What is a Third Place?
By: June Lee
‘Tea at Shiloh’ in Downtown LA’s Arts District
The term “Third Space” pays homage to the term “The Third Place,” coined in the 1980s by the urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg. For Oldenburg, Third Places are the informal public gathering places critical for a functioning civil society. They are places where people come together, talk, relax, rejuvenate, and create special bonds. Examples of third places include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, community centers, public libraries, gyms, bookstores, maker spaces, stoops, parks, theaters, and opera houses, among others. Third places are essential for a healthy society, democracy, civic engagement, and establishing feelings of a sense of place.
My interest in this topic was inspired during a recent visit to 'Tea at Shiloh' in Downtown LA's Arts District over spring break. This late-night teahouse and creative hub offers patrons the opportunity to purchase "daylight tickets" and settle into cozy corners adorned with Noguchi lamps, greenery, ambient music, unlimited tea, fruits, and bean bags for working, resting, or mingling with fellow visitors. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our day there, basking in the natural sunlight streaming through skylight windows and the soothing aroma of eucalyptus incense. It struck me how such a space could enrich urban life in Manhattan.
Indeed, New York City already boasts a vibrant culture of Third Places, with coffee shops and public libraries bustling at all hours. The rise of remote work has further fueled the demand for such spaces. While working remotely offers flexibility, it can also lead to isolation. Public spaces like cafes, libraries, and coworking areas provide a welcome middle ground between the solitude of home offices and the formality of corporate environments. The proliferation of public Wi-Fi has facilitated this trend, enabling individuals to work from virtually anywhere. However, there's a risk that Third Places offering internet access may foster a sense of detachment among patrons, as they become engrossed in their online connections rather than engaging with those around them. This phenomenon mirrors the behavior observed in learning commons environments, where socializing tends to occur among existing acquaintances. Some establishments, like Nomad Café in Oakland, California, are addressing this issue by incorporating live performances and encouraging patrons to interact with each other through surveys or other means, thus fostering a sense of community and connection.
However, a space like Tea at Shiloh's is a rarity, at least in my experience. While I'm aware of photography studios that transform into coffee shops on weekends, I haven't come across a place in Manhattan where one can simply unwind from the city hustle or even take a nap. The challenges of creating such a space in Manhattan are formidable, primarily due to the exorbitant rent prices for commercial properties. To cover the costs and turn a profit, tickets would likely need to be priced at a premium.
In essence, the concept of Third Places continues to evolve, shaped by changing societal needs and technological advancements. Whether in bustling metropolises like New York City or burgeoning cultural hubs like Downtown LA, these communal spaces remain essential for nurturing social bonds, fostering creativity, and enriching the urban experience.
