Third place is a term for a social environment that is separate from home (your first place) and work (your second place). Examples of third places include clubs, churches, cafés, pubs, and parks.
Third places are community hubs that anchor community life and foster broader, more creative connections and interaction.
In his book “The Great Good Place,” Ray Oldenburg notes eight characteristics of great third places:
Neutral ground: People in third places aren’t obligated to be there. They aren’t financially, politically, legally, or otherwise tied down to the area, so they can come and go as they like.
Social leveling: In third places, your status in society doesn’t matter. Everyone is on equal footing, regardless of their socioeconomic background, which fosters a sense of community. There’s no need to meet any specific criteria to join or take part.
Conversation: The main focus in third places is usually fun and happy conversations, though they’re not the only thing happening. The tone is generally light and funny, with wit and good-natured humor being highly valueed.
Easy to access: Third places are relatively open and easy for people to access. They welcome and meet the needs of everyone there, making sure all occupants feel satisfied.
Regulars: Third places have a bunch of regulars who set the vibe and tone of the place. These regulars attract new people and help them feel welcome and comfortable.
Low profile: Third places are generally cozy and down-to-earth. They don’t have any flashy or grand features, just a warm and inviting feel. They’re never snobby or pretentious, welcoming people from all walks of life.
Playful: Conversations in third places are always relaxed and friendly, never tense or hostile. These places have a playful vibe where witty chat and lighthearted banter are not just common but appreciated.
Home away from home: In third places, people often feel the same warmth and belonging as in their own homes. They feel a deep connection to the space and get a sense of renewal just by being there.
Third places are also crucibles of possibility, due to their ability to host random collisions of possibilitarians, creative thinkers, and unusual people. Did you know that Lloyd’s of London, the London Stock Exchange, as well as Sotheby’s and Christie’s auction houses, all started as coffee shops?
When you visit your third place, you can relax in good company.
At the School of the Possible we host a weekly Zoom call where we invite anyone to join us in casual conversation to explore our mutual creative energy. We share what we are curious about exploring, and things we are interested in or inspired by. For many of us, it has become a third place, a home away from home, a safe place to explore and fuel our collective creative energy.
Join us any Friday from 9 to 10:30 AM Us Pacific time. Joining instructions here.