Where We Go is a piece I wrote about third places, the term, coined by Ray Oldenburg is used to describe the spaces we spend most of our time outside of our home and work.

This was a fun piece to work on and allowed me to exercise my writing muscles on a topic which I could talk about for hours.

I hope you enjoy the read!!

Introduction

Characteristics

Oldenburg believed that not every setting could serve as a third place, so while many spaces may facilitate gatherings, events, etc., They lack many of the eight specific characteristics set out by Oldenburg.

• Neutral Ground – A third place must be located on neutral ground, where individuals are free to come or go as they please with no obligation to be there and no one playing the role of host.
• Leveler – Within a third place everyone must be equal, rank and status that certain individuals may have within society have no place within a third place. Everyone from all walks of life is welcomed and accepted.
• Conversation is the Main Activity – Lively and cheerful conversations dominate the scene in third places. It allows for stimulating and engaging conversations which encourage the exchange of hopes and ideas.
• Accessibility & Accommodation – Third places must be open and easily accessible for when it may be needed, meaning that it should be conveniently located and open to individuals without requiring them to make a reservation.
• Regulars – Regulars should be a fixture within any third place, they help set the tone and mood of the place and make it what it is. Newcomers are also welcome in third places, in fact the regulars help make them feel welcomed and included.
• Low Profile – Third places embody a sense of wholesomeness. They are never extravagant or pretentious, instead they have quite a homely and modest feel.
• Playful Mood – In third places, a playful and light-hearted atmosphere is essential. Any tension or animosity should be left behind and forgotten about in third places, instead laughter and lively conversation are encouraged and valued.
• Home Away From Home – A feeling of warmth and belonging, comparable to one that might be felt at home, should radiate from third places. Individuals should feel regenerated after spending time there.

Oldenburg’s characteristics of what makes a third place were created in 1989, at which point the internet was only in its infancy. In fact, the World Wide Web did not become available for public use until 1993. So, in the context of how the world operated in the ’80s and ’90s, Oldenburg’s classification of third places was valid and relevant.

However, since we now live in the age of the internet with more dynamic and evolved third places, a re-evaluation of the original characteristics may be needed to fully grasp the idea of third places in modern times. A reassessment was carried out by Dana E. Vaux and Michael R. Langlais in 2021. From the study results, nine emerging criteria for evolving third-place characteristics were identified. These new characteristics adapt Oldenburg’s original criteria to reflect the current reality of online socialising.

• Relationship Initiation & Maintenance – Third places foster social connections, offering opportunities to sustain current relationships and form new ones. (A reassessment of the initial 'Neutral' characteristic)