Third Place

A Third Place is a gathering area is a informal area and a public area.

• Context:
  • It can (typically) include Public House (Pub), Coffeehouse, Public Library, Park, Gym, Bookstore, Club (Organization), and similar venues.
  • It can (often) serve as a hub for civil society, promoting democracy, civic engagement, and social interaction.
  • It can range from being a relaxed gathering spot to being a vibrant social hub.
  • It can facilitate conversation, networking, and community building.
  • It can exhibit key characteristics such as being Neutral Ground, Inclusive, focused on conversation, accessible, featuring regulars, having a low profile, maintaining a playful mood, and providing a home away from home.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • a Public House (Pub) where locals gather to socialize and unwind.
  • a Coffeehouse that serves as a meeting spot for friends, colleagues, and community members.
  • a Public Library that offers a quiet place for reading, studying, and community events.
  • a Gym where people come together for exercise and social interaction.
  • a Bookstore that hosts readings, signings, and community discussions.
  • a Hackerspace where technology enthusiasts collaborate and innovate.
  • a Park that provides open space for recreation and social activities.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Living Room (at home) ...
  • Watercooler Room (at work) ...
• See: The Great Good Place (Oldenburg), Home, Workplace, Church (Building), Coffeehouse, Bar (Establishment), Club (Organization), Public Library, Gym, Bookselling, Hackerspace, Stoop (Architecture), Park, Theater (Structure)

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References

2024

• (Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place Retrieved:2024-6-10.
  • In sociology, the third place refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place"). Examples of third places include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, libraries, gyms, bookstores, hackerspaces, stoops, parks, theaters, among others. In his book The Great Good Place (1989), Ray Oldenburg argues that third places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement and establishing feelings of a sense of place. Before Oldenburg's death, at 90, in 2022, he asked Karen Christensen, with whom he had corresponded and collaborated for many years, to write a new version of The Great Good Place, as well as keeping the original edition available.

2024

• Perplexity
  • The term "third place" was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book *The Great Good Place*. A third place refers to social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home (the "first place") and the workplace (the "second place"). Examples of third places include cafes, bars, clubs, libraries, gyms, bookstores, parks, and theaters. Oldenburg argued that these places are crucial for civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing a sense of community and belonging[1][2][3][4][5].
  • Oldenburg identified several key characteristics of third places:

- **Neutral Ground**: People can come and go as they please without any formal invitation. - **Leveler**: They are inclusive, allowing people from different social and economic backgrounds to interact. - **Conversation as the Main Activity**: The primary activity in third places is engaging in lively and stimulating conversation. - **Accessibility and Accommodation**: They are conveniently located, often within walking distance from home or work. - **Regulars**: These places have regular patrons who are familiar with each other, but newcomers are also welcomed. - **Low Profile**: They are typically plain and unimpressive in appearance. - **Playful Mood**: The atmosphere is light and playful, encouraging people to stay longer and return frequently. - **Home Away from Home**: They provide a sense of comfort and belonging, similar to one's home[1][2][5].

• • Historically, examples of third places include the ancient Greek agora, imperial Chinese teahouses, and European coffeehouses, all of which served as central hubs for social interaction and community building[1].
  • Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place
[2] https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg
[3] https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/design/q-ray-oldenburg/
[4] https://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/third-places-true-citizen-spaces
[5] https://www.missionalchurchnetwork.com/blog/the-importance-of-third-places

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