This is a reminder to architects, urban planners and citizens of how the design of authentic social places in downtowns reflects and cultivates communities all over the globe, every day. Based on the theory of urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg, Third Places offer a neutral ground for contemporary citizens to balance the demanding domestic (home) and gainful (work) realms of life. Numerous examples of Third Places exist in cultures and cities: cafés, barbershops, laundromats, delis, pubs, gyms and billiard halls. The concept focuses on the benefits of community-university partnerships aimed at...