THIRD PLACES IN PHILADELPHIA

In “The Problem of Place in America,” Ray Oldenburg defines third places as “public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work” (104). Unlike the private space of the home, third places are public. However, unlike the public place of work, third places are not defined by production. Also, Oldenburg seems to argue that these third places are not defined by consumption, although some of his examples of third places could be defined as consumer spaces (cafes, bars).

Based on Oldenburg's definition, what is a third place you go to on the Temple campus or in Philadelphia-at-large? What makes this place a “third place”? Why do you go to this place? How do you feel when you're in this third place?