In an age where apps keep us connected with friends and remote work reshapes our daily routines, the need for authentic, in-person connection has never been greater. Enter Sarah Lindsay, founder of Tāmaki Makaurau studio Sala, who has dedicated herself to reviving the concept of the “third space” through movement.
So, what exactly is a third space? “A third space is a social environment that exists outside the demands of home and work — a space where people can connect, recharge, and feel a sense of belonging,” Lindsay explains. “It’s the coffee shop where strangers become friends, the library where ideas spark, the gym where shared effort builds camaraderie.”
Despite how vital these spaces are to a community, Lindsay notes that many traditional third spaces have disappeared due to the rising economic pressures facing small businesses and the convenience of online services. “We’re increasingly turning to digital platforms for connection, but screens can only replicate so much,” she says. “The need for spaces where meaningful interaction can flourish has never been greater.”
It was from Lindsay’s own search for a space where she could not only move but connect with others that the vision for Sala was born. What started as a single yoga studio in 2018 has now grown into a multidisciplinary haven for movement, offering over 150 classes a week (including yoga, barre, reformer Pilates, as well as a treadmill and weight interval training class) from four distinctly different rooms.
But Sala is more than just a place to exercise. Lindsay has ensured that every element of the studio is designed to foster connection — from the warmth of the long communal tables in the waiting area where people can work or grab a post-class coffee, to their partnership with Season gallery, offering a curated selection of art that makes the space as inspirational as it is functional. “These aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re intentional invitations for people to linger, connect, and belong,” she says.
You also won’t find signs pointing to Studio One or Studio Two at Sala. Instead, Lindsay has intentionally designed each room to “embody a distinct feeling”, helping attendees tap into the energy they’ll need for the class ahead. “From the grounding warmth of the Solar room [which houses our yoga classes] to the vibrant energy of the Chroma room [where our interval training classes take place], each space has been thoughtfully curated to uplift and empower,” she says.
At Sala, every aesthetic choice or functional update comes back to one key consideration: community. With each coffee shared, every community-led event held at those long communal tables, or even a simple high-five at the end of a sweaty workout, Lindsay knows she’s built something special. “It’s in these small, organic interactions that the magic of the third space truly comes alive,” Lindsay reflects. “It’s not a gym. It’s a movement.”
Words: Natalia Didovich
Imagery: Amy Atkinson
