Redefining third places through a service design approach To strengthen community building, well-being, and work-life balance among women in lima

Abstract

The topic of third places has been widely debated in Western Europe and North American countries, with scholars such as Oldenburg and Klineberg arguing about its key role in society around work-life balance, well-being, and community building. However, the characteristics and perspectives are becoming outdated and must be revised to our context and time. Particularly, in this study, I look at third places and women to show the evolution in their needs and the limitations they face. To address these issues, I propose a state-of-the-art model for understanding third places, which I call The Real Third Place, alongside a service design guideline developed through a gender-sensitive lens for third place stakeholders. Based on a literature review and ethnographic interviews, this research explores the core values of third places and offers strategies to make them more inclusive for women in Lima. My thesis conclusion emphasizes how Service Design through a gender-sensitive perspective can help reimagine third places to strengthen community, well-being, and work-life balance in Lima. Places where women feel present, safe, and themselves; focused more the emotional function, than in the physical form by creating micro-moments of well-being, connection, and self-care in a city that often limits their time, energy, and access. This approach ensures that women have equal access to, and can fully benefit from, urban life and the opportunities offered by third places—just as men do. Ultimately, the study sheds new light on the development of third places as a means to address gender inequalities and elevates the quality of life for women in Lima.