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.
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.
Hospitals!
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.
hotel lobby. hospital waiting room. train station. airport. church.
If you sit in a hotel lobby long enough, most properties will eventually kick you out. You can usually get away with it during the day, but you’ll start to stick out more the later in the day it gets. At night, the night auditor probably won’t even let you in the front door.
Pretend like you belong there if you do need to hang out in a lobby for a while, and don’t make a mess.
Source: am former FDA/night auditor.
