29 Aug Maybe Your Favorite Sitcom Was Right. You Need a Third Place

Home and work, or home and school, are the two constant places in one’s life. Third place is considered to be a place of community-building and socialization. 

American sociologist Ray Oldenburg first introduced the idea in 1980, describing it as an informal, free social interaction, and an essential aspect of democracy. Since then, it has become even more popular over the years.  

Third place is a neutral place, no responsibilities, but just a place to be; it is not a place for work. It is a space that has a sense of conviviality and openness for connection; it can be your favorite coffee shop, the nearest public library, or even your gym. 

It seems like popular sitcoms were nailing down one thing: the promotion of a sense of community and third spaces – “F.R.I.E.N.D.S’s” Central Perk, “How I Met Your Mother’s” MacLaren’s Pub, and “Gilmore Girls’” Luke’s Diner. 

Why Do We Need a Third Place 

Maybe you’re not lonely or bored. Maybe you just need to be surrounded by like-minded people or be in a well-designed space. 

A 2024 study found three key insights regarding the concept of third places. First, it can contribute to mental well-being through fostering “pleasure” in social interactions. Second, its visual processing and emotional responses have a neuroscientific connection, which could help in design practices. Lastly, well-designed environments can effectively alleviate psychological stress. 

Another 2025 study also concluded that third places help adolescents with emotional and relationship problems. The study found that adolescents with third places have a reduced likelihood of emotional problems and peer relationship conflicts. 

Although the environment plays a factor in better health, it is mainly the sense of community or belongingness that offers benefits to one’s health, including: 

• Reduced social isolation 

• Sense of purpose 

• Increased feelings of happiness 

How Do I Find My Third Place or Community? 

Maybe you will find your community or third place by meeting a friend or just being in the place at the right time. But most of the time, it is found through a common goal or one’s short-term desire. 

In the Philippines, a new type of third place has been emerging: the popularity of running clubs.  Filipinos have found a way to stay connected, be part of a community they believe in, while working on themselves. 

A 2024 study looked at several running places in Metro Manila: BGC Greenway, CCP Complex, UP Diliman Academic Oval, Ayala Triangle Gardens, and Quezon Memorial Circle, among others. 

The study found that runners looking for areas with restorative qualities may benefit from running at places like the CCP Complex and UP Diliman Academic Oval. 

Meanwhile, several other running places, including Ayala Triangle Gardens, fall on the middle ground, with the study citing that it could add cultural elements or events that could pave the way for a shared positive experience. 

At iCare, near Ayala Triangle Gardens, we understand the importance of creating a shared positive experience in our community – members and partners—may it be in lifestyle or health. 

iCare, the best affordable HMO in the Philippines, places value on money, accessibility, and a proven track record for healthcare. 

If you are looking for a community with your shared vision for your Better Health goals, visit https://icare.com.ph/ and https://shop.icare.com.ph/ for our iCare prepaid HMO plans. 

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Hosokawa, R., Tazoe, H., Tomozawa, R., & Katsura, T. (2025). Association between third places and behavioral problems among adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Child Protection and Practice, 6, 100202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chipro.2025.100202 

Xu, L., Meng, D., Tan, S. B., Li, J., & Zhang, X. (2025). Neurological benefits of third places for young adults in healthy urban environments. Frontiers of Architectural Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2025.01.008 

‌ Mental Health Foundation. (2025). How community benefits your mental health. Mental Health Foundation; MHF. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/how-community-benefits-your-mental-health 

Loreno, A. G., & Ricohermozo, T. (2024). Third Place for Runners: The psychological benefits of running places in Metro Manila. 20th Conference of International Development and Urban Planning (CIDUP). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385898560_Third_Place_for_Runners_The_psychological_benefits_of_running_places_in_Metro_Manila 

‌ Oldenburg, R., & Christensen, K. (2023, March 31). Third places, true citizen spaces | The UNESCO Courier. Courier.unesco.org. https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/third-places-true-citizen-spaces 

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