Third Places

This week I’ve encountered the concept of “third places” three times. The first in a newspaper article arguing that what makes European cities so good are their third places and that in general new world cities and towns lack these places. In Australia third spaces have been neglected, prioritising the home. In the article, Melbourne was singled out as the most “European” major Australian city, largely because of its places.

Later I read a piece by Tsh Oxenreider (paid Substack) where she describes her third place and a common desire to live in a “humane-sized community.” In that, she offers some ideas for community building, several of which are already on my list. Hanging out in, or creating a third place is also featured.

Then, last night I was reading “The Art of Frugal Hedonism” and there was a chapter on finding free third places and making good use of them. I’d come across this concept in my missiology subjects. Oldenberg who coined the phrase defines a third place as:

“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.”

Oldenburg, “Great Good Place” p16

This cluster of references prompted me to think again about the third places in our new neighbourhood, now that we have settled in a bit. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the first couple of things that come to my mind when people ask us how we are enjoying the new neighbourhood are the third places. Specifically Elsternwick Park and Elwood Beach and the foreshore back towards our place from there. We have been making good use of these places, the park especially, as we chat with the other dog owners. Although we know the dog’s names rather than the people’s. I must start to remedy that. Both are good places for relaxing, and people-watching and are free. They also get plenty of use throughout the day by the community. I also class our little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop as a favourite third place. There’s usually a good crowd standing around either drinking their coffee or waiting for one.

Do you have good third places, accessible to a range of people in your neighbourhood? Where do you like to hang out that’s not work or home?