1. A third place is an area where people can congregate, but it is separate from their home and office. It is an area where informal socialization is present, and where one can leave the worries of life behind. It is typically a coffee shop, or a bar where people can congregate and discuss anything they want. It is just one more place that somebody goes to regularly. It is another area that somebody feels comfortable in aside from the house and office.
2. A third place has to be somewhere that is comfortable for a person. Some important design aspects include plenty of seating that is comfortable. Also, some type of product or service that will attract people in the first place must be present. The place should be homey and welcoming, not necessarily new and extremely “hip.” In other words the place must function well behaviorally, and be attractive viscerally for it to become a prosperous third place.
3. The game room at Kalamazoo has the potential to be a third place, as well as the Jazzerman’s café. The worst decision the college made in the design of hicks was separating the two. A café and all those games along with the fireplace and combined seating would make for a very engaging area. The ability to get a smoothie, turn on the jukebox and enjoy a game of pool would be a great place. Add this to a fireplace, flat-screen television, and plenty of seating and you have a great area where students can sit, socialize, and enjoy themselves.