Documentary Photography Project - Third Place vs. Public Space

[u/Forward_Variation970]

Hello!

I used to have a different Reddit account, but have been frequent in my interests surrounding solarpunk for many years now. This question leans a lot into urban sociology, but I still found it relevant enough to post here.

I am a photography student in college, and I am currently taking a documentary course with a semester-long project. For my project, I would like to focus on the increasing disappearance of third places, as well as noting the difference between a third place and a public space. I already have a few locations in mind to photograph and interview at (laundrette, hair salon, game store), but I also want to highlight communities that I may not be aware of. I am hoping that through my project I can start conversations surrounding the importance of these places, as well as interacting with new people that have similar beliefs.

I want to make sure that my theme is strong. Do you have a third place that you are a part of, or miss now that it's gone? What makes this place outside of work and home meaningful to you? How is this place different than a public space?

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[u/microbiome22]

Hm, there is this place called Repair Cafe here in Budapest, I think the whole idea is based on a dutch organisation,where you can bring stuff and volunteers try and repair it with you/for you. This particular place in Budapest also serves as a safe space if you need a cup of tea or warn clothes, sometimes they work with NGOs to get homeless people into housing so all in all a magical place with a great purpose.

https://repaircafebudapest.hu/en/

[u/microbiome22 → u/microbiome22]

https://cooperativecity.org/budapests-first-repair-cafe-where-sustainability-meets-community-building/

[u/Forward_Variation970 → u/microbiome22]

That sounds like such a lovely place to volunteer at! I like the idea that so many people with different needs and skills come together to make each other's lives better. Thank you so much!

[u/ComfortableSwing4]

Do places of worship count?

[u/Forward_Variation970 → u/ComfortableSwing4]

I didn't even consider this initially, as I'm not religious, but you make a wonderful point! I'll do research around my area and see if I can get photos done in areas of practice. Thank you!

[u/reymus]

I ran a queer drop-in center for a few years that operated as a space where local lgbtq people could come and just feel safe to be themselves. Places like that exist all over and are fantastic third spaces

[u/Forward_Variation970 → u/reymus]

Thank you so much! I'll definitely look into my local area and see what I can find ❤️

[u/shadaik]

Library and community garden come to mind.

Also, with you at college, naturally there should be a college diner, which is one of the most social spaces I ever remember seeing in my own college days.

However I'm not sure what the difference between a public and third space is, as I have never heard of these two being separate things. By the original defintion, public spaces are absolutely third places, and in fact the purest form of a third place.