In ancient Greece, public spaces were a crucial part of cities. These spaces are wherein citizens could have discussions freely, no matter their social status. The Agora of Athens was a prime example of such a place. It was an open area created for gatherings, events, assemblies, among other purposes. The importance of a city’s health is largely dependent on its public spaces, with many arguing that public spaces are not an add on, but a basic need for cities. The need for public spaces cannot only be satisfied by having them, but they must be built in places that allow easy access for citizens. The pandemic, along with its social distancing policies, brought to light the lack of public spaces in many cities across the world. When people could not go to restaurants or other paid entertainment venues, essential workers often had to eat their lunches on curbs and staircases.

Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s definition of a “third place” (The Great Good Place, 1989) is a place between home (the “first place”) and work (the “second place”); a physical setting where people are encouraged to engage with one another to form a sense of community. However, as the line between work and home continues to blur for urban dwellers, what have these “third spaces” become? Are online platforms like Zoom third places?