Why We Don't Hang Out Anymore | Third Places

Everyone says we're losing our third places. The spaces that aren't home, aren't work, and somehow become part of our lives anyway. As an architect, that got me wondering: can you actually design a third place, or does a place only become one when people decide to use it that way? Looking back at the malls, libraries, pubs, churches, bookstores, and gathering spaces of the past, I started noticing a pattern. Many of the most successful third places weren't designed around community itself. People showed up for books, shopping, drinks, or some other activity, and stayed for the community. In this video, I explore whether architecture can create community, or if the best we can do is create the conditions that allow it to happen naturally. Along the way, I'll sketch, model, and render a neighborhood reading house designed around comfort, flexibility, stewardship, and the simple idea of giving people a reason to gather. So what was your third place growing up? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments. 📐 Project files, floor plans, renderings, and bonus content available on Patreon:   / designintent   Software Used: • Autodesk Revit • Enscape • Adobe Photoshop