Community gardens as natural third places: a conceptual framework

[en] Amid global climate and biodiversity crises, urban communities, particularly in Europe, are seeking integrative socio-ecological solutions. This paper examines two key concepts for reimagining urban communal spaces: community gardens and third places. We introduce the concept of natural third places, defined as hybrid urban commons that merge informal community social functions with ecological engagement, exemplified by community gardens. This conceptual framework extends third place theory by integrating environmental dimensions and spatial justice considerations, broadening the understanding of inclusive, sustainable urban commons. The study articulates how natural third places facilitate socio-ecological transitions and contribute to more equitable, resilient urban futures.

Disciplines :

Human geography & demography

Author, co-author :

Teoule, Fanny ; Université de Mons - UMONS ; Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

Language :

English

Title :

Community gardens as natural third places: a conceptual framework

Publication date :

08 August 2025

Journal title :

Contemporary Social Science: Journal of the Academy of Social Sciences

ISSN :

2158-2041

eISSN :

2158-205X

Publisher :

Informa UK Limited

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

639-661

Peer reviewed :

Peer reviewed

Additional URL :

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21582041.2025.2587880

Research unit :

Architectural and Urban Engineering

Research institute :

Soci&Ter

Available on ORBi UMONS :

since 27 April 2026

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Bibliography

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