The classic example is libraries, but ideally I’m thinking of places you can have a conversation.
Interested in types of places (“libraries”) or specific places. Growing up we would wander around the local grocery store which was open 24 hours.
Most public libraries aren’t the stereotypical “shhhh” environment you may remember. Go visit your local library and try it.
Source - library worker last 7 years
I’m curious, were they ever that stereotypical “shh” environment that movies claimed they were? Because no public library in my lifetime was ever like that (just smaller school libraries), but I can’t go back very far. Most libraries I’ve been to have multiple areas or floors, some which are quiet and others which are allowed to be noisy.
They were “shh” back in the day, but with time they have become more of a place for activity for the community. When I was a kid in the 80s and early 90s they were definitely more strict with keeping quiet, especially in the reading halls. Library history is actually quite interesting, and the whole development of the library as a key element in building and supporting democracy and community, is worth looking into.
Third spaces. Capitalism doesn’t like these as they don’t generate a profit. So there aren’t many left.
Libraries, parks, anything publicly owned and accessible.
There are some privately owned third spaces, like the inside of malls. But that’s about it I think.
Capitalism didn’t kill third spaces, technology did. Niel Postman and Robert Putnam spent most of their lives writing about the creep of technology and how it destroys actual human society and its base-level interactions.
Because “capitalism ruined it” is a tired and lazy excuse. I’m more interested in actual causes.
IKEA. Just sit on the sofas and hang out
Caves. There are caves all over the place. Bring a gun in case there is a bear.
Abandoned buildings.
Freeway overpasses.
The sewers.
Subway/train/bus stations.
Basically anywhere you find a lot of homeless people.
I had to go to IKEA for some furniture during a hotter period in the summer. The amount of people just hanging out and preventing us from actually trying the sofas was really annoying. So yeah, you can do it but it’s a bit of a dick move to actual shoppers.
(also fuck IKEA for making their store into a huge maze where you almost have to go through the entire thing even if you just want a single item)
This is an account of someone who just hung out in an Ikea, no thanks! https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-3008
I’ve only ever been to one IKEA, but at least for that one, there were somewhat subtle but definitely visible holes in the walls and displays to allow you to cut through the maze.
ETA: Also - again, for that one - if you know what particular item you want, you can find that item’s location on the website and go straight to the warehouse to grab the item off the shelves.
Malls are always a good choice. Food options, lots of seats. Can people watch.
They still exist in most towns and cities, and if not a mall, a strip mall usually has some inside portion. Smaller with less options, but still fits the bill.
most? citation needed. I’m 35 minutes from the nearest mall and I’m not even that rural. maybe you live on the east coast where things are more dense.
