Comments on: What makes a great Third Place?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:47:21 +0000

It’s a luxury but I really appreciate a clean, attractive and private bathroom. Stall doors that shut from floor to ceiling are a jackpot.

By: Mary Bowling

Mary Bowling — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:29:49 +0000

Hey Aaron! Thanks for the new word in my vocabulary. Here in Glenwood Springs,Colorado the city put free WiFi in all of our city parks 2-3 years ago. The little pocket park downtown is particularly popular and fits a lot of your requirements with all kinds of refreshment places close by. Comfortable seating is the weak spot – not too great at the picnic table or on the brick wall, but you can always lounge on the grass. Outdoor 3rd places rock! Mary

By: Referencement

Referencement — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:13:16 +0000

I work online all day, I’ve tried to work in a Starbuck’s coffee but it’s simply impossible I just don’t feel comfortable. I think places for online workers are seriously missing in this world and I’d be the first to go to such a place, because working alone at home just isn’t fun anymore…

By: Must-Haves for Third Places | Coffee Shop Journal

Must-Haves for Third Places | Coffee Shop Journal — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:10:37 +0000

[...] Aaron Dalyrmple, another blog author, contacted me about Third Place concepts, and what items he has on his list of “must haves” for a comofortable third place to work in. Go check out his blog HERE and let’s discuss what we think our list would contain. And have you ever found such a spot? Give me your secret hideaways! [...]

By: Marla Saunders

Marla Saunders — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:00:19 +0000

Thank you so much for this post, Aaron, as well as the comment on my blog. You have a great list going. I think I would emphasize two points: I like to have someone with design sense decorate the place so that there are things to look at that might spark a creative idea once in awhile. I absolutely can not handle the “Let’s use mother’s china” kind of place, but that’s my personal opinion. Secondly, I think the atmosphere that is created by the staff is crucial. Their interactions with both the public and each other have to be centered around building community. One shop in our are has a staff who love to complain about their boss the moment he walks out the door.

Like yur commenter Dennis said, I am also wondering about the social changes brought about by the commoditization of wifi. Think about the possibiities! Spaces that are designed well and have a welcoming personality will rise to the top.

Thanks again, for finding me. I’m enjoying your blog.

By: Patrick Soch

Patrick Soch — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:19:22 +0000

Here in Denver, I have a wonderful Third Place called St. Mark’s Coffee House. This is one of my most productive places to work. The funny thing is that St. Mark’s is noisy, busy, and usually full of an eclectic mix ranging from bohemians to law students and everything in between. They have FREE wi-fi.

I spend as much time people watching as I do working. Sometimes I just daydream a bit, but when I pack up to go home I always accomplished much more than I originally set out to do.

Third Places have a lot to offer. Thanks for blogging about them and making me take the time to think about why they are important.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:12:51 +0000

Good thought, Dennis. My front yard seems to be a Third Place for most of the summer, as you well know…

By: Dennis Cass

Dennis Cass — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:20:38 +0000

I can’t improve on your list, sir. But I will offer this:

When non-wireless mobile internet (cellular mobile?) becomes more widespread, will everywhere become a Third Place?

I don’t necessarily think that’s bad. But it will be interesting to see how places that don’t think of themselves as Third Places cope with the untethered hoards.