Third Place: Architecture, Spirit, and Community
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Learning Outcomes
- Understand the key universal characteristics of what distinguishes third-place environments with a strong spirit of place.
- Learn how to apply the guiding principles of enhancing and creating spirit of place at three different scales: individual building/site, district, and city.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the social value, inclusiveness, and timelessness of genius loci and why people are drawn to such environments.
More Course Details
What is it about some secular places where we can feel comfortable being alone yet have an inclusive sense of belonging to something bigger? How do they embody a genius loci whose fellowship appeals to all?
Whether it is a favorite restaurant, community arts center, outdoor plaza, or playground, the commonalities are human scale, opportunities for interactions with strangers, and an almost spiritual quality where all participants are equal and one collective community.
Today, developers try to hijack the third-place concept by bringing it in house and embedding it into their amenity packages. This pattern reinforces segregation, adding to the deterioration of our social fabric. Examine why spirit of place is integral to a genuine third place, how to create one, and the role art and cultural programming play in realizing success.
Explore authenticity, the importance of historic and cultural preservation, and drawing design inspiration from the environment, topography, and built context. Reflect on the importance of involving the community in the creation and continued support of third places.