The Third Place Didn’t Vanish. We Zoned It Out, Priced It Out, and Drove Past It.

The concept of "third places," introduced by Ray Oldenburg, highlights social spaces outside home and work, crucial for community connection. Unfortunately, American urban planning has systematically eliminated these places, leading to rising loneliness. Solutions include creating walkable, mixed-use environments that prioritize free access to genuine public spaces, fostering social interaction and belonging.