third places
A particular genre of public space is called third places (Oldenburg, 1991). “The third place is a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work” (p. 16). Oldenburg contends that gatherings in third places are an essential part of successful urban sociality. Third places are neutral ground away from home and work where patrons should feel like they are on a level field with one another. Casual friends regularly gather at a particular third place that is central to their sense of community. Among the regulars, conversation is the main activity, according to Oldenburg, and the mood is playful.
