Third Places: On Neutral Ground
An ambivalent third place, somewhere in New Mexico.
So let’s get back to third places.
For the next few months, I’ll introduce each of the six essential qualities that effective third places share, why they matter, and wisdom we can glean for other parts of our lives.
On Neutral Ground
The first quality of a third place is that it’s on neutral ground. In other words, you’re not hanging out in someone’s home or another place that you are formally invited to. Third places are also not somewhere you’re forced or expected to be, like a workplace - no matter how cool your workplace might be.
You can come and go as you please without annoying a boss or offending a host.
Third places have no hosts and no bosses.
Why This Matters
Most importantly, third places aren’t dependent on any one person to organize. That prevents one person from both having to shoulder all the costs and also from having all the power.
A cult of personality is also harder to sustain over the long haul and doesn’t necessarily allow for the evolving needs of the regulars.
(more on the regulars in a future post)
A sense of voluntary participation is important as well, which is why third spaces aren’t first or second places, like your home or your workplace.
You actually want to be there, not simply out of familial or financial obligation.
Making a choice to be somewhere and then making a choice to leave somewhere are both empowering. This tends to keep people’s spirits, and thus the spirit of the place, pretty high.
Outdoor spaces can be third places like Rancho Deluxe , the original Bicycle Garden in Mason City, Iowa. Check out the Iowa PBS video below. Max Weaver is marvelous.
Gleaning Wisdom from Third PLace Culture
I can be contrary by nature, so as soon as I feel obligated to do something – and it truly makes no difference what this something is – my enthusiasm for the something instantly wanes.
Much of life is a series of obligations. How lovely it would be to only do what we want, where we want, when we want.
(getting wistful here)
HOWEVER, there IS wisdom is eliminating frivolous red tape, and making more “essential” events less-obligatory and more neutral, particularly when morale is low.
Having an after-hours work event, or an extra “opportunity for collaboration”? Don’t pile on parameters for participation. Let folks come if they like, and leave when they like.
Forced gatherings to build goodwill are rarely effective.
Instead, make them voluntary, short, and enjoyable. Low barrier for entry, little pressure to perform, and decent reward for showing up - like food, drink, music.
Be sure to read What’s Your Third Place for an introduction to Third Places, and if you’re feeling brave and generous, give a shout of your favorite third places in the comments below. :)