The Great Good Place [1] by Ray Oldenburg
Ray Oldenburg introduced the concept of “third places” and described them as comfortable places where people gather, in between home and work. Highlighting the concept of socialization in a public space, he identified “third places” as spaces where one can meet other people and destress from work, without having to host a social gathering in one’s home . Among the key elements of “third places” are: (1) open and welcoming, with a great variety of people; (2) more comfortable way of socializing because there are no hosts; (3) people gather for the sheer joy of socializing; (4) there are rules for respectful conversations; (5) there are regulars who keep the place alive; (6) low key and simple physical structures which are accessible; and (7) the mood is always “playful.” Oldenburg emphasized that “third places” give people a “home away from home” feeling, of being welcomed, comfortable, and rested while at the same time enjoying the socialization which comes with meeting other people.
Resource website: https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg/
Other books by Ray Oldenburg:
Celebrating the Third Place: Inspiring Stories About the "Great Good Places" at the Heart of Our Communities [2]
Ray Oldenburg, The Great Good Place (Marlowe & Company New York 1989).
—-, Third Places (Sage Publications, Inc, 2003).