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Third to our homes and the workplace, the “third space” is a term used to identify an influential social space that we gather around to establish a sense of community.

According to Ray Oldenbur, author of The Great Good Place, third spaces (or places) are “anchors” of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. Think coffee shops, bookstores, cafes, community centers, bars, galleries and hair salons.

This month our friends from The Feast sat down with Gabe Florenz, COO of Pioneer Works Center for Art and Innovation in Red Hook and Jenny Gersten, Executive Director of Friends of the Highline to discuss what it takes to build a great community space:

01 There Are Two Sides
Focus on creating a space that is welcoming for everybody. Be careful of being one-sided.

02 Neighborhood Watch
Think about your neighborhood; what’s the best fit for your community? What does it need?

03 Community Assistance
Work with community members to help sculpt the direction of the space so you can create real impact on the surrounding community.

04 Gather
Provide interactive objects for people to gather around. i.e. dog parks, playgrounds, gardens, campfire/fire pits + more.

05 Power Of The People
Give the people a say.  Provide an opportunity for the community to have a say in some of the activities, classes, events and happenings at the space.

06 Express Yourself
Think about creating a space that is both inspiring and allows everyone to express themselves. Think about other public spaces; what elements of those spaces bring people alive?

These tips were part of a dialogue hosted by The Feast Worldwide, a monthly dinner series that gathers creatives, and entrepreneurs for inspired action in their community. Each month in cities across the globe creators come together over the dinner table to rally around a local entrepreneur, feasting on delicious food, creative energy, and incredible ideas. Want to attend the next Feast dinner?  Apply Here

Learn + Connect
About Pioneer WorksPioneer Works Center for Arts and Innovation is an institution dedicated to the synthesis, creation and discussion of art, science and education. Pioneer Works is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Pioneer Works acts as a social hub for the inception and dissemination of art and ideas.

From the Editor
At Conscious, we are inspired by remarkable people, and so we set out to tell stories that highlight real human interactions and human dignity, and we’re calling it stories that matter. You can read more stories like this when you pick up your copy of Conscious Magazine. Subscribe today via our Conscious Shop.

RELATED STORIES: Learn more about the Founder of Feast and about Stimulating Voices

Photo Credit: Bekka Palmer