Haveli of Curiosity is an architectural project in Udaipur which seeks to create a community space for those interested in science, art, and culture. The space provides leisure activities, events, cultural programs, educational programs, both formal and informal, opportunities for socialising, and performing arts showcases. This space is also connected to 50 acres of reforested jungle, referred to as The Jungle, which provides a natural space to foster community and learn about the connection between people and the environment.
The Lost Draft, New York
The Lost Draft is a cafe in New York City that functions as a collaborative space for artists and writers to work on their craft. As the name suggests, the cafe lends itself to those working on writing scripts, with a pitch box where patrons can submit scripts and ideas to be considered for production, as well as a Read Room which can be rented out for writers to work together, whether to read lines or simply collaborate out loud. The Lost Draft seeks to create a community of artists to work together; in its own words, “We are creative people inspiring one another.”
Speed City Records, Canada
Speed City Records is a record store in Ontario, Canada, which has become a hub for music and vintage game lovers alike. The store holds events like the London Record Show, as well as weekly pinball leagues, with their vintage and modern pinball machines, every Monday. In conversation with the Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the owner, Michael Todd, highlighted the community that 'the store has created, with hundreds of regulars in the store who visit simply for the sake of being in the space with like-minded individuals'.
Ground Control, Paris
Ground Control is a community space in Paris in an ex-railway depot. It hosts a variety of events to foster community, including exhibitions, workshops, chess meets, flea markets, and even cultural events for children. Ground Control also houses boutiques and stores, as well as a variety of food and beverage establishments, from continental meals to desserts and drinks. The goal of the space, as mentioned on their website, is to create an independent space for those interested in art and culture to physically visit and find like-minded people with whom they can connect and mingle.
Method Gallery, Mumbai & Delhi
Method is an art gallery, with spaces both in Mumbai, and in Delhi, which hosts a variety of events and programs outside of their regular art exhibitions. To attract people to visit the gallery and mingle, Method hosts events like storytelling sessions, poetry and spoken word nights, and stand-up comedians, as well as hosting community dinners with special guests to invite people to converse and connect with people in person.
Words Ayushie Shahane
Date 14.05.2025
