There is not a little writing on third places. First proposed by sociologist Oldenburg, third places are characterized as a neutral meeting place for talking and laughter. Much writing on third places today centers around how they're disappearing. Bars, cafes, shopping malls closing down or is being moved farther away.

I think this sentiment might be more applicable to the US than Europe. However, I think there is a more subtle more insidious trend. Our existence is being increasingly commercialized, and it's increasingly difficult to be anywhere without participating in commercial activity. Existing, merely lingering somewhere, comes with a price tag.

There are only really parks, libraries, and to some extent community centers left as spaces where you can stay, hangout, and talk with people without having to participate in commercial activity. I think it's a great tragedy that there are not more such places. Cities are increasingly designed for consumers not people.