DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Alongside our collaborators, we redefine play in the public realm and craft inclusive spaces that blur the boundaries between art, landscape and recreation.
Why Third Place?
Despite unlimited access to global communication and online “social” networks, people are lonelier than ever—bringing profound impacts on both mental and physical health. The research is consistent and clear: to thrive, we need more face-to-face, real-world connection.
Across the world, people are craving spaces that foster community, conversation and a sense of belonging. Places where you can pause. Breathe. Talk. Play. Simply be.
That’s the vision behind Third Place Design—and the inspiration for our name.
We draw on the work of sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who coined the term “third place” to describe the vital social environments that exist between home (first place) and work (second place). These are the informal gathering places where everyday life unfolds: playgrounds, parks, cafés, libraries, plazas—spaces that ask nothing of us, but offer so much in return.
Among our network of designers, planners, policymakers and place-makers, we see a shared responsibility: to create meaningful third places that strengthen the fabric of our communities and shape a happier, healthier, more connected world.
Our Design Philosophy
At the heart of third place design philosophy is a human-centric approach to recreational design; spaces that nurture connection, stimulate imagination, invite discovery and promote wellbeing.
Our design philosophy is founded on the following principles:
- Connection and Belonging
- Imagination and Discovery
- Play for All
- Designing with Nature
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. “
– Albert Einstein
Connection and Belonging
We help to design spaces that are intuitive to navigate and meaningful to inhabit; places where movement, play and conversation come together to foster community. Our work weaves together physical, social and emotional layers of connection to create environments where everyone feels they belong.
Imagination and Discovery
We blur the boundaries between art, landscape and recreation to spark curiosity and creative exploration. Our designs encourage people to wander, wonder and engage their senses, creating moments of surprise, delight and everyday magic.
Play for All
We believe that play is for everyone—regardless of age or ability. Through inclusive planning and best-practice design, we create layered environments that invite children to explore, teens to test their limits, adults to connect, and elders to reflect. These are spaces designed not just for now, but for the future, where a third place can be shared across generations. Our vision is that a child playing today will one day return with their grandchild, weaving together stories, memories and meaning across time.
Designing with Nature
We honour the natural world, working with topography, mature trees and existing site features to enhance the ecosystem, rather than erase it. We embed nature’s rhythms, textures, and patterns into the built environment to create places that are restorative, meaningful and alive.
Discover More About How We Can Bring Your Vision to Life
No matter if you’re envisioning a sculptural landmark, an inclusive playground, or a community hub, we’re here to make it a reality.