“The third place is a concept which identifies places which are not home (first place) or work (second place).
As ‘informal public gathering places’, they are places of refuge, where people can eat, drink, relax, and commune in order to develop a sense of belonging to a place. They are gathering places where community is most alive and people are most themselves.
Third places are important because they act as ‘meditation between individuals and the larger society’ and increase a sense of belonging and community.
-Patricia Mou, “what is the third place (pt.1)” patriciamou.com.
She then talks about characteristics of a third place.
- Neutral ground or common meeting place
- Levelers or places that encourage, and are inclusive of, social and cultural diversity
- Regular patrons
- Low profile and informal places
- Places that foster a playful atmosphere
- A home away from home
- A place where conversation is the primary activity
- Places that are easy to access and accommodate various sedentary and active activities
cafebedouin.org 
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