Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Interior Design
First Advisor
Roberto Ventura
Second Advisor
Kristin Carleton
Third Advisor
Laura Battaglia
Abstract
TOPIC
This project explores the significance of “third places”— informal public gathering spaces like cafés, parks, and libraries — and how design strategies in these spaces can help foster community connection and enhance well-being in a modern context.
PERSONAL RELEVANCE
While working a remote job during the pandemic, I experienced an overwhelming disconnect from the people around me. Like many people during that time, I was depressed. I then took an interest in the positive impacts of community connection on our health and well-being. I became fascinated by the concept of “third places,” a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1988 which refers to informal public gathering spaces, distinct from home (first place) and work (second place). Oldenburg emphasizes the decline of third places in modern society due to factors such as suburbanization, individualism, and the increase of digital technology.
LOCAL RELEVANCE
Richmond’s historic downtown area is not the social epicenter that it once was. It has numerous vacant buildings, a challenge shared by many urban centers in the aftermath of the pandemic. Revitalization efforts present opportunities for the city to bolster its social capital.
GLOBAL RELEVANCE
Globally, we are in an age of individualism where technology overshadows the need for community gathering. In “The Great Good Place” Oldenburg asserted: “The only predictable social consequence of technological advancement is that they will grow ever more apart from one another” (Oldenburg, 1997). Research shows a decrease in the ability of people to connect with other people in their communities with increased dependence on technology being one reason (Murthy, 2020).
ISSUE
In his 2022 book Public Space, Vikas Mehta, Professor of Urbanism at the University of Cincinnati, discusses the importance of visibility in public spaces which allows for recognition, affirmation of identity, and the relational link of an individual or group to society. Public spaces may be considered third places; however, third places are not always public spaces, especially if they are interiors. How can we as designers bring the dynamic, open, and collective qualities of public spaces to interiors? How can we use design strategies to help facilitate inclusivity and connection among diverse members of the community and enhance social well-being?
CONTEXT
In her 2022 book “Designing Coffee Shops and Cafés for Community”, Lisa Waxman explores what design strategies make third places more welcoming by investigating societal trends, environment and behavior theories, place attachment, branding, authenticity, location, layout, and ambiance. This project will further define the principles and critical components for the design of interior public spaces in the aftermath of the pandemic.
METHOD
To define the key design strategies of effective interior third places, this project will explore characteristics of third places and interior public spaces by conducting literature reviews of “The Great Good Place” by Ray Oldenburg, “Public Space” by Vikas Mehta, and “Designing Coffee Shops and Cafés for Community” by Lisa Waxman. These findings will be further developed through direct observations of existing third places.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2024