53 min listen
Beyond Home and Work: Exploring the Importance of Third Places
Beyond Home and Work: Exploring the Importance of Third Places
ratings:
Length:
44 minutes
Released:
Jan 31, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Welcome back to Urban Planning Is Not Boring! In today's episode, we delve into the concept of third places – those vital social hubs that bridge the gap between our homes (first places) and workplaces (second places). Join us as we uncover why third places are essential to fostering vibrant, connected communities.
American sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the notion of third places as crucial to democracy and social cohesion in this 1989 book "The Great Good Place".
Despite the allure of digital connectivity, research indicates that physical third places offer unique benefits. From promoting informal social interaction to strengthening productivity, these spaces play a pivotal role in shaping our collective well-being.
However, several impacts to the accessibility and allure of third places, including urban sprawl, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have created a decline in traditional third places. We examine what defines a third place – its atmosphere, accessibility, and sense of community – and discuss strategies urban planners can implement to revitalize these vital spaces.
From reimagining public spaces to fostering mixed-use developments, city planning efforts are adapting to prioritize the creation of third places. If you've been on TikTok or Reels lately, you've probably seen the rise of third places into mainstream media, thanks to creators like @signedbritt. The discussion on third places gives a name to the phenomenon that many people have experienced, such as after graduating college and realizing how walkable and accessible many amenities are on a college campus.
Join us as we navigate the past, present, and future of third places, and discover why these social sanctuaries are key to fostering social connections.
Sources:
Protecting the “Third Place:” The Pandemic’s Impact on Commercial Corridors and How to Support Them
Third places, true citizen spaces
Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a ‘Third Place’
“Third places” as community builders
American sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the notion of third places as crucial to democracy and social cohesion in this 1989 book "The Great Good Place".
Despite the allure of digital connectivity, research indicates that physical third places offer unique benefits. From promoting informal social interaction to strengthening productivity, these spaces play a pivotal role in shaping our collective well-being.
However, several impacts to the accessibility and allure of third places, including urban sprawl, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have created a decline in traditional third places. We examine what defines a third place – its atmosphere, accessibility, and sense of community – and discuss strategies urban planners can implement to revitalize these vital spaces.
From reimagining public spaces to fostering mixed-use developments, city planning efforts are adapting to prioritize the creation of third places. If you've been on TikTok or Reels lately, you've probably seen the rise of third places into mainstream media, thanks to creators like @signedbritt. The discussion on third places gives a name to the phenomenon that many people have experienced, such as after graduating college and realizing how walkable and accessible many amenities are on a college campus.
Join us as we navigate the past, present, and future of third places, and discover why these social sanctuaries are key to fostering social connections.
Sources:
Protecting the “Third Place:” The Pandemic’s Impact on Commercial Corridors and How to Support Them
Third places, true citizen spaces
Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a ‘Third Place’
“Third places” as community builders
Released:
Jan 31, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (49)
Embedded Planning Praxis with Jonathan Pacheco Bell: Sam and Nat have the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Pacheco Bell to discuss his Embedded Planning Praxis. We discuss the importance of moving from community engagement to community partnership in planning, focusing on the premise that planning does not happen from our desks! We have to plan in the spaces and places within the community. Listen to learn more about Jonathan and his Embedded Planning Praxis! Where can you find Jonathan Pacheco Bell? Follow him on Instagram @c1typlann3r @embeddedplanning Some of Jonathan’s Most Notable Work: 2018 manifesto in #PlanMag declaring Embedded Planning praxis exists Article defining Embedded Planning praxis Article covering Embedded Planning and graffiti origins Latest article on Embedded Planning praxis and environmental justice To find more of his work, check out his Linktree and his blog! Shoutout of the episode: LA Neighborhood Land Trust by Urban Planning is Not Boring