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5-2019

Decoding Third Places

Caleb Bertels

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DECODING THIRD
PLACES
CALEB
BERTELS

MAY 2019

HONORS CAPSTONE
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
FAY JONES SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN

CAPSTONE CHAIR:

NOAH BILLIG
DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
FAY JONES SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

FRANK JACOBUS
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
FAY JONES SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN

JEFF SHANNON
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
FAY JONES SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

ABSTRACT: 03

INTRODUCTION: 05

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 09

METHODS AND PROCESS: 17

CASE STUDY - COOPER

HEWITT MUSEUM: 23

CASE STUDY - CITYGARDEN: 47

CASE STUDY - CITY PUMP: 79

CASE STUDY - 8TH STREET MARKET: 99

SYNTHESIS/DISCUSSION: 131

CONCLUSION: 139

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES: 143
 ABSTRACT:

Urban open spaces should give back to the public, diagrams. This breadth of information is a reference
creating vital and valuable places within a city. for designing other successful open spaces in the
People should want to seek out these spaces to future. The results may also point to new or
occupy, seeing them not as useless gaps between alternative methods for the future research of public
buildings but areas with their own value and identity. third places.
To create this public demand, successful open The design of open spaces is an important
spaces contain qualities of third places. Third topic for creating more engaging and appealing
places, a term coined by Ray Oldenburg, describes cities. Without proper consideration, these areas
somewhere familiar that people choose to spend are often uninteresting and wasted space that does
their time outside their first places (their homes) and little to create attraction to downtown areas. The
their second places (their work). Third places bring accommodation of current public needs and desires
communities closer together and are open to the in conjunction with design moves and decisions that
public, but not all open spaces are third places. have worked in the past has the potential to create a
What are the qualities and elements of third places space that citizens frequently occupy and are proud
that designers can include in the creation of an open of. This capstone delves deeper into understanding
space to establish a cherished and successful how such a goal is possible.
component of an urban context?
The capstone examines four case studies
and consists of observations and photos at each to
determine how individual elements contribute to the
overall qualities of third places that bring different
groups of citizens together and establish a space as
a valued part of the community. These four case
studies are the City Pump in Rogers, AR, the Cooper
Hewitt Museum’s outdoor garden space in New
York, NY, the Citygarden in St. Louis, and the 8th
Street Market in Bentonville, AR. The observations
are compared against the writings of urban
designers and theorists including William Whyte,
Randolph Hester, and specifically the work of Ray
Oldenburg including his constructs of third places to
determine if and how their ideas are true in actual
precedents. Each case study features key
takeaways through written description and graphic
diagraming regarding how the different elements
create qualities of third places--or if they do at all.
The subsequent results have a wide range of
applications for the future of public space design.
The capstone culminates in the create of a
catalogue featuring all the case studies, their written
descriptions, observations, photos, and elemental

3
4
 INTRODUCTION

5 6
 INTRODUCTION:
Public and accessible open spaces are economic classes to interact. Spaces with entrance
integral components of successful urban fees or lack of free amenities may be excluded.
environments. Capable of housing a multitude of Small urban parks, city/town squares, areas of urban
activities and occupants, they provide opportunities recreation, and other public gathering spaces
for people to interact, relay information, and surrounded by urban context are adequate
exchange goods and services. Successful open examples for research. The case studies will consist
spaces often rely on the qualities of “third places” to of locations in four US cities—two examples from
accommodate such actions. As described by Ray larger metropolitan areas and two from a less dense
Oldenburg, third places are informal gathering Arkansan background. These studies examine the
places in a neighborhood that are separate from the history, current status, and possible future of third
home (first places) and work (second places). 1 Third place qualities in the space. Much of the work is
places vary from local diners to post offices to coffee observational and documentative in nature, breaking
shops, but all provide a relief in the routine of the down different components of the space to
home-to-work-to-home lifestyle that leads to determine how each one contributes to a larger
negative social well-being and psychological whole. How are the aspects of third places
health. 2 Additionally, urban spaces last longer when incorporated into the design and identity of cities’
people take interest in them. Because third places open spaces in ways that foster stronger community
are inherently those that people seek out and bonds and a longer life for open spaces given the
choose to occupy, the replication of their qualities needs of communities are changing?
and elements in open spaces draws residents and The study of how to accommodate the
visitors over time. The open space, after achieving changing needs of city dwellers through the
a continuous flow of occupants, becomes a incorporation of good open spaces is an important
significant point of attraction in the city, a space topic with many implications. The urban sprawl in
worthy of preservation and upkeep instead of falling America of the second half of the twentieth century
into disrepair as is the case with some older open occurred when people left the dense urban centers
spaces. People, however, are dynamic creatures looking for new opportunities and ways of living their
with changing needs and desires as time lives. Cities remain popular destinations today, but
progresses, meaning open spaces and qualities of how can the form of open spaces and their
third places must adapt as well if they are to continue interaction with supporting program emphasize
to attract people. health, environmental symbiosis, and adaptability for
The capstone project explores questions the future? As sprawl continues to grow in America,
concerning successful open spaces, specifically the how can designers make denser communities more
components within these spaces and how they attractive and offer many opportunities? The
exhibit qualities of third places. The study includes capstone project examines the relationship
case study research and literary reviews from between open spaces and their role as third
experts in the field of urban planning and open places to create useful, engaging, adaptive, and
spaces. These open spaces are defined as, for this pleasant experiences for citizens of the
exploration, spaces providing a level ground for community and guests. This exploration is part of
locals and guests of varying backgrounds and a larger discussion in the field of design.

1
Oldenburg, Ray, “Our Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” Planning Commissioners Journal 6, no. 25 (1996-1997), 6.
2
Oldenburg, “Our Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 7.

7
 The capstone has two main purposes—
cataloguing and testing existing data. Firstly, the
study and documentation of successful examples of
open spaces and how they behave as third places is
a guide for the work of future designers
responsible for urban planning and the creation
of community environments. Instead of
reinventing the wheel, designers should consult
precedents of previous works that have benefitted
the community in which they exist, not to directly
replicate the space but rather to take away the key
themes and successful moves of the open space.
Secondly, the capstone is a test to examine if the
elements of third places are performing in the
ways researchers such as William Whyte and
Roy Oldenberg believe they do. What may be
effective or successful in one space may not in
another space and urban context. The capstone
explores whether the design of open spaces can be
reduced to a prescriptive list of elements to create a
third place or if the qualities of such a place are
achieved through other means.
As people continue to become more
independent from their communities due to
advancements in technology, the nature of open
spaces continues to change and evolve, creating a
constant source of study and observation. These
areas are not only nodes of activity inside an urban
fabric where businesses and public events benefit
from the sources of people. They are places where
people come together, get to know one another, and
foster stronger bonds that enhances the strength of
a city. The success of these spaces depends on
creating atmospheres, activities, and elements that
people find attractive and will gravitate towards.
Third places also exemplify these qualities, and
there are several successful examples of how an
open space can act as a third place. The capstone
will delve into these ideas and precedents to create
a better understanding of how effective open spaces
operate using third place qualities.

8
 BACKGROUND
INFORMATION

9 10
 BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

A wealth of information exists regarding the as “public space.” 7 These areas were third places.
nature of open spaces and third places. Writers The activism of several movements, such as
such as Randolph Hester, Ray Oldenburg, William women’s rights and civil rights, starting in the 1960’s
Whyte, and others have dedicated years of thought gave people a voice to more aspects of their life,
and research on the topics. These observations including urban planning and open space design. 8
coupled with an investigation into new opportunities As peoples needs and desires changed, they sought
in urban environments will provide meaningful a reflection of this transition in the cities they
insight into the capstone’s stated exploratory inhabited. During the 1990’s there was a shift in the
purpose. Common themes among the studied public as what Jan Gehl refers calls a “leisure
sources include unification of neighborhoods, society” to an “experience society”—people seek a
accessibility, adaptability, and serving the needs of wide range of options and activities specialized for
the community as they transform. These ideas are various groups and attractive to individuals. 9 The
not without their set of challenges to overcome. idea of Oldenburg’s third places is well suited for
While third places are open for all, not all designing open spaces for this relatively new and
open spaces become third places. In Celebrating continuing trend in society. He continuously
the Third Place, Oldenburg notes that many public reaffirms that third places are those where people
spaces claiming to be third places are very spend time away from home and work to relax
impersonal experiences with more focus on around one another on a regular basis. 10 By
customer turnover rather than establishing a adopting the qualities of third places, open spaces
comfortable environment for people. 3 Since the end can once again foster a sense of community in the
of World War II, people have become more private, urban context they serve.
residing in their suburban neighborhoods lacking Both good open spaces and third places
gathering places. 4 The move of the American public share a common goal—to unite the community in
to the suburb hurt the quality of open spaces across which they are located. Ray Oldenburg comments
the country—they lacked the people that made that people no longer know their neighbors, but the
these spaces popular. William Whyte points out that introduction of places to gather easily,
creation of plazas in front of skyscrapers were simply inexpensively, regularly, and enjoyably could
ways that the city allowed developers to build these remedy this issue. 11 Knowing one’s own neighbors
structures taller. 5 The rise of super stores stole is an important step in a chain reaction that leads to
business away from small shops that once served people having a larger sense of connection to a
as third places, and the heavy use of the automobile place, thus increasing the dedication to the upkeep
led to highways cutting through the open spaces in and involvement in design decisions that allow
cities. 6 Public planning in this period lost focus on public spaces to adapt and grow with their
many of the human activities that once resided in the communities. The owners and operators of a space
space between buildings not specifically designated are even part of third places, becoming “public

3
Roy Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place: Inspiring Stories About the Great Good Places in the Heart of Our Cities,
(New York: Marlowe & Company, 2001), 3.
4
Oldenburg, Celebrating Third Place, 2.
5
Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre, How to Study Public Life, trans. Karen Ann Steenhard, (Washington: Island Press, 2013),
52.
6
Gehl and Svarre, Study Public Life, trans. Steenhard, 48.
7
Ibid, 45.
8
Ibid, 49.
9
Ibid, 65.
10
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 2.
11
Ray Oldenburg, “Our Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” Planning Commissioners Journal 6, no. 25 (1996-1997), 6.

11
characters” that are community members who watch unifying factors and is a vital component of an
over people and have information about the engaging public space design. 18 For example,
neighborhood. 12 At these third places, people of Lafayette Square Park in Oakland has activities for
similar interests and hobbies frequently interact, the young and old, for middle income Korean
promoting the culture of a given area and creating a citizens and low income African American citizens,
sense of place. 13 The London Design District being and for concert goers and those hoping for a walk in
developed by Knight Dragon, to state a drastic the park. 19 Studio Gang’s Polis Station project in
example, seeks to eventually house over 1,800 local Chicago takes another approach to public design
artists and designers in affordable workshops and relevant to today’s issues—creating better
studios of unique architectural form. 14 Open space relationships between police and the communities
and third places of this development are tailored to they serve. 20 Beginning with the installation of a
the inhabitants to help unify their individual lifestyles. basketball court in what used to be a police station
In any case, Oldenburg advocates that third places parking lot, the Polis Station project provides local
offer information and connections for both local youth with a safe place to play and interact with
residents and visitors and become backbones of a police officers, while officers benefit by building
community where people can gather for a multitude better understandings of people in the
of reasons. 15 He is not alone in this manner of neighborhood. 21 Studio Gang ultimately hopes to
thinking. expand the scope of their experiment throughout the
Randolph Hester’s book Design for community, creating zones of recreation, education,
Ecological Democracy echoes Oldenburg’s thinking, commerce, creativity, public services, and other
stating that open spaces should unite people and not components advocated by both Hester and
divide them. His idea of centeredness can facilitate Oldenburg that allows for citizens to speak and
this task by combining different activities to one area share information with public figures. 22 One problem
such as commercial, civil, residential, recreational, the firm may experience, however, is the zoning laws
transportation, religious, and educational present in so many American cities.
opportunities. 16 The creation of shared interests Zoning in cities has not always been a
between different ages, cultures, social classes, and negative practice. Division in cities began out of
other factors can only strengthen the community and health concerns when city planners moved workers’
increase dedication to public spaces. 17 Social housing away from industrial factories, but divisions
mutualism describes the connection between soon extended to create nodes of business,
groups seemingly opposing one another due to commerce, and government. 23 The creation of

12
Oldenburg, Celebrating Third Places, 5.
13
Oldenburg, “Our Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 7.
14
Ali Morris, “Plans Unveiled for London’s First Purpose-Built Design District,” Dezeen, accessed October 5, 2017,
[Link]
architecture-uk/
15
Oldenburg, “Our Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 7-8.
16
Randolph Hester, Design for Ecological Democracy, (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2006), 23.
17
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 27.
18
Ibid., 60.
19
Ibid., 81.
20
“Polis Station,” Studio Gang, accessed September 26, 2017, [Link]
21
“Polis Station,” Studio Gang.
22
Ibid.
23
Jeff Speck, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time, (New York: North Point Press,
2012), 105.

12
 BACKGROUND INFORMATION (CONT.):

these nodes with the introduction of the automobile are easily accessible. Third places and open spaces
reduced the need to distribute program throughout may be found places, not destinations, but this
urban environments, leading to sprawl. Residential possibility is negated if a flow of people is not moving
units too far from open spaces could result in the by. Oldenburg emphasizes that third places be
termination of these areas all together due to disuse. within walking distance of citizens to maximize the
Local taverns, for example, usually receive 80% of opportunity for public gathering, the spreading of
their business from a radius of two blocks, 24 and they information and ideas, and to serve as an
would lose much of this business if people were emergency meeting area for collective comfort in
forced to live elsewhere. Unifunctional zoning times of crisis. 28 Third places often thrive on street
prevents commercial activity in residential areas, pedestrians passing by and can serve as entry
forcing people to either stay at home or drive to points or attraction point leading to larger public
where only chains and larger companies can rent spaces. Just as important as walkability is access to
space. 25 The idea of centeredness calls for multiuse the amenities themselves. There is a trend in urban
centers within walking distance from where people planning to locate amenities in wealthy areas and
live, not the specialized nodes of activity that lead to move more liabilities and hazardous elements in
sprawl. 26 These multiuse centers have the poorer areas. 29 An open space should provide a
opportunity to house qualities of third places for place for all to thrive in, enjoy, and voice their
community interaction and the exchange of ideas opinions. Political ignorance is on the rise, but open
that ultimately enrich a neighborhood. Many of the spaces and third places where people interact with
case studies in this capstone that are successful one another can facilitate discussion and debate
open third places are located within walking distance about ongoing social concerns and issues and may
of residencies. Urban planner Jeff Speck suggests ultimately lead to action or change for the betterment
that to integrate people into a compelling public of the community. 30 The main idea with accessibility
environment of multiple uses, urban planners need is that people have access to what they need and
to create a variety of downtown housing so that desire, and open spaces respond to this demand.
people move into the city, thus encouraging Giving the people what they want is one way
commercial, social, and educational ventures to to create a long-lasting public space. The more
follow. 27 By doing so, open spaces become more designers accommodate the needs and wants of a
accessible to the people they serve and are more neighborhood, the more committed the citizens will
likely to become third places through consistent use. be to maintain and enhance the public space. 31
Accessibility is a major part in determining Third places have the ability to create this dedication
the success of open spaces and a key component of to place, providing people with what they need and
third places. People will be more likely to travel to a want as well as a sense of community. 32 In The
place where their interests lie if it is within walking Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, William Whyte
distance. More importantly, people are more likely records observations about open space in various
to discover new open spaces and activities if they American cities. Though dated now compared to the

24
Ibid, 7.
25
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 4.
26
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 21.
27
Speck, Walkable City, 112.
28
Oldenburg, “Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 8.
29
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 82.
30
Oldenburg, Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 8.
31
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 28.
32
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 11.

13
time of its creation, Whyte’s record indicates that an importantly is how a space operates over the course
open space’s success or failure is determined by the of a year. A third place is one that can host activities
quantity of seating, the relationship to the street, the and events for different times of the year, 39 providing
amount and quality of sunlight, proximity to food, and guests with fresh experiences and thus reasons to
the presence of water and trees. 33 These visit on multiple occasions. Open spaces
observations and the methods by which to obtain sometimes struggle with this aspect due to the highly
them continue to influence the design of open open-air nature of many examples. To become a
spaces. The project known as CO-REUS by the third place, urban open spaces must consider the
University of Amsterdam, for example, uses modern changing of the weather and seasons as well as how
observational studies to conduct interventions and people spend their days. Only when people can use
experiments to improve ArenA Boulevard. 34 These a space at a wide range of times can a space truly
methods include pedestrian tracking, time lapse serve its community. Though a space may adapt
mapping, studying the types of people using the over time, the consistency of a pleasant experience
space, surveys, and laying all of this information over or some constant features solidifies a third place as
each other. 35 Similarly, Camillo Sitte suggests a permanent component of the community in which
reviving the qualities of traditional cities—create it is found. 40 Through a combination of adaptability
open space based on the activities and diversity of and familiarity, open third places can host a wide
the people alright at a given location. 36 Christopher range of activities.
Alexander echoes this line of thinking with the belief The opportunity for public or private events
that the public and users of open urban space are utilizing either formal or informal interactions is
the best consultants for designing public third another important consideration of an open third
places. 37 Understanding and accommodating the a place. 41 The use of different scales of spaces as well
wide range of people in a public space is a as different atmospheric qualities distributed
challenging task, but necessary to provide all the throughout an open space facilitate this need.
activities and supporting program that make open Designers must consider how different activities
spaces beneficial, memorable, and integral to the occupy the space. For example, a meeting between
identity of a given place. As such, third places and two business colleagues requires a very different
open spaces must be adaptable to changing setting than a child’s birthday party, but one space
demands and future needs. can accommodate both needs given the right
The passage of time requires all things to organization or utilization of third places. What can
evolve, including the public spaces, as people’s a coffee shop offer a public plaza in terms of public
opinions and ways of living change. Cities are service that a tavern cannot? Neutrality is an
known for being active at many hours of the day, important aspect of third place, meaning that people
requiring their open spaces to be used frequently at have the opportunity to informally partake in
almost any time, day or night. 38 Perhaps even more

33
William Whyte, The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, Film, Directed by William Whyte, New York: Municipal Art
Society of New York, 1980.
34
“How Can We Make Public Space Real-Time Adaptive According to Users’ Needs?”, Amsterdam University of Applied
Sciences, accessed September 13, 2017, [Link] .
35
Ibid.
36
Gehl and Svarre, Study Public Life, trans. Steenhard, 43.
37
Ibid., 53.
38
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 25.
39
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 84.
40
Ibid., 69.
41
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 25.

14
 BACKGROUND INFORMATION (CONT.):

appropriate activities within a given space. 42 A upon them.” 50 If these trends are hurting open and
simple example Oldenburg gives for such an idea is third spaces, how can they adapt to become
the provision for seating configurations varying in prominent sources of human interaction once again?
both size and number for different groups of people What types of program will increase the usefulness
or for individuals, 43 a recommendation that William of these spaces?
Whyte also observed in his studies of open The Internet is a prominent and
spaces. 44 People’s interests, needs, and activities indispensable element from today’s way of living.
also continue to shift. Hester encourages the However, it has reduced the need for many third
development of spaces that inspire thought for future places that help public spaces thrive. Mail can be
planning. 45 In this way, the future of open spaces sent electronically, goods and services can be
and third places continue to adapt for their ordered online, and people can call, text, and video-
community. chat one another. Increased connection online
Though the importance of open spaces’ and leads to a reduction in the physical interaction that
third places’ adaptability for the future cannot be make third places unique. How can these places
underemphasized, these urban components face a increase their relevance in the midst of an
threat in the form of modern society. Randolph increasingly digital world? Ironically, the corporate
Hester describes five aspects of modern living that tech giant Apple partnered with Foster + Partners to
are hurting the success of open spaces and third take on this issue. The Apple Michigan Avenue
places—mobility, affluence, standardization, store in Chicago engages the community and
technology, and specialization. 46 People are no encourages them to enter through an entirely glass
longer connected to or reliant upon their community façade, creating “town square” to make the store a
due to the automobile, online connectivity, and community location as well as a place for retail. 51
means to support themselves. 47 In turn, Although driven by commercial means, this Apple
standardization diminishes the concept of place, store does provide a place for people of similar
giving people less and less reason to engage in a interest to gather, as well as other to enjoy the
community that is no longer unique. 48 Corporate riverfront. Technology in the form of online business
businesses and chains buying out locally-owned transactions, telecommuting from home, and shared
third places also reduce the character and identity of working spaces is also changing the way in which
an open space. Oldenburg iterates that a third place people work, requiring changes in the way they
will benefit its community the most when it remains occupy the city. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
locally and independently owned. 49 He says in estimates that 40% of the US workforce will be
Celebrating the Third Place, “the best third places temps, independent contractors, and solopreneurs
are locally owned, independent, small-scale, steady-
state business, and both government and
incorporated chain operations have wreaked havoc

42
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 75.
43
Ibid., 38.
44
Whyte, Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
45
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 26.
46
Ibid., 17.
47
Ibid.
48
Ibid.
49
Oldenburg, “Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 10.
50
Oldenburg, Celebrating the Third Place, 4.
51
Patrick Lynch, “Apple’s First Town Square Retail Concept Opens in Chicago,” ArchDaily, accessed October 20, 2017,
[Link] .

15
by the year 2020. 52 With so many citizens through integrated third place components could
untethering themselves from the traditional office, revitalize the concept of an open space and create a
cities must configure themselves to adapt to this new sense of place in urban centers that are often
way of life. How can open space satisfy the dominated by more of the same. The capstone
demands of increasingly work-oriented generations project investigates how open spaces serve as third
through supporting third places qualities? places in ways that foster stronger community bonds
Designers of open space are beginning to as community needs continuously change.
blur the lines between the third places people seek
out for relaxation and second places that are
traditionally the main centers of work. By doing so,
the space can serve a broader audience of those
wanting to pursue their career or creative works
while still being part of a community and
experiencing an atmosphere different from their
homes or traditional working environments.
Communities such as Lavapies, Spain strongly
embraced the new programmatic element to the
urban fabric. After conversations with the public,
Colectivo PEC Architects inserted the Lavapies
Market Workspace into the empty fish market,
providing the neighborhood with a new component
to its identity that people desired. 53 These changes
in the way people work will no doubt affect the nature
of open spaces as third places.
The people of the world are continually
dividing themselves further and further from one
another. Whether by increased social tensions in
public, stricter zoning laws, or a reclusion to an
online presence, people do not interact with others
directly as much as they used to. Ray Oldenburg’s
“third places” are environments for a community to
gather and talk with one another and provide a
ground to voice concerns and inspire change in a
neighborhood. An open space, which is meant to
accomplish this goal anyway, can bring aspects of
third places and their components together through
Randolph Hester’s idea of centeredness, and create
a place that a range of people attend for various
reasons. These interconnections sprung about

52
Adriana Lopez, “Coworking: Is it Just a Fad or the Future of Business?”, Forbes, accessed October 29, 2017,
[Link]
business/#1573a4225bec .
53
“Workspace Lavapies Market/Colectivo PEC,” ArchDaily, accessed October 25, 2017,
[Link]

16
ut also creates a safe
des ground equipment

g in a vernacular and

METHODS AND
s the feeling of more

PROCESS:
ieties of food include
ators are familiar with

17 18
 METHODS AND PROCESS:

The capstone explores a range of questions By looking at the different designs of successful
regarding the ways successful open spaces public spaces, the way their relationship with
exemplify the qualities of third places. This study is surrounding context, and the way people occupy
conducted under the hypothesis that the qualities of them, designers can use the analysis of these
third places are what make these spaces successful. qualities to create future successful public third
This type of research is exploratory in nature, and places. The use of multiple cases is a method of
Robert Yin discusses methods for such inquiries in testing to see if similar practices in different contexts
his book Case Study Research: Design and produce similar levels of success or if they differ.
Methods. He urges that the initial questions of a The selected cases are all perceived as successful
research proposal determine the type of research, public spaces, by the author’s interpretation in
methods of data collection, and means of addition to the opinions of the author’s peers or
interpreting data 54 reviews from the Internet. To examine third places
• Do successful open places contain the in different contexts, the capstone uses four different
elements and qualities of third places case studies, two smaller examples located around
and how? the Northwest Arkansas region and two examples in
• Do the elements of open places act as larger cities. See TABLE 1 for these locations and
contributing factors of third places in the their corresponding city’s populations and
ways Ray Oldenburg and William Whyte densities. 56 The capstone assumes these are
described? successful examples of open spaces, based on
• How do successful third places adapt to literary reviews, peer recommendations, and the
a contemporary city’s context and author’s own observations of each site. The
needs? capstone is a study of elements of third places in a
To answer these questions the capstone will use a wide range of open spaces, meaning these case
series of case studies in different sized cities. studies do not necessarily share similar program,
The examination of different examples of though all are open to their surrounding contexts.
third places justifies the use of multiple case study The capstone analyzes each case study through
research. Case studies attempt “to illuminate a both historical research (when such information is
decision or set of decisions: why they were taken, available) and through on-site observations.
how they were implemented, and with what result.” 55 Through these observations, the capstone divides

TABLE 1: CASE STUDIES

COOPER HEWITT 8TH STREET
NAME CITYGARDEN CITY PUMP
MUSEUM MARKET
LOCATION NEW YORK, NY ST. LOUIS, MO BENTONVILLE, AR ROGERS, AR
POPULATION 8,622,698 308,626 49,298 66,430
LAND AREA
200 62 32 38
(SQ. MILES)
DENSITY
28,708 4,981 1,556 1,750
(PEOPLE/SQ. MILE)

54
Robert Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 3rd ed., (Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2003), 20.
55
Yin, Case Study Research, 12.
56
“U.S. City Populations 2019,” World Population Review, accessed April 10, 2019, [Link]
cities/

19
each case study into areas where different activities also present as tools for convey spatial and
or atmospheric qualities occur. This breaking apart atmospheric information about each site and each
of the site is both a way to create more manageable area. These diagrams create a visual measure of
areas to record observations and a note of the the qualities of third places in successful open
experiential feelings of different spaces with different spaces. In addition to these graphics, the author has
purposes in the site. In each area, the capstone then written observations about the site and the elements
pulls out different elements to determine their and the way he witnessed people interact with them
contributions to the qualities of third places, as or his own perception. Some of these observations
described in the background information and seen in comes from past experiences at the sight as well. It
TABLE 2. should be noted that context of each site is an
From the described attributes of third places, important consideration as well. Yin states that case
the capstone presents diagrams linking individual studies analyze actual phenomena in real context 57,
elements to the specific qualities of third places they making an understanding of each context through
contribute to the given area of a case study. These historical, statistical, and observational data very
diagrams, through the number of connections important. A successful component in one case
between the open space elements and the qualities study may not have the same result in another case
as well as a graphical scale of text in the qualities study due to a change in surrounding context. All of
reveals to what degree each area’s elements this information works together to examine the use
specifically create third places as described by Ray of third place elements in open spaces.
Oldenburg and others. Axonometric diagrams are

TABLE 2: CONTSTUCTS OF THIRD PLACES

ADAPTABILITY Access at Different People may Freely
Free to Use
Times of Day Come and Go
SOCIAL MUTUALISM Different People with Encourages
For Various Ages
Same Interests Communication
DISPLAY OF People can Information People Leave their
INFORMATION Converse Displayed Traces
FAMILIARITY OF PLACE Historical Physical
Old Age
Significance Permanence
POINT OF GATHERING
Pleasant Qualities Open Space for Area of Interest or
People Seek Groups Demarcation

PROTECTION FROM From Neighboring

OUTSIDE FACTORS From the Sun From the Street
Program
PERSONAL Holds Visual
INTERACTIONS Physical Interaction Other Senses Engaged
Interest
ADAPTABILITY Used at Different Used at Different Allows Alternative
Times of Day Times of Year Configurations

57
Yin, Case Study Research, 12.

20
 METHODS AND PROCESS (CONT.):

The interpretation of data is one of the last comparison is useful to determine if these writings
components of this capstone project. The collected still hold true in today’s urban context and how the
information is a means to create a catalogue of elements are suited (or not) for the sites in which
elements and precedents that are deemed they are located. All of this information exists in
successful third places. In this regard, the capstone summaries for each case study as well as a
is a guide that shows others what elements are in discussion of overall trends, patterns, and
successful open spaces and their relationships with observations.
and effects on people, the surroundings, and other The following diagrams and written
elements. The goal is not to replicate all these observations cover the four listed case studies in an
elements in future projects but instead to create effort so compare the success (or lack thereof) of
similar conditions based on context for successful elements supposedly associated with third places,
open spaces. In addition to this kit of parts, the and the ways in which they contribute to the
capstone is an examination of some of the elements achievement of a public place as a third place people
Ray Oldenburg, Randolph Hester, the Project for seek out and want to occupy. If nothing else, the
Public Spaces, and William Whyte have written, capstone is a thorough examination of varying
including seating, the presence of vegetation, precedents and an attempt to develop a method for
access to food, shading, and protection from observing how public spaces can act as third places,
neighboring context. The capstone compares these but there are wider implications influencing the ways
authors’ interpretation of the elements and the future designers think about creating these public
capstone’s author’s own interpretation of how these spaces.
elements behave in successful third places. Such a

21
22
 CASE STUDY:
COOPER HEWITT
MUSEUM

23 24
 COOPER HEWITT MUSEUM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
INDOOR SEATING
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

OUTDOOR
CAFE SEATING
FIGURE 01: Cooper Hewitt Site Diagram

FRONT PORCH

The Cooper Hewitt

Smithsonian Design Museum
is a private residence and garden-
turned educational institution and public
third place. Though visitors must purchase
tickets for the museum, the public garden is open FRONT LAWN
to the public for free and offers a break from
the busy traffic along 5th Avenue. Situated in
a historic context, the Arthur Ross Terrace and
Garden has many areas that contribute differently
to the idea of a third place. These in turn work
together to generate an environment that both out-
of-town visitors and regular residents appreciate
and enjoy.

25 26
 CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND: HOUSING
COOPER HEWITT MUSEUM TOWER

Constructed over a century ago, the 2015.63 This renovation helped to blend the
HOUSING TOWER
Cooper Hewitt Museum has a long history that original structure of the Carnegie Mansion into
caused its transformation from a residence to a the context that developed around it.
museum. Its location, former owner, and context The Cooper Hewitt Museum is one of
all contribute to what it exists as today. many museums along 5th Avenue. The Jewish THE JEWISH MUSEUM
The Cooper Hewitt Museum was not Museum resides a block to the north and Frank
always a place dedicated to displaying works of Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum sits just a
design and innovation. Babb, Cook & Willard block to the south and the Metropolitan Museum
Architects originally designed it as a home for of Art just past that. The mansion sits atop the
Andrew Carnegie and Louise Whitfield Carnegie appropriately named Carnegie Hill with the COOPER HEWITT
and their daughter Margaret.58 The Carnegie Reservoir of Central Park directly to the west MUSEUM
Mansion was built between 1899 and 1902, just in and the various buildings of the Upper East Side
CHURCH
time for Mr. Carnegie to retire and spend his time of Manhattan to the east. Scattered in these OF THE
on donating over $350 million to educational and buildings are programs including residential HEAVENLY
cultural institutions.59 Richard Schermerhom Jr. towers, office spaces, schools, churches, and REST
designed the private garden in 1901 that would an array of street level commercial and food
one day become the third place written about in related businesses. With so many types of
this capstone.60 The 64 room mansion was the buildings and open space surrounding it, the CENTRAL PARK GUGGENHEIM
first US residence to have structural steel and Cooper Hewitt uses design to match its context. MUSEUM
one of the first New York residencies to have an Walter Hood made several subtle
elevator.61 The mansion was notable for these decisions when renovating the Arthur Ross
innovations and its wealthy and famous owner, Terrace and Garden at the Cooper Hewitt
granting it landmark status in the City of New Museum from 2011 to 2015, and many of these
York in 1974, and it became the Smithsonian decisions drew from the museum’s surroundings. FIGURE 02: Cooper Hewitt Context
Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt Museum in 1976.62 For example, there is a rocky portion on the
The museum holds a wide display of design lawn that abstracts some of the geology of and other installations over the year add the arrives at the Cooper Hewitt, their permittance
works in the fields of architecture, art, graphic Carnegie Hill and the rest of northern portion of idea of exhibition in a public space and reinforce into the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden is free
design, furniture making, videography, urban Manhattan.64 The new garden features cherry the idea of the Cooper Hewitt having a more of charge, making it accessible to all.
planning, and technological advancement. The trees and rhododendrons to match those found global presence in the world of design. Those The private-garden-turned-public-third-
Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, once the in Central Park across the street.65 These wishing to see the Cooper Hewitt from this global place that marks the entry to the Cooper Hewitt
private garden of the Carnegie family, is an contextual acknowledgment of the natural outreach can access the site in many ways. Museum from 90th Street is filled with history
additional outdoor component to the building. features found in such an urban environment 5th Avenue serves as a major axis of and acknowledgment of the setting it is in. In
However, the terrace and garden space known are ways that the Museum is a teaching tool circulation not only for the Cooper Hewitt but this way, people can appreciate it as a threshold
and enjoyed by the public today did not exist even outside the interior exhibitions. Non local also for many of the major attractions along this into a larger display of works of design or as a
until a renovation beginning in 2011 finished in additions to the lawn such as furniture works road. While this road makes taking a bus to the pleasant space in its own right.
58 “About the Carnegie Mansion,” Cooper Hewitt, accessed March 3, 2019, [Link] Cooper Hewitt easy, the museum’s proximity
about-the-carnegie-mansion-2/ to Central Park and the rarely interrupted
59 “Carnegie Mansion,” Cooper Hewitt.
60 Ibid.
sidewalk between Central Park and 5th Avenue
61 Ibid. encourages pedestrians to stop by for a visit as
62 Ibid. well. Those taking the metro may find it easy to
63 “The Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden,” Cooper Hewitt, accessed March 3, 2019, [Link] miss the Cooper Hewitt, as the nearest metro
garden/ stops are 3 blocks to the east and several blocks
64 “Terrace and Garden,” Cooper Hewitt.
65 Ibid.
both north and south. Regardless of how one

27 28
 COOPER HEWITT
MUSEUM
FRONT PORCH
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 03: Cooper Hewitt Front Porch

The most iconic image people take from their visit This ability to watch for people, sit in adjustable arrangements The front porch is one of the first things people
to the Cooper Hewitt’s public garden is the original facade of chairs and tables, as well the presence of plant life are see when they enter the public garden from 90th street.
and terrace of the Carnegie Mansion. Though a bit more all urban components William Whyte identified as important The facade and the vegetation are as much a display of
static than some other areas of the Arthur Ross Terrace and aspects of public places. For all these beneficial design design as the works on the interior of the building. While
Garden, the front porch is an testament to the history of the decisions, there are also some negative results resulting the historical significance is important for a third place, it
Carnegie family and the museum as a place to celebrate from using the original terrace and facade as a part of the lacks a range of activities and operability.
design. Its worth as a third space lies in its ability to convey third place.
this information, create personal interactions, and to include Accessibility is a large component of what makes
many visitors for different reasons. third places successful. The front porch and terrace are not
People feel a sense of permanence and importance as successful as some other areas in this regard. Stairs make
while on the terrace, elevated above the activities of the front it difficult for those with disability and the elderly to reach the
lawn. From here, visitors can gaze up at the historic facade, terrace level. Additionally, the doors on the mansion do not
given new life by vines growing down from the roof. There grant access to the museum. Entrance to the museum is FIGURE 04 (ABOVE): Carnegie Mansion Facade
is also movable seating and some canopy shade for people from 91st street or the cafe, a means to control ticket sales Though not as lush in the winter, the vegetation along the Carnegie
to sit and watch their surroundings, work on their laptops, or and entry. In a sense, the feeling of importance one may Mansion facade reemphasizes the idea of a public garden in the
urban context.
more than likely check their phone. This terrace makes for a experience by rising to the terrace level is lessened as it
FIGURE 05 (RIGHT): Arthur Ross Terrace
good gathering point--groups can easily find each other due is just another seating area that does not lead to any new People sit along this elevated porch area looking over the front lawn.
to the terraces elevation, there is shade for those waiting on activities but rather a new perspective of what is happening This space is still occupied despite not being an entry point into the
others, and the facade is easily identifiable from the street. elsewhere in the public garden. museum..
29 30
 COMPONENTS: FRONT PORCH ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FREE TO USE

HISTORIC FACADE SOCIAL MUTUALISM

The Carnegie Mansion facade, designed by Babb, FOR VARIOUS AGES
Cook & Whitfield, is the backdrop for the Cooper
Hewitt Museum public garden. The English Georgian DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
design is a work on display for the design museum
and is very recognizable from the street. New York ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
has several historical landmarks, and this facade
marks the outdoor space of the Cooper Hewitt INFORMATION
Museum as a place of importance.
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE
FLOWER GARDENS
The flower gardens line the front of the original facade of the Cooper Hewitt
Museum. They create visual interest and engage ones sense of smell, though POINT OF GATHERING
people do not directly interact with them.
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN
FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

CANOPY
The lattice canopy sits at the end of the front porch near the cafe to shade the PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
movable seating below. Its unique design also stands out from the rest of the
facade and generates visual interest. HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
MOVABLE SEATING
The outdoor chairs and tables allow visitors to choose where they wish to USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
sit so they can enjoy their purchase from the cafe, observe activities of the ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
outdoor space, talk with friends, read, or work.
FIGURE 06: Cooper Hewitt Front Porch Elements
31 32
 COOPER HEWITT
MUSEUM
FRONT LAWN
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 07: Cooper Hewitt Front Lawn

The front lawn carves out a piece of open space in as a place to sit and observe the activities of the garden as safety the public garden of the Cooper Hewitt has.
the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There actually very few well as engage the public in a conversation about design and The front lawn is both an extension of the display
actual elements in this space, but the zone is very adaptable art. These unique qualities make the Arthur Ross Terrace space for the Cooper Hewitt and a place for recreation
and serves as a place of gathering, information, and safety. and Garden a destination for those in New York and give it in its own right. Its openness allows inhabitants to take
A stone and metal fence separates the lawn from the some character among the several other public open spaces responsibility for what happens in this area, a freedom
busy streets of 5th Ave. and 90th St. This physical and visual in the city. The natural features of this zone also make the common in many third places.
barrier coupled with the perimeter vegetation creates an open garden unique.
space for people to gather or play, public activities that are The importance of the natural components of
also found in Central Park but are unique for a place that was the front lawn cannot be overlooked. The perimeter trees
once a private garden. The variety of seating accommodates help block out the sight of the trees as well as provide
different forms of occupation. Benches among the shady environmental protection from the sun and the wind. These
vegetation by the fence are permanently fixed to the ground, trees and bushes coupled with the flower garden by the
meaning only one or two people can occupy them at a time. terrace and the geological display at the edge of the field FIGURE 08 (ABOVE): Front Lawn
Meanwhile, the metal tables and chairs closer to the terrace also establish visual stimulation and hold information about People sit along the perimeter and read papers by themselves or
are movable to encourage groupings of seating for different the existing natural environment the Cooper Hewitt Museum gather in groups and talk around the movable chairs. During the
summer, the museum scatters art pieces across the lawn.
visitors to the public garden. The provided umbrellas also occupies. People also interact with the open field to play with
FIGURE 09 (RIGHT): Wobble Chairs
accommodate these people. More unique types of seating their pets or children and partake in physical activities. While Two children play with the wobble chairs while their parent sits
inhabit the front lawn as well. Works of design such as the Central Park across the street offers the same possibility of nearby. The front lawn is a safer environment away from the street
wobbling chairs and other furniture pieces on the lawn double recreation, it often lacks the level of intimacy and feeling of where people have open space within the city.
33 34
 COMPONENTS: FRONT LAWN ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
ENTRY PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
The metal overhanging structure marks the entry from E. 90th Street
into the public garden space. This metal overhang extends through FREE TO USE
the fence into the street where it becomes signage for the Cooper
Hewitt Museum. SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
INFORMATION
FENCE PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
The stone and metal fence is a permanent barrier between the street
and the outdoor space it encloses, while still allowing visual glimpses
INFORMATION DISPLAYED
into the space. The fence blocks out the distractions and dangers PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
from the streets of New York and creates a unique, enclosed outdoor
space in an urban context.
FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
BENCH SEATING PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
The perimeter benches sit within the garden spaces overlooking the
center field. While they do not move, the benches provide a sense OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
of permanence that the other elements such as the facade and fence
exhibit. The benches adjacency to the plantings adds visual interest
AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
and appeal.
PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

MOVABLE SEATING PERSONAL INTERACTIONS

The outdoor chairs and tables allow visitors to choose where they wish to
sit so they can enjoy their purchase from the cafe, observe activities of the HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
outdoor space, talk with friends, read, or work. The umbrellas additionally PHYSICAL INTERACTION
shade those sitting or standing below.
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
WOBBLE CHAIRS USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
These rotating chairs are both functional as a place to sit and interactive as a
display of design. Their size makes them easily movable and used by people USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
of several ages. Many visitors seek a turn to sit and spin in the chair, making ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
wherever they are a point of gathering and interest.
FIGURE 10: Cooper Hewitt Front Lawn Elements
35 36
 COOPER HEWITT
MUSEUM
OUTDOOR CAFE
SEATING
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 11: Outdoor Cafe Seating

The cafe and its outdoor seating occupies the and its seating are confined to the existing context that the cooler February day. The willingness of people to use
eastern portion of the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden. It is museum and its program are located in. this space even in less-than-ideal environmental factors
a fairly simple space, offering a place to purchase food and Aside from the ground level, the building that holds shows that is zone is an important contributor to the
drink as well as sit down to enjoy these treats. the cafe and defines the backdrop of the outdoor seating does qualities of third places. It gives people a reason for
As with other portions of the garden space, the not belong to the Cooper Hewitt. This is one condition where traveling to the public garden--food, drink, and a pleasant
outdoor cafe seating area has movable furniture for different a third place is spatially defined by program not directly tied outdoor environment off the street and enclosed in
configurations of seating. As such, people can converse to the space and its activities. As such, it is very clear that the smaller scale area.
in groups to remain alone to read or work. A perimeter current facade existed before the renovation added cafe and
fence and vegetation permits the safe use of this area, as its seating directly outside the windows. This renovation did
the visual distraction of the street and the threat of cars are not influence a change in the neighboring building, as much
blocked out. The tall church to the south offers shade during of New York is historic and difficult to change so quickly.
portions of the day and the canopy on the terrace serves Instead, the facade along the east remains as it has without
a similar purpose, but otherwise the outdoor portion of the referencing the public activities of the park. This is common FIGURE 12 (ABOVE): Cafe and Adjacent Outdoor Seating
area is very exposed to the weather. Even so, the small for the rest of the surrounding context as well. The church Even during cooler February weather, some people utilized the
portion of space inside the cafe is a place to occupy when across 90th street obviously would not change in response outdoor seating for working on their laptops and drinking coffees
from the cafe.
environmental concerns are an issue. Perhaps more room to the Cooper Hewitt’s renovation, and Central Park is so
FIGURE 13 (RIGHT): Cafe Interior
on this interior space or better access to the street would large that it cannot respond to every adjacent program. The cafe facing the outdoor space sells beverages and snacks in an
improve the number of people visiting the cafe both in poor During the time of his visit, the author noted people enclosed space safe from bad weather. The presence of security
weather conditions and just in general. However, the cafe using the seating for conversation and working, even on a adds a feeling of safety to the whole site.
37 38
 COMPONENTS: OUTDOOR CAFE SEATING ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
CAFE
Visitors purchase pastries and coffee at the cafe to consume at the
outdoor seating. Because the cafe is located in the garden space,
INFORMATION
people on the street do not readily stop in. However, the cafe is a PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
place of gathering and conversation as it does provide some shelter
from poor weather. It is also a entry point into the interior of the INFORMATION DISPLAYED
museum. PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

FENCE PROTECTION
The stone and metal fence is a permanent barrier between the street
FROM THE SUN
and the outdoor space it encloses, while still allowing visual glimpses
into the space. The fence blocks out the distractions and dangers FROM THE STREET
from the streets of New York and creates a unique, enclosed outdoor
space in an urban context. FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
MOVABLE SEATING USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
The outdoor chairs and tables allow visitors to choose where they wish to
sit so they can enjoy their purchase from the cafe, observe activities of the USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
outdoor space, talk with friends, read, or work.
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 14: Cooper Hewitt Outdoor Cafe Seating Elements

39 40
 COOPER HEWITT
MUSEUM
INTERIOR SEATING
SCALE: 3/32”=1’

FIGURE 15: Interior Seating

The interior seating located just up the steps of to enjoy as they sit. These windows also contribute to the
the cafe is an area that capitalizes on visual connectivity, idea of transparency that many third places utilize. Though
blocking out poor environmental qualities while benefiting still visually connected to the rest of the public garden, the
from the good, and combining the functional purpose of a indoor seating is protected from outdoor factors and is again
circulation space with elements that facilitate activities that another perspective on the activities on the rest of the site.
people partake in while at the Cooper Hewitt.
The indoor seating area is essentially a hallway
leading from the cafe and its outdoor seating to the museum
gift shop and the museum entrance beyond. Instead of
solely serving circulation, the designer of this space included
permanent and movable seating where people enjoy their
purchase from either the gift shop or cafe, look out the large
windows while they pass the time, or work on their laptops FIGURE 16 (ABOVE): Indoor Seating
or read a book. The author witnessed all of these activities This seating area rises up from the cafe and doubles as circulation
in what was a very small space. The windows frame a view towards the museum gift shop. However, large windows still make
it a pleasant space.
that gives glimpses of the happenings on the front lawn
FIGURE 17 (RIGHT): View Towards the Lawn
and terrace, though this view does suffer from the sight The view out from the window into the front yard. Though the view
of some storage below the terrace. However, the large is partially obscured by the rest of the building, the windows bring
windows fill the hallway with not-too-harsh light for people light into the space.
41 42
 COMPONENTS: INTERIOR SEATING ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO

FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
LARGE WINDOWS
The windows create transparency between the interior INFORMATION DISPLAYED
of the seating area and the activities in the front lawn.
Light enters the space while visitors sit safely indoors. PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
INDOOR SEATING
FROM THE SUN
These chairs are in close proximity to the cafe and the museum gift shop. FROM THE STREET
Visitors sitting here can consume their purchase from the cafe, read, work on
their laptops, or look out the windows to the activities in the front lawn. FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR

ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 18: Cooper Hewitt Indoor Seating Elements

43 44
 SUMMARY: COOPER HEWITT MUSEUM

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design on display in the field or for the feeling of importance
Museum and more specifically the Arthur Ross they get from sitting in the public garden of the late
Terrace and Garden, like many of the other selected Andrew Carnegie. These experiences are not
precedents in this capstone, is a renovated building necessarily easy to find elsewhere in the city,
repurposed for a new, unique program that those especially free of charge. The Cooper Hewitt gives
within in the surrounding context seek out. While this experience back to the community in which it
many of the individual components are similar to resides and also to those who would visit from
those found in other projects, the Cooper Hewitt further away. This ability to bring together not only
Museum owes its uniqueness to the educational different groups of people from a community but also
program it now serves and the broader context of different groups of people from around the country
New York City. and world is a very drastic example of social
The garden space at the Cooper Hewitt is an mutualism that one may expect from a larger space,
open area with many familiar components of yet the public garden still feels appropriately scaled
successful third places. There are plenty of places for a neighborly atmosphere. As part of the
to sit, some shading, an open field for recreational neighborhood, the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden
purposes, vegetation, and a café serving food and remains active over time.
drinks—all elements outlined in William Whyte’s The Thanks to the density of New York and the
Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Visitors take museum’s proximity to so many other iconic
their food and drinks to the chairs and tables either destinations including the Guggenheim and the Met,
directly adjacent to the café or to the terrace level the Cooper Hewitt Museum retains a respectable
offering a better view of the site. In either case, they attendance count over the year. The public garden
have some ownership of the site—it is free to use, is one of two points of access into the museum,
away from the street, open at various times of the meaning there is a good chance visitors will interact
day, has an open program with plenty of space, and with it at some point on their trip to the museum.
features movable elements. Despite these third During warmer weather, guests may take this
place qualities, the garden does suffer from a lack of opportunity to enjoy a rest in their day at one of the
unique activities that would encourage people to shaded tables. Even during the author’s February
seek out the Cooper Hewitt garden space. Benches visit to the site, there were several people sitting
and open space are also abundant in Central Park outside talking with strangers about the surrounding
directly to the west of the museum, granted Central are or working on laptops. The incorporation of the
Park lacks the fenced-in atmosphere and sense of indoor seating with ample sunlight makes the public
intimacy of the garden’s smaller land area. The garden a destination even in the winter. This ability
reason people chose to go to the public garden is to adapt with the changing of the seasons is
the historic context and focus on design that the important for third places, as they must
Cooper Hewitt is known for. accommodate people over time and remain
The Cooper Hewitt Museum is dedicated to adaptable to unpredictable conditions to continue to
the practice of design, using the elegant Carnegie thrive. As for accessibility during through the course
Mansion as a home for various exhibitions. These of the day, the garden is open during typical
works seep into the public space throughout the year business hours (8 A.M. to 5 P.M.) during the
as well in the form of outdoor installments, and the weekdays, meaning those with office jobs cannot
English Georgian façade looming over the garden is stop by after a long day of work to relax, thought
an exhibition of a work of architecture rooted in those working nearby to the east are free enter the
history itself. People come to the Arthur Ross site for lunch. The garden has much more accessible
Terrace and Garden to see new works of furniture hours on the weekends when it is open until 9 P.M.,

45
giving more people an opportunity to experience the really suggest a prescribed activity for any one area
activities of the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden. of the garden. People make the experience their
While these limited hours hurt the accessibility own and in turn have control over how they use the
associated with many third places, they are a means garden.
to improve the safety of the site. During these hours, While lacking highly specific activities and
security guards watch the site to make sure it elements, the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden at
remains unvandalized and secure from unexpected the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
dangers. The Cooper Hewitt public garden trades uses historic and surrounding context to generate
the ability to stay open all the time for the ability to interest and encourage people to visit. Once in the
remain pristine for a longer period of time. Self- site, guests have the control to create their own
preservation is but one of the ideas to take away experiences using the components in the different
from the reinvention of the Arthur Ross Terrace and areas of the garden space—a variety of seating for
Garden. different purposes, installations of design,
An analysis of the components of the Cooper vegetation for shade and visual interest, sources of
Hewitt public garden as well as the way they interact food and drink, and educational opportunities
with one another reveals several lessons about how through the historic façade and contextual natural
these elements contribute to the qualities of third features. All of these components together are part
places that can enhance a place and it a lasting part of an ongoing story that started over a hundred years
of the urban context. The Cooper Hewitt benefits in ago and today includes a third place that both New
this respect from a sense of permanence from the York residents and visitors travel to see.
existing stone and metal fence and the original
Carnegie Mansion façade and terrace. As with the
City Pump, the infrastructure already exists, but the
designers’ role is to realize what the space could be
or needs for its given contextual surroundings or
time period. In the case of the Cooper Hewitt
garden, Walter Hood used plants and geology to
emphasize its location and history while also
bringing design exhibits into the lawn. The treatment
of the exterior as piece of design is a statement of
the identity of the museum as well as what Andrew
Carnegie, the building’s former owner, stood for.
The City Pump follows this trend as well, playing on
the nostalgic notion of a gas station as a community
center, which is perhaps a humbler gesture than
using an aristocrat’s mansion to display high design.
Nonetheless, these repurposed spaces play off the
context in which they originally were. One of the
most notable moves the design of the Cooper Hewitt
garden makes is the freedom it bestows on visitors
to create their own experiences. The space provides
an open area, moveable seating, some pleasant
vegetation and historic building as a backdrop, some
shade, and an enclosure, but the space does not

46
 CASE STUDY:
CITYGARDEN

47 48
 CITYGARDEN
ST. LOUIS, MO
SCALE: 1/32”=1’ UPPER GARDEN 1

CAFE

ENTRY COURT
UPPER GARDEN 2

FIELD AND POOL

LOWER GARDEN
FIGURE 19: Citygarden Site Diagram

The Citygarden exists among a string of parks running west from the newly renovated Arch
grounds. Its design is an attempt by the city of St. Louis to bring more interaction and vibrancy to
the public parks along a major axis surrounded by existing centers of business, administration, and
recreation. While the interactive contemporary sculptures are on display within the Citygarden, the walk
through the park and its different areas is a visually and physically engaging experience as well. The
whole site combines elements of water, vegetation, recreation, seating, and indeterminate activities to
establish a space in the central fabric of downtown St. Louis that all will find pleasing in some way or
another.
49 50
 CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND: THE DOME AT
AMERICA’S CENTER
CITYGARDEN
AMERICA’S CENTER
The Citygarden is a public space in the are bound to run into the Citygarden thanks CONVENTION COMPLEX
GATEWAY ARCH AND
heart of St. Louis, flanked by areas of business, to these important components of St. Louis’s ARCH GROUNDS
recreation, and residencies. The renovation urban fabric. All of this program, as well as
of this park area was the result of a goal to the Citygarden, are centrally located in the city
revitalize downtown St. Louis and its existing thanks to a main transportation axis running OLD
program as well as make downtown adaptable from east to west, ending at Forest Park. COURTHOUSE
WAINWRIGHT
for future development. Two important roads define the edge BUILDING KIERNER PLAZA
As part of one of the parks in the Gateway of the Citygarden and the rest of the Gateway PARK
Mall running towards the Gateway Arch, the Mall. Market street to the south holds five lanes OFFICE PEABODY OFFICE
BUILDING BUILDING
Citygarden is bordered by axes of vehicular of two-way traffic, connecting the riverfront to a
traffic and tall buildings to the north and south. highway access point to the west near Forest CITYGARDEN
The buildings to the north and south are Park. This very wide street also has a lane
mostly centers of business, finance, and state for metered parallel parking and rows of trees
REMAINDER OF BALLPARK VILLAGE
administrative and judicial services overlooking to provide shading on either side of the street. BANK OF AMERICA
SCULPTURE PARK FINANCIAL CENTER
the Mall. These buildings are so prominent that Meanwhile, Chestnut Street to the north lacks
the Peabody office building and the 2nd Judicial the dense rows of trees that Market Street has, 2ND JUDICIAL
Court interrupt the series of open spaces but only serves two lanes of one-way traffic CIRCUIT COURT
BUSCH STADIUM
along the Gateway Mall. Historic buildings are as well as two bike lanes. People access the
also nearby, the Louis Sullivan’s Wainwright Citygarden primarily from these two streets
building within view of the northeast corner of thanks to the prevalence of the Gateway Mall US DISTRICT
the Citygarden. This building was one of the and the parking garages a couple blocks to the COURT CLERK
first skyscrapers using structural steel and is north and south. However, the southeast corner
currently home to Missouri State Administrative of the Citygarden has a bus stop, and there is
Offices. The Gateway Mall terminates with Eero a MetroLink station directly three blocks to the FIGURE 20: Citygarden Context
Saarinen’s Gateway Arch, and this monument is south by Busch Stadium. Future means of
visible from the Citygarden, marking the edge of access to the site may soon be possible, as the three distinct areas referencing St. Louis’s and the city plans to add dog parks, food kiosks,
the Mississippi riverfront to the east of the site. Citygarden was meant to start a change for the unique environmental features. The Upland to and recreational sports fields to the parks in the
Next to the newly renovated Arch grounds are entire way downtown St. Louis operates while the north rises upon a 550 foot long Missouri west to make the Mall more engaging, dynamic,
several hotels and apartments, where people still retaining its contextual identity. limestone wall, reminiscent of the bluffs along and interactive.69
stay and live while conducting business in When the city of St. Louis adopted a the Mississippi River.66 The Floodplain brings The combination of existing surrounding
St. Louis. The Citygarden is situated among new masterplan for the Gateway mall in 2009, the cooling presence of water and shade to the context as well as plans for future development
several areas of recreation and events as well. it tasked the Citygarden with being the catalyst public through the shallow pool and the trees.67 is very beneficial for the Citygarden. Social
Busch Stadium and the Enterprise Center for a change to the entire park system after Lastly, the Lowland to the south references the mutualism is heavily present in St. Louis thanks
are just blocks away south of Market Street, acknowledging some of the points of disconnect history of agriculture along the Mississippi River to a range of events and activities, and the
hosting baseball games and hockey matches to this underused string of open spaces.66 using local plants that vary with the seasons.68 Citygarden is in the center of where everyone is
respectively. Just to the north, the Dome at As a result, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape The renovation of the Citygarden has already traveling to.
America’s Center and its associated convention architects designed a space from 2007 to 2009 started to influence change for the rest of the
centers are venues for different conventions, that would revitalize the Mall with new public Gateway Mall. Kierner Plaza underwent a 2017
shows, and again sporting events in St. Louis activities as well as house 24 contemporary renovation adding playgrounds and a splashpad,
over the course of the year. Crowds of people sculptures.67 The firm divided the site into
66 Eric Berger, “A Look at the Evolution of the Gateway Mall in Downtown St. Louis,” St. Louis Mag, accessed April 68 “Citygarden,” Nelson Byrd Woltz.
10, 2019, [Link] 69 Ibid.
67 “Citygarden,” Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, accessed March 24, 2019, [Link] 70 Ibid.
ects/park/citygarden 71 Berger, "Gateway Mall," St. Louis Mag.
51 52
 CITYGARDEN
UPPER GARDEN 1
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 21: Citygarden Upper Garden 1

The portion of the Upper Garden on the corner of the other people on lawn or on the street. Meanwhile those rises in elevation to witness a view to the rest of the park's FIGURE 22 (TOP): Terrace Space
9th and Chestnut is one point of access into the Citygarden. below do not pay as much attention to the people on the activities. This experience may not be as meaningful in the Two rows of trees provide shading along the line of stone seating that
terminates with a metal piece of artwork. The ramp to the left also
As such, it an important area in defining the qualities of terrace level above, meaning the Upper Garden generates opposite direction as one takes one last look at the Citygarden provides accessibility to those who have difficulty moving up steps.
third places for the Citygarden. These qualities include a some form of privacy to visitors of the park. Thanks to the and then moves down the stairs or ramp where they deposit
point of gathering, interaction with elements in the area, and provided ramps joining the two levels of the park, those who onto the street. What becomes apparent from this idea is
accessibility. normally have difficulty transversing stairs are free to join in that third places have the ability to create experiences and
This northeastern corner of the site is located on all of these activities as well. This portion of the Upper narratives in different ways depending on the configuration FIGURE 23 (LOWER LEFT): Stairs on Chestnut Street
adjacent to the Entry Court and has its own point of entry into Garden is just part of a broader experience at the Citygarden, of their elements. The stairs at the northeast corner of the Citygarden spill out to a street
intersection. Just beyond is Louis Sullivan’s Wainwright Building,
the park via the stairs at the intersection of two roads. People and order of the narrative of this experience may be crucial While it is not an area with the most components historically known as one of the skyscrapers to use steel. The stairs
make their way up these steps or the stairs and ramp from to the area's success. in the Citygarden, this portion of the Upper Garden gives provide a wide entrance and glimpses into the Citygarden as well as
the Entry Court to rise above the street to the Upper Garden. It would seem, at least to the author, that this corner visitors a preview of what they might find elsewhere in acting as a place for sitting and displaying artwork.
Here, there are permanent stone seats lined with vegetation portion of the park is meant to be an early part of one's the park: interactive sculptures, shaded seating, and local
and trees. These leafy additions to the area create visual journey through the Citygarden. It sits on the side of the examples of trees and plant life.
FIGURE 24 (LOWER RIGHT): View Up to Terrace
separation from the street and shade for the seating below. park closest to the Arch, meaning it may be anticipating the
The Upper Portion of the garden rises above the street level, separating
One's visual interest is peaked upon entering their area as most traffic coming from this direction. The distribution of it physically from the activities of the street and those of the rest of the
well. The works of art are but a few of those sculptures found the described elements is well suited for such a journey. A Citygarden. This raised elevation along the street also shelters people
elsewhere in the park. The rise of elevation above the street person sees pieces of artwork from the street cluing him or on the interior of the park from the noise and views of the street. On the
other hand, the rise in elevation limits access to the Upper Garden from
and the rest of the park also creates a vantage point to survey her in on what is inside the Citygarden and the he or she
the street.
53 54
 COMPONENTS: UPPER GARDEN 1 ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
ARTWORK
The artwork scattered through the Citygarden create points of visual FREE TO USE
interest to be discovered as one moves through the park. People can
easily interact with the artwork thanks to their durability. SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION

PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE

VEGETATION
INFORMATION DISPLAYED
The trees in the upper garden generate shading to the seating as well as
to those observing artwork. They also create a layer of leaves to block PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
out the street.

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
STAIRS
The stairs are the entrance to the park on the northeast corner where OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
people can sit, though there is nothing to observe if they do as the stairs
face the street. Though they are primarily a means of circulation, they do AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
host a piece of artwork.
PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
UPPER SEATING AREA PHYSICAL INTERACTION
Stairs and a ramp lead up to the stone benches at the upper
area. From here, people can sit among the flowers planted OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
around the benches and observe the rest of the Citygarden
below. Its elevation separates it from the street but puts it a ADAPTABILITY
short distance from the cafe.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 25: Citygarden Upper Garden 1 Elements
55 56
 CITYGARDEN
CAFE
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 26: Citygarden Cafe

On the day of the author's visit, the cafe was the as one moves to the interior where they are unaffected by the activities it generates are things that generate visual FIGURE 27 (TOP): Facade of the Cafe
most occupied area in the Citygarden. While not many whatever environmental conditions exist outside. On this interest from both the other parts of the Citygarden as well Though not needed on the day of the author’s visit, the overhanging roof
and trees shade the seating below. The cafe features a mix of movable
people were outside in the gray weather and rain, the shelter interior space, tables and chairs are in a more permanent as from the street. This visual interest acts as an invitation and permanent outdoor seating within close proximity to the source
of cafe provided a place for people to partake in different configuration, but their size and variety create different to this area of the park and helps drive the experience and of food and drinks. The high transparency also visually connects the
activities. opportunities for occupation than the exterior space. People narrative of ones trip through the Citygarden. interior and exterior spaces together, unifying the site.
Unlike the other parts of the Upper Garden, the cafe are free to choose their own experience at the cafe through While cafes in St. Louis exist in the storefronts of FIGURE 28 (LOWER LEFT): Cafe Interior
area benefits from a large degree of adaptability and variation where they choose to sit (inside or outside) and what type of many buildings in St. Louis, the Citygarden's cafe is unique People sit inside where there are opportunities to work in groups at
tables with several seats or alone at the high top. The servers at the bar
in occupation. The outdoor seating is configurable in many seating they sit in (permanent or operable). Regardless of as it exists as its own object and puts on display not only
provide fuel for these work activities as well as for those at the cafe to talk
different ways to accommodate differently sized groups. their decision, the desired aspects of a presence of food and artwork but also views into a green space. with their friends. Due to the limited space, the seating inside the cafe is
The overhanging roof and trees also provide shade. These drinks as well as views to ecological features are constants more or less fixed in place, but what it lacks in adaptability it makes up
components are often desirable ones when discussing third for their visit. for in quantity.
places, just as the Project for Public spaces and William have Though this capstone breaks apart whole sites into FIGURE 29 (LOWER RIGHT): View to Lawn
written. The cafe goes a step further by also having a pool to spatially different areas, it is important to note that common The view from the cafe is very visually stimulating. The pool drops off
abruptly to the level below, causing the faint sound of running water to
generate evaporative cooling and the sound of falling water themes exist throughout the project. For example, at the
float through the outdoor space. Artwork and the rain gardens lie in
in an urban setting. Additionally this pool, when coupled with cafe, the idea of displaying contemporary artwork exists both the distance while vegetation in the foreground obscures some of the
the adjacent plantings, just barely obscures the activities outside and inside. The transparent facade even frames the activities below. All of this is visible from either standing atop the raised
in the field below while still creating visual connections to artwork on the interior. More so, this glass box capped with a terrace or from the provided benches and tables. During other parts of
the year, the leaves from the vegetation beyond obscures the street in
the rest of the site. This visual connection remains even large roof could be seen as a display box for the people and
the distance.
57 58
 COMPONENTS: CAFE ACCESSIBILITY
ARTWORK
The artwork scattered through the Citygarden create points of visual interest to be ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
discovered as one moves through the park. People can easily interact with the artwork
thanks to their durability. PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
OUTDOOR SEATING
FOR VARIOUS AGES
The seating outside the cafe benefits from shading from the overhanging roof and the
trees in front of the facade. These metal seats and tables are movable to accommodate DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
different configurations. During colder weather, people do not use these seats as much,
but during warmer weather, people use these seats to drink beverages from the cafe or ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
rest their feet from walking around downtown.
INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
INFORMATION DISPLAYED

INDOOR SEATING PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

The cafe’s indoor seating offers people a place to sit, work, and drink. The glass facade
separates people from the noise of the street while maintaining visual connection to the FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
rest of the Citygarden. The cafe has a variety of sized tables for different groupings of
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
people. People by themselves sit at the barstools or smaller tables, and larger groups
occupy the tables. The indoor area extends the usability of the Citygarden to most of
PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
the year.
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

POOL
Providing evaporative cooling, visual interest, and reflected light,
PROTECTION
the pool serves as a point of gathering on the exterior of the cafe. FROM THE SUN
FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

CAFE ROOF ADAPTABILITY

The roof extends past the facade of the cafe, sheltering not only the
interior but the immediate exterior as well.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 30: Citygarden Cafe Elements
59 60
 CITYGARDEN
UPPER GARDEN 2
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 31: Citygarden Upper Garden 2

The northwestern portion of the Upper Garden lacks any hint of activities. However, the openness and freedom of perception of space in order to generate feelings of discovery FIGURE 32 (TOP): Ramping Down to the Street
some of the qualities of third places that the rest of the Upper clutter does open up possibilities for this space as gathering and surprise as one moves through the site. Additional artwork and vegetation exists at the other end of the Upper
Garden. As the elevation slopes back down to the meet the level of the
Garden offers. Its contributions to the Citygarden's status as point for groups of people. Here, the limestone wall and trees Though lacking the space and elements to facilitate street, the wall dividing the upper and lower portions of the Citygarden
a success third place comes from the visual interest, physical create an enclosure that offers some privacy to people in this some of the other activities of the rest of the site, the continues to separate the activities of these two parts. This wall continues
interaction, and accessibility it creates. portion of the terrace level. These elements also become northwestern portion of the Upper Garden does have its to the other side of the street into the second half of the Citygarden.
Like the northeast corner of the site, this portion of important in their ability to generate experiences and new place in the Citygarden as a place to gather, provide access
the Upper Garden consists of a set of stairs openning up to perceptions of the Citygarden. from the street, and to continue the story of design that
the street. However, these stairs are unique in the way they The narrative of a trip through the Citygarden began elsewhere in the site.
also incorporate a ramp rising diagonally through the stairs. continues with this portion of the park. As the terrace begins FIGURE 33 (LOWER LEFT): Ramp and Stair Combo
The ramp provides additional ADA access to the Upper Garden and the
Not only is this an innovated method to grant ADA access to meet the level of the ground below, the Missouri limestone cafe. The ramp’s integration into the steps generates visual interest and
to the terrace level but it also is an interesting architectural wall defining the terrace edge continues to rise, obscuring adds multiple means of moving up in elevation as well as adding further
detail that gives people options in the way they move up to one's view of the field and the rest of the park. Obscuring seating along the street.
this terrace level. The interaction with this ramp or the stairs the view into the park creates suspense until one turns the
is then met with a large interactive sculpture at the top. It is corner at the end of the wall to find themselves back in the
here that the level of interaction begins to end though. open space of the rest of the park. Obscuring is an important
Due to the lack of elements, people have very little idea when it comes to the street as well, as a line of trees FIGURE 34 (LOWER RIGHT): Terrace Artwork
ability to physically interact with this portion of the Citygarden. blocks one view from the terrace to the street. This third Even during the less-than-perfect weather, visitors to the Citygarden walk
around the park to view the artwork. This zone lacks the other activities
Even platforms along the ramp leading to the cafe are void of place is an example of design that controls one's view and
and other opportunities present at other portions of the site.
61 62
 COMPONENTS: UPPER GARDEN 2 ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM

FOR VARIOUS AGES

DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST

ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION

PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE

INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

STAIRS
The stairs are the entrance to the park on the northeast corner where FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
people can sit, though there is nothing to observe if they do as the stairs HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
face the street. They are primarily a means of circulation, and the ramp
built into the stairs adds additional accessibility. PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK

OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

VEGETATION FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

The trees create shading for those walking through the Citygarden and help to
visually obscure the street from inside the park. PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

PHYSICAL INTERACTION

OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR

ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 35: Citygarden Upper Garden 2 Elements
63 64
 CITYGARDEN
ENTRY COURT
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 36: Citygarden Entry Court

The Entry Court holds a very important position in ones visit to not only join people in a common activity but also Entry Court is also a point of access into the site and a FIGURE 37 (TOP): Head Sculpture
the entirety of the Citygarden. It is located along Market to establish a dialogue about the art in the park. The water point of gathering for those who may enter the Citygarden Upon first entering this area of the park, it is clear that one will experience
artwork and vegetation. The sheeting water associated with the head
Street, a major axis of vehicular and some pedestrian traffic sheeting from this sloped surface also hints to the cooling together. This space and the provided seating also creates sculpture also hints towards further use of water in the park.
that spans from the Arch grounds to Forrest Park. The layout property of water found elsewhere in the Citygarden. Even an opportunity to partake eating food from the food trucks,
of this portion of the site helps set up some of the language the parks name "Citygarden" displayed on the limestone wall one of the few non-permanent elements, parked parallel to
the project uses as well as introduces the whole project. is a clue to the rain gardens along Market Street. If this is a Market Street. If art, vegetation, and water are not enough
The ability to convey the wide range of activities in third place focused on describing a narrative, the Entry Court to encourage people to visit the Citygarden, the presence FIGURE 38 (LOWER LEFT): Park Signage
the Citygarden is an important task to create social mutualism serves as the table of contents. It also starts many of the of food and its ability to cause congregation and social The Citygarden’s signage starts the curved stone wall that continues
that brings several different people into one community space larger components that extends to the rest of the site. interaction may do the trick. across the rest of the site. This wall divides the upper and lower portions
of the Citygarden, creating clear zones with different purposes and
for one common purpose or for a range of activities. People The Citygarden is a highly designed outdoor space
opportunities for occupation.
must feel like there is something for them to do in a site, and features some of the most permanent elements of all
and the entry court helps advertise why the Citygarden has the examples researched for this capstone. One of these
what they seek. Water, artwork, and vegetation are among elements is the seating wall that starts at the Entry Court
the most important features that bring people together in the before meandering through the rain garden. The Missouri
FIGURE 39 (LOWER RIGHT): Start of the Field
public space. The Entry Court conveys these ideas as one limestone wall starts here at the Entry Court and curves These stone steps are the transition from the formal court at the corner of
first approaches the site. The interactive head sculpture across the rest of the site. While these elements lack the street into the park space at the interior of the site. The food truck in
sites on a sloped surface, encouraging people to climb and adaptability, they still powerful tools to create both physical the distance like others along this street normally provides food to those
at the Citygarden, a good source of food for people visiting the park for
explore, revealing that this behavior is an expected part of and visual connection with the public. The open space in the
recreation or for office workers taking a break outside.
65 66
 COMPONENTS: ENTRY COURT ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
SEATING
The entry court holds the start of the stone seating that winds FREE TO USE
around the Citygarden grounds. The non-regular nature of these
benches generates visual interest and clues one into design
languages found elsewhere in the park. The permanence of
SOCIAL MUTUALISM
the stone means they are not adaptable spaces, but do stand FOR VARIOUS AGES
during all environmental conditions throughout the year
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
INFORMATION DISPLAYED
PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
ARTWORK AND SIGNAGE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The artwork and sign in the entry court welcomes guests to the
Citygarden and indicates that more artwork is found inside the PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
park. The running water of the fountain by the head sculpture
OLD AGE
also creates noise to distract from the sound of the street.
People can easily interact with the artwork thanks to their
durability. These large elements are also easy identifiers and POINT OF GATHERING
meeting points and help create an identity for the Citygarden.
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

FOOD TRUCKS PERSONAL INTERACTIONS

Food trucks lining the street cater to a range of people at
different times of the week--families and city dwellers can grab HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
a snack during a stroll through the park on the weekend, while
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
businesspeople can walk from their nearby offices for a midday
lunch. In either case, the presence of food is just one more OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
reason one might have for visiting the Citygarden.
ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR

ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 40: Citygarden Entry Court Elements

67 68
 CITYGARDEN
FIELD AND POOL
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 41: Citygarden Field and Pool

The field that Neslon Byrd Woltz identified as people. In fact, the whole pool is a gathering point for people of an open space contributes greatly to the field's ability to FIGURE 42 (TOP): Wall Defining the Edge of the Field
the Floodplain contains the more natural features of the especially in the summer when it is occupied with those define the Citygarden as a third place. Large sculptures are The narrow open field creates some space for active recreation, though
it is primarily additional shaded space thanks to clusters of trees on the
Citygarden. It is at this elevation below the terrace that people hoping to cool off. This third space provides a service to also on the lawn for people to engage. Despite all these lawn. People physically interact with the large sculptures as well. Two
participate in more recreational and physical activities. The different people requiring the same need--a source of water elements being quite fixed and immobile, they do still interact walkways frame this field space.
open space of the field permits a range of functions both to cool off. Interaction, familiarity of local region, point of with people. These interactions vary from person to person,
active and inactive while the pool creates a pleasant and gathering, accessibility, and social mutualism of bringing but are important for bringing together a community and
refreshing atmosphere and more opportunities for interaction people together are all aspects of this pool, making it an visitors to one area for different reasons. FIGURE 43 (LOWER LEFT): Stepping Stones Across the Pool
with the site. important part of creating a third place. Many of these traits The field and the pool of the Floodplain is a carefully The stepping stones by the waterfall invite interaction, especially during
The pool is a continuation of the water feature started continue into the adjacent field. designed space that helps tell a story about the role of art the summer when many people use the pool to cool off. The waterfall
and pool provides evaporative cooling as well as the ambient sound of
by the reflecting pool on the terrace level. A waterfall is the The lawn in this area of the Citygarden has many and the park's surrounding context. These ideas may not be running water, blocking out the sounds of the city. While one’s focus is
connection between these two levels, filling the area with different components that attract people for different reasons. perceived by some due to the range of activities people can on the water, the presence of buildings and the urban context of St. Louis
the sound of water. This move references the importance The trees create shady places for some people to sit, while partake in. In the end, it is the ability of a third place to attract does not disappear.
of water in St. Louis due to its adjacency to the Mississippi the open space is good for taking in the sun or recreational people from their homes and places of work for different
River. The dynamic atmosphere of the waterfall is reinforced activities. The rain garden serves a combined purpose of reasons and desires that makes a public space successful.
by the irregularly and natural stepping stones transversing controlling water drainage on the site, showing the plant life FIGURE 44 (LOWER RIGHT): Rain Garden
the pool diagonally. This informal pathway follows the path native to the St. Louis area, and creating a gathering point of Rain gardens control the drainage of water in the Citygarden and also
of the Missouri limestone across the park and encourages visual interest. The combined aspects of education, visual create visual interest. These plants are an opportunity to utilize natural
grasses and plants found in the Midwest region, giving the Citygarden a
interaction with the site as well as interaction with the beauty, pleasant atmospheric qualities, and adaptability
sense of its natural context.
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 COMPONENTS: FIELD AND FOUNTAIN ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
ARTWORK FREE TO USE
The artwork scattered through the Citygarden create points of visual interest to be
discovered as one moves through the park. People can easily interact with the artwork
thanks to their durability. SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION
GARDEN PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
As the name implies, the Citygarden features vegetation
on display for visual pleasure. The walkways are lined with INFORMATION DISPLAYED
different grasses and flowers, softening the normally hard PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
edges of an urban fabric. Mixed among the plants are works
pieces of art, implying that the vegetation is just as important
for viewing or a canvas to be filled, both important elements FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
for artists to consider. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE
OPEN FIELD
An open field is an important component to the
Citygarden as it has opportunities for different
POINT OF GATHERING
types of activities. People can play with their PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
children or pets in the open space provided
while others lay beneath the shading of the OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
trees. The field also hosts some artwork that AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
people can touch and photograph with. The
expanse of land is large enough to handle a
range of differently sized groups. PROTECTION

FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
POOL PHYSICAL INTERACTION
Direct connection to water is an
important feature of the Citygarden, OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
especially in the summer. The
stepping stones invite interaction ADAPTABILITY
with the water, and people take
advantage of the lower portion of USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
the pool to cool off in hot weather.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
The pool is still visually engaging at
other times as well. ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 45: Citygarden Field and Pool Elements

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 CITYGARDEN
LOWER GARDEN
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 46: Citygarden Lower Garden

a reason for people to come to this side of the street while FIGURE 47 (TOP): Density of Plants
the benches and shade from the trees give people a reason One may find it easy to lose oneself within the dense plantings of the
Lower Garden. During more suitable weather, the plants fill the space,
to stay, with the view towards the plants in the garden adding concealing the street and offering opportunities to discover artwork
additional visual interest. This combination of elements scattered among the vegetation.
The Lower Garden, or what Nelson Byrd Woltz refers vegetation helps control water drainage on the whole site benefiting from one another exhibits the idea of centeredness
to as the Lowlands, is a collection of local plant life and seating due to the garden's lower elevation. These informative and mentioned by Randolph Hester.
FIGURE 48 (LOWER LEFT): Pathway to Street
arranged to serve many purposes, including functionality, functional purposes are coupled with the visual stimulation The Lower Garden is a functional buffer that not The winding stone bench swerves through the entirety of the Citygarde,
creating atmosphere, and conveying information. the plants produce to viewers as well as their ability to block only protects the Citygarden's visitors from the street but breaking only to create walkways to the street. Thanks to its irregular
The curly stone seating wall that begins at the out the street. Trees in the garden and along the seating also creates a visually stunning sight people seek and inform form, the stone offers no prescribed way to sit in the space, allowing
Entry Court continues through the Lower Garden. The also provide shade in hotter, sunny weather. For these people to choose precisely where they sit for different reasons. Pictured
them about the ecological systems their city is build around.
are a group of people wandering though the garden and discovering
irregular shape of this bench means there are various ways reasons the garden space protects the people from various one of the sculptures displayed. The permanent nature of sculptures
and places to sit on the bench, each with its own unique environmental conditions--the sun, the street, flooding, and encourages people to interact with them, a feature artwork in museums
experience and view. One common feature along the whole the monotony of another field-condition in a park. often does not have the chance to do.
bench wall though is that it is a boundary between the field The irregularity of the garden space ends at the
condition and the organized plantings along Market Street. street edge, where a line of tree, benches, and food trucks FIGURE 49 (LOWER RIGHT): Park Edge with the Street
These shrubs, flowers, and grasses are examples of local line the street. These elements work together to prevent A street ends this portion of the Citygarden, abruptly causing a break in
plant life in the St. Louis area and are also a nod to the history pedestrians and the large volume of vehicular traffic from the field, garden, and stone seating. Though vehicles are not permitted
of agriculture surrounding the Mississippi. Additionally, the interacting. They also work together--the food trucks provide to drive along this road, the street immediately reminds a person of their
urban surroundings.
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 COMPONENTS: LOWER GARDEN ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FOOD TRUCKS FREE TO USE
Food trucks lining the street cater to a range of people at
different times of the week--families and city dwellers can grab
a snack during a stroll through the park on the weekend, while
SOCIAL MUTUALISM
businesspeople can walk from their nearby offices for a midday FOR VARIOUS AGES
lunch. In either case, the presence of food is just one more
reason one might have for visiting the Citygarden. DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE

INFORMATION DISPLAYED
PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

GARDEN FAMILIARITY OF PLACE

The gardens in this portion of the park create a wide vegetated HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
edge along the southern Market Street. The gardens are
functional, educational, and visually engaging--they treat PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
rainwater on the site, display the area’s natural ecology, and
OLD AGE
show a variety of different flowers and grasses that change
over time.
POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

SEATING
PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
The stone benches twists through plantings of the Citygarden, HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
breaking every so often to create passage through to the street.
The irregular form is a way to create oriented views of artwork PHYSICAL INTERACTION
and gardens from a seat, often times with shading from a tree. OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR

ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 50: Citygarden Lower Garden Elements

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 SUMMARY: CITYGARDEN

While some third places exist as an oasis of This prescriptive design strategy does not create an
interactive public space among an otherwise interesting and unique experience, and the practice
stagnant urban fabric, the Citygarden is but one of is quite redundant as there is no advantage to visit
several parks along the Gateway Mall that one park over another since they are all similar. The
terminates with the Arch grounds. However, the Citygarden breaks the mold of this practice by being
Citygarden still stands out from its surroundings, one of the first parks to contribute a collection of new
acting as the first step in a series of changes to the elements to the downtown parks. The park’s main
Mall that the City of St. Louis hopes will make the purpose is to hold several interactive sculptures
downtown area more engaging and vibrant to local scattered across the park. Their positioning in the
residents and guests. The Citygarden uses several gardens and terraces turns a normal tour of a set of
built components and natural elements as well as an art into a scavenger hunt across a vegetated
overarching narrative about its context to bring landscape. The plant life in the garden also serves
positive aspects of third places to downtown St. as a source of visual engagement, especially the
Louis. rain garden along the southern end of the park that
The Citygarden has many elements that creates a green buffer between the field and the
interact with one another in similar manners as in street. Additionally, the water features in the park
other successful third places. For example, are carefully designed components, serving to
wherever there is a source of food and drink, provide much needed cooling in the summer as well
whether at the café or the food trucks, seating, as constructing an atmosphere filled with the sight
shading, and vegetation are not far away. This and sound of falling water in the middle of an urban
configuration is an example of centeredness in environment. These exclusive features make the
which multiple activities exist in one area to attract Citygarden a destination in downtown St. Louis and
people for different reasons. When these people draw people from different backgrounds who wish to
interact, the site exhibits a better sense of see different parts of the garden, whether it be the
community that generates value and care for the water, the plants, the café, the artwork, or some
third place. The Citygarden also hosts environments combination of all. This social mutualism benefits
that allow people to control what activities occur at from the centeredness of so many themes in one
any given time, just as with the Cooper Hewitt place. All these themes play towards a larger
Museum garden. For instance, the lawn of the narrative hidden within the design of the park.
Citygarden has some open area for active As mentioned, the areas of the park as well
recreation, usually good for children and pets. as the material choices reference the context of the
Meanwhile, the areas around the trees directly Citygarden. The limestone wall symbolizes the
adjacent to this open area are more suited for bluffs along the river and the water shows the
passive recreation, activities such as sitting on the importance of the Mississippi River to the city. The
lawn for a picnic or just talking among friends while park concludes with the raingardens that control the
in the presence of a park. Several of these ideas are drainage of the site and are also reminiscent of the
reiterated in the other parks along the Gateway Mall, agricultural history surrounding St. Louis. Third
but the Citygarden uses unique elements and places are those that have some sort of contextual
themes to stand apart from these other parks and importance or convey information. They are parts of
become a true third place that is sought after. the community in which they are located. The
The other parks and plazas along the Cooper Hewitt and the City Pump took an existing
Gateway Mall seem to all follow the same structure with history in its site and added new
approach—use trees and open lawns to attempt to program. On the other hand, the Citygarden used
create a relief in the downtown’s density of buildings. the history of the area to redesign what was

77
essentially an open lot, working backwards from the lack the unique qualities that make the Citygarden a
strategy of the previous examples. This relatively destination.
new project is still a third place because it has not The Citygarden is the first stage of a broader
lost the idea of history and context that residence reimagining of downtown St. Louis. The
respect and look for in the places they inhabit. This combination of familiar third place elements as well
note is one of several that designers can take away as qualities unique to the context of the city and
from studying the qualities of third place regarding environment contribute to the success the park has
the Citygarden. experienced since its reopening in 2009. Designers
The Citygarden is an example of how a newly in the St. Louis area have and will continue to look
designed space can exhibit the qualities of a long- towards the Citygarden as a source of what
established successful third place. As with the elements and qualities encourage community
Cooper Hewitt Museum garden, the Citygarden is engagement and occupation. This capstone has the
inward-looking, blocking out the street through the same purpose, making the Citygarden’s inclusion
use of dense vegetation and rises in elevation above very beneficial.
the street. However, also like the Cooper Hewitt, it
benefits greatly from the variety of program in the
surrounding context—its inclusion in the Gateway
Mall, its proximity to several business and
administrative offices, and recreational and sports
related events. There exists a balance here
between remaining easily accessible and connected
to the rest of the city while also being one’s own
environment and defining space within the city.
Another take-away from the Citygarden is that
people may be more accepting of a space that
exhibits ideas and elements they are familiar with,
such as the Missouri limestone and water
representing the Mississippi River. Because such
elements are already present elsewhere in the city,
they seem appropriate for the Citygarden and are
readily accepted as part of the urban fabric even if
they differ from the immediate surrounding context.
Finally, while these unique elements create a one-
of-a-kind experience in the city, the Citygarden does
include components one might expect from third
places as describe by urbanists such as William
Whyte and the Project for Public Spaces. Seating,
both movable and permanent, as well as sources of
food and drink, and trees are common are scattered
throughout the Citygarden. However, it is important
to note that these elements are carefully planned in
their placement and unique in how they relate to the
rest of the site. Otherwise the site becomes a recipe
book design that could be applied anywhere and

78
 CASE STUDY:
CITY PUMP

79 80
 CITY PUMP BACK YARD

ROGERS, AR
SCALE: 1/16”=1’
INTERIOR

FRONT YARD

FIGURE 51: City Pump Site Diagram

The City Pump is a formerly operational gas station located along Walnut Street just outside
historic downtown Rogers, Arkansas. After years of disuse, the old station reopened its doors in 2017
as a permanent location for food trucks and a bar. More importantly, it has since become a center for
public activities, utilizing both interior and exterior spaces to continuously remain open year-long.
There are three distinct areas to the City Pump, with varying degrees of intimacy. The front
yard, closest to the street is the most public, having the most access to those along Walnut Street. The
interior bar is directly connected to this zone via the garage doors. Here, visitors bring in their food and
drinks for a quieter environment away from the street. The back yard hosts additional exterior seating
and other outdoor activities not found in the front. Food trucks and a fence line the perimeter of the site,
unifying these zones all together.

81 82
 CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND: DOWNTOWN ROGERS
CITY PUMP RESIDENCIES

The City Pump represents just a glimpse to the establishment is also relatively easy.
of a larger urban fabric in Rogers, AR. The Cars are a primary form of transportation
conception of a food truck station in an old gas for many families, and while the City Pump does
ROGERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
station had to consider its former purpose, its accommodate motorists, it also is a destination ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
current location, and who would visit the project. for pedestrians. Due to the limited size of the CITY PUMP
The transformation of the City Pump is site, the City Pump’s parking situation benefits
not a new trend in architecture. As cities grow, from the parking lot on the other side of N. 7th ANTIQUE MALL
people demand new things to do and developers Street to the west. Walnut Street also has a
and business owners must accommodate these sidewalk with a grassy buffer from the street for ARKANSAS ARTS
needs if the trend of growth is to continue. Over those walking from downtown to the east or the ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
the last few years, the yearly growth rate of other businesses to the west. The lower amount MEDICAL SUPPLY AND
HEALTH SHOP FRANK TILLERY
Rogers, AR has continued to stay above 2%.72 of traffic through the neighborhood to the north
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Other areas of Northwest Arkansas are also means that residents can safely walk to the
continuously growing thanks to employment City Pump from their homes. This walkability
by big companies such as Walmart and Tyson is especially beneficial for pet owners who use
as well as the increasing number of activities the City Pump as a destination for walking their
in the area. Retrofitting old buildings with new canine companions. FAST
FOOD
program has been a common practice, utilizing Located on such a small area, the City
structure and utilities already present on a site Pump made moderately sized changes to bring
with existing connection to the context of the city. community together. The structure of the gas WALMART
The location of the City Pump is in an interesting station is mostly unchanged apart from the NEIGHBORHOOD
area of the larger context of Rogers. office, bar, and restrooms inside. The station’s MARKET
The City Pump is along Walnut Street, a location is already among similar program of
major axis of transportation connecting historic food sales and recreation especially those found FIGURE 52: City Pump Context
downtown Rogers to Highway 49 to the west. in downtown Rogers. Potential customers
This street has increasing more commercial and include those living nearby and driving along
food related establishments, including fast food, Walnut Street. The site required only seating
automotive shops, grocery stores, and small and outdoor activities and events to revive a
office spaces as one moves west towards the once-disused garage and gas station.
highway. Roger’s downtown is to the east where
small shops, restaurants, a museum, bars, and
the railroad are scattered over a few core blocks.
The City Pump sits between these two areas of
program where neighborhoods of single-family
homes are more common. The schools nearby
including the Frank Tillery Elementary School
and the Arkansas Arts Academy are mostly likely
the driving force for the construction of many of
these houses. From these homes, one would
expect the City Pump to draw a lot of business
while its proximity to the highly-used Walnut
Street draws attention from the street. Access

72 “US City Populations 2019,” World Population Review, accessed April 10, [Link]
83 84
 CITY PUMP
FRONT YARD
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 53: City Pump, Front Yard FIGURE 54: City Pump, Front Facade
As the evening is just beginning, people sit outside in various configurations: in a large, irregularly-shaped group, in a tight group of four, and a one-
on-one conversation along the perimeter fence. The old gas station facade serves as a backdrop for all these activities.

Visitors to the City Pump first see the original gas are easily movable for accommodating different groups of The City Pump sits directly between blocks of single the City Pump.
station facade. This structure, as well as the paved lot it people while the heavier picnic tables are more static. For family housing and the commercial program along Walnut
sits on, has a new purpose thanks to a recent renovation. more a more comfortable experience, the overhanging roof Street, and it blends these two elements together. The front
Hosting a variety of activities, seating, and food, the front shades the seating below. From here, on can see some yard is the public face to an idea of neighborhood collectivism.
yard gives visitors a first glimpse into the whole City Pump of the outdoor games in the paved lot, including washers Citizens of Rogers can see what is happening from the
site as well as the ideas of adaptability and social mutualism. and corn hole. All of these activities are confined within the street, encouraging them to stop or return at another time
The overhanging roof and garage doors are the most perimeter fence and food trucks, allowing children and pets to experience the City Pump for themselves. Community
prominent features to the front yard. These elements, when to run free without fear of wandering into the adjacent Walnut activists use the front yard and its connection to the street
coupled with the existing gas pumps in their original location, Street or the neighbors’ yards. The adjacent parking lot is a for public good as well through fundraising events and sales.
are a statement of an existing building repurposed for new life short walk to the gate of the front yard. While introducing Many different components come together to create a space
and activities while still retaining its original identity. Among vehicles so close to third places is normally a negative that is meant for public use.
these new programs are the food trucks lining the side, filling concept, the fence helps to enforce the barrier between the The front yard is the introductory space for the City
the space with smells of burgers, sandwiches, and Thai City Pump’s activities and parking. These elements bring Pump. It provides clues to what one may experience through
food. Those eating the food from the trucks have an array together a wide range of people in the city of Rogers and the the rest of the site. This public face is vary important as
of options for seating. The smaller metal tables and chairs broader Northwest Arkansas area for similar purposes. Walnut Street is a very busy street and essential advertises
85 86
 COMPONENTS: FRONT YARD ACCESSIBILITY
OUTDOOR METAL TABLES ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
The metal tables line the perimeter fence and give customers a place to observe the activities
around the City Pump grounds. PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
OUTDOOR GAMES FREE TO USE
Games such as washers, Jenga, and corn hole create opportunities for physical activity and
social gathering. All ages play the games.
SOCIAL MUTUALISM
SALES STAND
Approved members of the community conduct fundraisers in this stand on the City Pump
FOR VARIOUS AGES
grounds, including the sale of lemonade and cookies or just donations. DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
PERIMETER FENCE ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
Then fence allows patrons to enjoy their alcoholic beverages outside, but also creates a safe
environment for small children and pets to roam. Additionally, the fence hides ground equipment INFORMATION
associated with the food trucks.
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
OUTDOOR PICNIC TABLES INFORMATION DISPLAYED
Similar to the metal tables, the picnic tables increase the amount of seating in a vernacular and
familiar fashion. Their weight makes them less configurable but creates the feeling of more PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
permanence.
FAMILIARITY OF PLACE

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
FOOD TRUCKS
OLD AGE
The presence of food is one of the main points of the City Pump. Varieties of food include
sandwiches, Thai food, soul food, and sushi. The regular food truck operators are familiar with
the bartender at the interior bar and have several regular customers. POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
PARKING FROM THE SUN
Parking for the City Pump is directly off the street. While it provides easy
access from one’s vehicle, it diminishes visual interest surrounding the FROM THE STREET
site.
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

PHYSICAL INTERACTION
CITY PUMP FACADE OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
The repurposing of the old gas station facade brings new life to an existing
structure. The garage doors provide transparency and ease of access
between the inside and outside. The overhanging roof provides shade
ADAPTABILITY
for the seating below. The restored gas pumps meanwhile maintain part USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
of the history of Rogers.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 55: City Pump Front Yard Elements
87 88
 CITY PUMP
BACK YARD
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 56: City Pump, Back Yard

Tucked behind the front portion of the City Pump is The perimeter fence in this space creates a feeling of safety, wood decking stage are familiar and nostalgic to many
the back yard, creating additional outdoor space away from preventing children and pets from running into the street visitors of the City Pump who now see the establishment
Walnut Street in the front. This space is notable for its ability and also containing the City Pump’s activities away from the as part of the community in Rogers.
to engage visitors and create an open space for gathering. neighborhood to the north. While these elements contribute
The elements in this portion of the site help to emphasize to qualities of third places, they do have some limitations.
these qualities. Due to its lack of outdoor covering, the activities in
While sharing many of the same elements as the the back yard are limited by weather and time of year. On a
front yard, the back yard brings additional outdoor activities nice day, people sit outside with their pets, and thanks to a
to the City Pump. For example, performers and trivia night fabric shading system in the summer, the back yard can be
hosts utilize the stage for scheduled events where people used for much of the year. The winter months present more
at the picnic tables and metal chairs can observe. In the of a problem, though the fire pit may extend the usefulness FIGURE 57 (ABOVE): City Pump, Back Yard Seating
center of the seating is a fire pit, an element that has been a of the area into cooler fall months. Nonetheless, the food Families gather at the picnic tables in the back on a warm March
day. Still early in the season for warm weather, the back yard space
traditional gathering point for most of mankind’s history. The trucks may suffer from their outdoor location during this time
will more frequently contain guests as the weather continues to
pit provides warmth from the cold and atmospheric lighting in though patrons are free to wait for their food inside. improve and bands start playing outside.
the evenings, allowing the outdoor activities to continue into The back of a garage is typically not an occupiable FIGURE 58 (RIGHT): City Pump Food Trucks
the night. The adaptability of the space over time is further space but the addition of seating, atmospheric lighting, and People line up for Hibachi food while their dogs become acquainted
enhanced by the string lights spanning above the yard, food has changed that notion. The vernacular qualities of with one another. The ability to bring one’s pets creates another
opportunity for social interaction and provides another place in
illuminating the space in what was once a dark, storage lot. elements such as the picnic tables, fire pit, string lights and
Rogers that is friendly to animals as well as people.
89 90
 COMPONENTS: BACK YARD ACCESSIBILITY
FIRE PIT
The fire pit introduces another outdoor activity at the City Pump during ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
appropriate cool weather. As it has traditionally done in the past, the fire pit is
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
a point of gathering and discussion, especially at night.
FREE TO USE

OUTDOOR PICNIC TABLES

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
Similar to the metal tables, the picnic tables increase the amount of seating in FOR VARIOUS AGES
a vernacular and familiar fashion. Their weight makes them less configurable
but creates the feeling of more permanence. DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
OUTDOOR METAL TABLES
The metal tables line the perimeter fence and give customers a place to INFORMATION DISPLAYED
observe the activities around the City Pump grounds.
PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

STAGE PHYSICAL PERMANENCE

Bands and other acts perform at the backyard stage, bringing large numbers
OLD AGE
of people to the City Pump during decent weather. People gather around the
stage or sit from the benches to listen to music or attend trivia nights.
POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
FOOD TRUCKS
The presence of food is one of the main points of the City Pump. Varieties of
PROTECTION
food include sandwiches, Thai food, soul food, and sushi. The regular food
truck operators are familiar with the bartender at the interior bar and have FROM THE SUN
several regular customers.
FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
STRING LIGHTS PHYSICAL INTERACTION
The string lights span above the seating in the backyard, creating a
pleasant atmosphere at night. They also help signify the backyard as OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
a place to be occupied, as one may not know to move around back
upon first arriving at the City Pump. ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 59: City Pump Back Yard Elements
91 92
 CITY PUMP
INTERIOR
SCALE: 1/8”=1’

FIGURE 60: City Pump Interior FIGURE 61: City Pump Interior Photo
People at the bar are free to speak with one another, have a conversation with the bartender, or just enjoy a place to sit down and watch some television.

Once acting as a mechanic’s shop, the interior of the board games. The original art on the wall gives local artists building provide visual connection to all the activities around The blurred line of interior and exterior makes the
City Pump is now a place for the public to gather, eat, drink, a voice in their community as well as brings an aspect of the City Pump grounds. This concept of transparency indoor seating area a very versatile space. Even during
and play. The components of the space generate qualities additional retail into the establishment. The open and public reduces the barrier between inside and outside and unifies good weather, people find themselves inside for the shade
of third places, most specifically those of adaptability, aspects of this interior is linked to the service spaces in the all the areas of the whole project. The arrangement of while still having a sense of the outside weather. Unlike other
accessibility, and social mutualism while other components rear, where restrooms and the bar office reside. While still seating and small setting of the bar also encourages people establishments, dogs are even permitted on the interior where
are hidden from sight. essential, these elements do not contribute to qualities of to be open with one another. In his or her small work space, they are free to roam safely outside thanks to the fence. This
Though not a very large space, the interior of the third spaces given their lack of communal activity. As such, the bartender easily chats with his or her customers, and interior space becomes vital during colder and poor weather,
City Pump has many components with qualities of third they are tucked away, freeing up more room for people to those sitting nearby are in turn part of the conversation allowing not only the year-round consumption of food and
places. The original facade remains and is an essential part engage with one another. All of these interior components due to close proximity. Meanwhile, the side high top tables drink, but also the enjoyment of games, entertainment, and
of a visitor’s experience, always providing transparency to together create atmospheric qualities found often in third provide another opportunity for conversation as those sitting company.
the front yard while having the ability to close in colder or places. are at the same eye level as those standing, creating a level Though limited in size, the interior of the City Pump
more unpleasant weather. The guests bring in their food Despite being an enclosed space, the City Pump playing field for discussions. These small features in a more acts as an covered extension of the whole sight using a
from the food trucks to eat at the ample amount of seating. interior exemplifies the idea of openness, and not just in the intimate space create an environment where one cannot high level of transparency. The activities of this space not
The seating can move to some degree to accommodate literal sense. While the large front garage doors actually help but become part of another person’s experience at the confined within the walls but rather allowed to move outward
different activities such as group discussions for a round of open, the windows and doors lining almost every wall of the City Pump. into the front and back yards.
93 94
 COMPONENTS: INTERIOR ACCESSIBILITY
BAR ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
People use the bar to order a drink or enjoy their food from the outside food trucks. While
not all ages are permitted, those old enough can interact with other patrons or converse PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
with the bartender. The less socially-inclined have the television for entertainment.
FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
BOARD GAMES
When not eating or drinking, those at the City Pump entertain themselves with the variety
of board games provided. Families or groups of friend gather around one of the games to INFORMATION
play, chat, and have fun.
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
PAINTINGS
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The back wall showcases paintings by local artists ands acts as a venue for their work.
Even those not wishing to purchase the works can still enjoy whatever is on display at the PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
time. The paintings are a new type of program into a space initially made to service works
of engineering. OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

GARAGE DOORS
PROTECTION
The existing garage doors are reused as a partition between the interior and exterior. They FROM THE SUN
open during nice weather for natural ventilation and ease of access into the bar and close
in unpleasant weather to protect those inside. FROM THE STREET
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

INDOOR SEATING
People enjoy their food and drink on these high-top table while also gathering to chat or ADAPTABILITY
play games. As opposed to the outdoor seating, these indoor tables provide protection USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
from the weather and sun, meaning the City Pump operates all times of the year.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 62: City Pump Interior Elements
95 96
 SUMMARY: CITY PUMP

The City Pump sits directly between blocks provide a wide range of readily-available food
of single-family housing to the North, commercial options with ample seating for consumption. The bar
program along Walnut Street to the West, and the is another place to enjoy food or simply have a
historic Rogers downtown to the East, blending beverage. The site does not belong to these
aspects of each together to create a space that feels commercial ventures alone, however. The City
like an extension of the neighborhood. The Pumps hosts different events throughout the year to
establishment is unique in that it gives neighbors and give back to the community, including charitable
friends a place to congregate that features many of fundraisers, live musical performances, trivia nights,
the things they can do at home in a public setting. community garage sales, and TV viewing parties.
The blend of familiar and unique elements These events mean that people, especially those
encourages people to stay at the City Pump who frequent these events, have a stake in the
throughout the year. success of the City Pump. It has become part of the
As previously covered, a third place is neighborhood, exemplifying the idea of social
somewhere people choose to occupy outside of their mutualism. While different people come to the City
home (first place) and work (second place). The Pump for the similar activities, it may have
location of the City Pump means that people do significance to people for different reasons. For
come from these two types of places. What is ironic, examples, a family may appreciate the open space
however, is that many of the elements at the City as a place for children and pets to play, while single
Pump are easily found in someone’s backyard. A adults may appreciate an outdoor space to meet
picnic table for enjoying burgers, a firepit, cold beer, other people in the area. The range of reasons for
yard games, and a fenced environment for safe play going to the City Pump is a testament to how
are all typical American home components. The City adaptable the space truly is. The design of the City
Pump puts these components under collective Pump helps accomplish this feat.
ownership, uniting different people and groups who With the existing structure of the old service
may not interact if they were to participate in these station, the City Pump arranges various elements
activities in their own homes. For example, the close and activities so they interact with each other. The
proximity of the tables and their movability means benches and tables located in the front and back
that strangers can easily converse, as the author yard are spaced equally between the bar on the
experienced during his visit to the site. Children run interior and the food trucks on the perimeter,
around in the safety of the fenced off outdoor areas meaning there is a good chance people will interact
and participate in games, meeting other children, with them at some point during their visit. This equal
and as a result, the parents meet as well. The distribution also makes any of the seats a potential
presence of pets leads to a similar form of point of gathering as groups of people sit to eat
interaction. None of this would be possible without together, play one of the various games the City
a place that feels neighborly and familiar yet still Pump provides, or just enjoy the atmosphere on a
accessible to so many people. These activities pleasant day. These seats are safely located inside
alone, however, do not fully contribute to the the perimeter of food trucks and the fence so that
qualities of third places as there are many other parents can sit and talk while their children or dogs
activities people cannot experience from their run about the open space. Ample seating indicates
homes. accessibility for many people as well as adaptability
As gas stations have been for many years, thanks to the possibility of reconfiguring chairs. For
the City Pump is a place of community interaction. example, the seats may be cleared out for a musical
Instead of chatting with station attendants, patrons performance or outdoor activity at one point of the
now come for far more activities. The food trucks day. The ability to change over time to

97
accommodate needs is a significant quality of third argue that this limited program goes against the idea
places, as is the mentioned qualities of personal of centeredness and multiuse planning that other
interaction and accessibility. The transparency third places are known for and could reduce the
between interior and exterior is an important addition variety of people visiting the City Pump. However,
to the quality of accessibility, adaptability, and the establishment’s location in Rogers helps unify
environmental protection as well. The large garage different groups of people in the city—office workers
doors open or close according to the weather’s on break for lunch, pet owners, families, and young
quality. While the doors are open, one can easily singles. All of these people reside around the City
move inside from the front yard, stay or a while, and Pump in neighborhoods or the schools or the
proceed to the back yard. When the doors are businesses downtown and along Walnut Street.
closed, visitors still have visual connection to the rest While one may not go to the City Pump to purchase
of the sight while staying behind a barrier from groceries or meet with a business client, it is on the
whatever environmental conditions exist beyond. All way to different activities in Rogers and easily
of these components exist around the original accessible via automobile. While the automobile
structure of the service station, a building that has has harmed the quality of many open spaces, it
existed for many years. Rogers has had this piece serves as a means of access and a way to discover
of urban fabric for years, and instead of losing it, the the City Pump.
owners of the City Pump saw the opportunity to turn Due to the City Pump’s young age, it is
a decaying piece of the city’s existing context into a difficult to determine whether its success will
new community center. This action springs forth continue into the future or if it is just one
many lessons about design successful third places. contemporary example of repurposing old structures
Given that the City Pump is a successful third for leisurely activities. What is known is that the
place, designs can follow certain moves to recreate citizens of Rogers and the wider Northwest
many of the qualities that people seek in an open Arkansas area have readily accepted the City Pump
space. For example, though the City Pump lacks a as a neighborly place for wide ranges of people. It
notable presence of water and vegetation, it does meets their needs and desires in different ways,
have many of the pleasant qualities William Whyte providing a constant supply of food and beverages
identified in The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces, and different events throughout the year. As with
including proximity to food, ample seating, and a any other third place, the City Pump must
balanced exposure to sunlight. The interior and accommodate the changes in community demands
exterior spaces accommodate similar activities of if it is to continue to thrive. For the time being,
eating, drinking, and leisure activities throughout the however, the trend of breathing new life and
year while other exclusively exterior third places activities into formerly nonpublic buildings is one that
would suffer in the winter months. The permittance people seem to enjoy.
of pets and children allows accessibility to many
different groups, and the games and different type of
seating accommodate these people well. The
nature of the seating in the open space of the yard
serves different types of events throughout the year,
meaning each visit to the City Pump is unique.
These factors make the City Pump a pleasant place
to be, but they are not the solely the reason people
go there. People go the City Pump to partake in
leisurely activities and for entertainment. Some may

98
 CASE STUDY:
8TH STREET
MARKET

99 100
 8TH STREET MARKET
ROGERS, AR
SCALE: 1”=40’

THE VINE

BIKE RACK
BREWING

MARKHAM AND
FITZ CHOCOLATE

FOOD TRUCKS
FIGURE 63: 8th Street Market Site Diagram THE HOLLER

Once a chicken processing facility, the 8th Street Market has reopened its doors as a center
for food, drinks, commerce, and recreation. The sprawling site combines several different types of LOWER GARDEN
program together under one roof, wrapping around the various facades of the original building. The
relationship between interior and exterior varies greatly from one portion of the site to another, though
visual connection between different areas is rarely interrupted. The Market also features a dedication
to art as it is in a continuously developing area of Bentonville where art and culture are similar concerns.
Though still a new project in terms of years of service, residents of Bentonville as well as others in the
Northwest Arkansas region travel to the 8th Street Market for different events and experiences. The
components within in the different areas of the Market accommodate this large volume of people.
101 102
 CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND: CRYSTAL BRIDGES

8TH STREET MARKET

GROUNDS
WALMART WALMART
OFFICES OFFICES

The 8th Street Market is located at first glimpse at the food in the space. Beyond SINGLE FAMILY
the merging point between many different this is Bike Rack Brewing where people can RESIDENCIES
WALMART OFFICES
types of program in Bentonville. Between grab a drink inside at the bar or the tables or
the Market and Highway 49 to the east are sit outside. Either way, there is a tight visual
WALMART
several administrative offices, warehouses, and connection to the brewery thanks to the large OFFICES
facilities for Walmart. These corporate offices windows along the inner outdoor path of
occupy a large portion of land and exist as circulation between the two buildings. Also in DOWNTOWN
islands in parking lots. This trend is somewhat this space is the entrance to the Brightwater, BENTONVILLE
8TH STREET
common for larger operations such as Walmart, a cooking academy that takes up the northern
MARKET
and given that the 8th Street Market was once half of the 8th Street Market Site. Here students
a poultry processing plant, it too follows this meet with faculty to learn how to prepare
trend of existing as an item in an open field. dishes, the public enters for different events
The neighboring Kraft plant to the west of the and classes, and local growers take advantage
Market that will soon serve as the contemporary of the on-site greenhouse in the parking lot. It
art exhibit for Crystal Bridges also exists as an should be noted that because Brightwater is a
object in a field. These conditions differ from the space mostly dedicated to enrolled students, it
neighborhoods to the north and east of these was not included as an area of study for this
SUBURBS
sites. Here, there are single family homes capstone focusing on PUBLIC third places. SUBURBS
spaced somewhat tightly together, or at least Adjacent to Brightwater is the Holler, an indoor
more tightly than the cul-de-sacs in the suburban area filled with program such as a shuffleboard
houses to the south of the Market. Presumably, court, a bar and restaurant, a cafe, and plenty FUTURE THADEN
these homes house many of the workers and of seating for eating, gathering, playing games, SCHOOL SITE
families associated with the Walmart facilities or even working. Other restaurants exist along
to the east. In terms of a broader context, the the outside perimeter of the building, in addition FIGURE 64: 8th Street Market Context
historic Bentonville Square is located a directly to shops selling crafts and food goods. Some
to the northwest, and the grounds of the Crystal of these shops are still waiting to be filled due parking accommodates those driving in, but the food, existing context, and vegetation in a space
Bridges American Art Museum lie just north of to how recently the Market opened. For the large parking lot does make the Market less with activities for everyone.
that. Art is becoming a major aspect along 8th purposes of this capstone, the one shop chosen appealing for pedestrians. Its isolated location in
Street thanks ot not only the Crystal Bridge’s for research was Markham and Fitz Chocolate the middle of a field may also deter some people
Momentary Contemporary Art Museum but also because it features indoor and outdoor seating from making a walk over. However, there is a
for the near opening of the Thaden School, an as well as areas for observing the food-making bike trail that runs along the norther boundary of
independent school with spaces for recreation process, for congregating, and for working. the Market property. The author has on multiple
and various forms of performance featuring All of these spaces sit in the middle of a large occasions witnessed bikers in their gear and
architecture from local and non-local firms. parking lot that gathers cars coming in from 8th with their bikes stop by the outdoor seating
Neighborhood atmospheres, business, history, Street. area for a drink before departing once more to
and art all culminate together at the site of the The Market is named after its location continue their ride. No matter how one arrives
8th Street Market and its many activities. on 8th Street, one of the major east-west at the Market, there is a way to accommodate
The theme of food that began with the paths running through Bentonville. This wide their mode of transportation.
Market’s past as a poultry processing plant for road connects the streets running north to the The Market is one of several projects
Tyson Foods continues today with the presence downtown square to roads that lead to Highway occurring around 8th Street, an area coming to
of several food-related spaces. Directly along 4 in the west. As such, the Market receives guest be known as the Market District of Bentonville.
the parking lot curb are several food trucks from both downtown Bentonville and out-of-town The Market has started a trend in the area
with adjacent outdoor seating to give people a guests coming off of the highway. The ample marked by the combination of recreation, art,

103 104
 8TH STREET MARKET
FOOD TRUCKS
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 65: 8th Street Market Food Trucks

The food trucks are the first sight of food-related also suited for pets, meaning pet owners have a place to The food trucks area creates a very busy outdoor FIGURE 66 (TOP): Food Truck Seating
activity that one sees when he or she arrives at the 8th Street bring their companions and will undoubtedly converse with environment for eating, drinking, conversing, recreation, People sit outside on a warm evening to eat dinner from the food trucks
or a drink from Bike Rack Brewing.
Market. Food has the ability to create social mutalism by other guests as a result. While accessibility and the inclusion and gathering. It is a taste of what else is to come as
bringing different groups of people together for a common of multiple activities are important qualities of third places, one progresses through the 8th Street Market. Due to its
reason--satisfying hunger. There are more opportunities the area’s adaptability over time must also be addressed. presence on the corner, it has a great pull where people first
within this area as well. Given that the area is outdoors, there are some gather at the Market.
This area may seem somewhat one dimensional at limitations to its use over time. During colder weather, people FIGURE 67 (LOWER LEFT): Nighttime at the Market
first--a series of food trucks people order from. However, are less likely to use the outdoor seats, and the food trucks Even towards closing time, people sit outside. The food trucks have
it all relates more deeply to the site. For example, one of are limited in use. During extremely hot weather, people already shut down but the lights make the space occupiable into the
night.
the food trucks belongs to the Brightwater school, serving may be more inclined to sit under the shaded seating closer
as both an advertisement for the school but also a sampling to Bike Rack or eat indoors. The weather also affects the
of what the school does. The extensive use of picnic tables use of this space. However, under the right environmental
are places people sit where they not only eat, but also conditions, the area can be used for many hours of a given
congregate, exchange information, and play games. People day thanks to the presence of the lights near the food trucks.
FIGURE 68 (LOWER RIGHT): Seating Outside the Food Trucks
also use these benches as extra outdoor seating for Bike The author observed people still sitting outside around the Though mostly fixed in place, people choose to sit or stand around the
Rack Brewing, found in another area. This outdoor area is food trucks even once the sun went down. food trucks and adjacent seating in different ways.
105 106
 COMPONENTS: FOOD TRUCKS ACCESSIBILITY
OUTDOOR BENCHES ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
The benches lack moveability but their great quantity means there are
plenty of places for individuals and groups to seat. People occupy these PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
seats at many times of the day thanks to the lights above at night.
FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
PARKING
The parking directly adjacent to the seating does not really contribute to
pleasant qualities people seek, but does allow easy access to the site at INFORMATION
different times of the day and times of the year. Some of the parking is PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
original to the site’s original purpose as a processing plant.
INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
FOOD TRUCKS
Food trucks lining the curb are people’s first experience of food at OLD AGE
the 8th Street Market. The Brightwater truck sells food produced
by the school found elsewhere on the site. Their location near POINT OF GATHERING
the outdoor seating makes them very popular.
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN

FROM THE STREET

FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

LIGHTS
The presence of lights increases the use of the area PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
during the evening. They also create a pleasant HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
atmosphere that people enjoy and help define this
portion of the outdoor seating. PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 69: 8th Street Market Food Trucks Elements

107 108
 8TH STREET MARKET
BIKE RACK BREWING
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 70: Bike Rack Brewing

FIGURE 71 (TOP): Bike Rack Brewing Facade

The bar follows the same color scheme and has many of the same
elements found elsewhere in the 8th Street Market, but the front facade
The front half of Bike Rack Brewing is a place where The inside of Bike Rack Brewing of course features scheme of the 8th Street Market. It is also a place for families also features different brickwork to create its own identity among the
people can sample the beer brewed on the site and is also a bar. Here, the bartender sells beer brewed on site and talks and other to eat from the adjacent food trucks or play games. other shops and stores. Its position at the corner of the site allows Bike
Rack to be a person’s first experience at the 8th Street Market.
an extension of the recreational space present elsewhere at with the patrons. The TV behind the bar displays information Events here bring in crowds who then in turn bring business
the Market. The ease of access between the interior and regarding the beverages on tap and events at the 8th Street to the food trucks and the bar as well as other parts of the
exterior thanks to the garage doors makes the whole area Market. The bar itself is not suited for all, but people not Market, forming a symbiotic relationship among all of these
FIGURE 72 (LOWER LEFT): Bar Interior
very cohesive and creates two spaces used for different of age are free to sit in the variety of other options on the elements.
The bar brings together a wide range of people. Pictured are cyclists
reasons at different points of time. interior, both benches and high tops. This interior seating is interacting with a man and his large dog while others coming from work
The outdoor seating area benefits from the canopy extends the usefulness of the 8th Street Market into colder site at the bar to the left. The garage doors allow for an easy flow of
that provides shade and its close proximity to the bar. This weather and consistently provides a place for people to play circulation between exterior and interior space
area has benches where people gather, play games, eat, the provided games or eat food from the food trucks. The
drink, and watch performances and discussions at the stage services for the area are tucked to the back of the interior
along the mural wall. The planter and the railing divides the where the brewing facility begins. FIGURE 73 (LOWER RIGHT): Stage
seating for Bike Rack from the parking on the level below. Bike Rack represents the public side to an industrial The stage along the mural wall hosts many outdoor activities. In this
photo, the staff have begun to set up equipment for a band performing
As previously stated, the garage doors akin to the industrial process of crafting beer. People have the opportunity to
later that night. During another trip made by the author, graphic design
nature of the former processing plant takes people into the experience something made on-site. However, instead professions held a continuing education presentation on developing
interior area of Bike Rack. of this sole purpose, Bike Rack serves a larger role in the typefaces.
109 110
 COMPONENTS: BIKE RACK BREWING ACCESSIBILITY
BOARD GAMES ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
In addition to a bar for adults, the interior of Bike Rack Brewing also has board games
for families or others just wanted to spend time and converse with one another. PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
FREE TO USE
INDOOR SEATING
This fixed seating is protected from the outside but shares visual connection with
the exterior thanks to the large glass garage doors. People use these tables and SOCIAL MUTUALISM
benches for eating, drinking, playing games, and talking. FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
OUTDOOR SEATING
A metal canopy shades the outdoor seating, where people gather, eat, drink, play ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
games, and observe other areas of the 8th Street Market. The seats are within close
proximity to the Bike Rack bar as well. INFORMATION
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
INFORMATION DISPLAYED

BAR PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

People use the bar to order a drink or enjoy their food from the outside food trucks.
While not all ages are permitted, those old enough can interact with other patrons
or converse with the bartenders. There are other activities for younger guests to FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
participate in. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE

OLD AGE
GARAGE DOORS
The garage doors are a barrier used during unsatisfactory environmental
conditions. They allow the interior of Bike Rack to remain thermally POINT OF GATHERING
enclosed while still providing visual connectivity to the outside. The PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
garage doors also reflect the industrial nature of the 8th Street Market
and its past as a poultry processing plant. OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION

PROTECTION
METAL CANOPY
The canopy shades the exterior of the space and covers the space during FROM THE SUN
rain. Though it helps during warmer weather, it is less effective during the
cold at blocking out unpleasant environmental factors. The choice of a FROM THE STREET
metal canopy also reflects a more industrial look to the 8th Street Market
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM
referencing its past.

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

PHYSICAL INTERACTION
OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
STAGE
The stage brings in a wide range of events including musical performances, ADAPTABILITY
open-mic nights, trivia, and even continuing education opportunities for
business-related clients. Though these events are good for bringing in USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
people to the 8th Street Market, the stage sits as an empty space when USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
not being used.
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 74: Bike Rack Brewing Elements
111 112
 8TH STREET MARKET
FRONT PORCH
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 75: 8th Street Market Front Porch

FIGURE 76 (TOP): Seating Under the Shading System

The shading system creates an inhabitable space with plenty of shading.
However, people choose to use the seating closer to where they purchase
The perforated metal canopy system helps define and the parking. The trees between the canopy and the front The front porch is a large open space where people food from the trucks and the brewery.
much of the west and south facade of the 8th Street Market. facade of the building creates an additional layer of visual transition from the outside of the Market to the interior through
Beneath this canopy, guests have the opportunity to eat buffer to the street. These trees are also a way of stirring up the front doors. The metal canopy provides environmental
purchases from the food trucks, to gather in larger groups, visual interest in the site. protection as people wait to enter the inside or just remain
and to relax and talk. The picnic tables are a familiar element The treatment of this buffer zone as an opportunity outside to consume food, gather, or talk. The elements at FIGURE 77 (LOWER LEFT): Shadows
found elsewhere in the Market and accommodate most of to generate interesting moments for people to observe is the front porch, such as the metal canopy and the benches, The perforated rusted metal shades above act as an art piece both in
these activities. This large open area also serves a purpose very important in the front porch. The trees lining the front of are part of a common set of parts found throughout the 8th their physical appearance and the shadows they produce. This visual
interest generates more appeal for the area. The shading is part of a
with the given context of the 8th Street Market. the building are clues to the circulation around the building, Street Market, but they reafirm that these elements form a
unifying system that wraps around the facades of the building.
The Market exists as a building set inside a large leading to the front entrance, the food trucks and into the Vine. cohesive whole with qualities people seek.
parking lot. The open space associated with this front porch The signage on the storefront windows are also wayfinding
area is a buffer and zone of transition between people devices as well as graphic pieces of artwork, much like the
the parking lot and the people entering the Market. The neon “8” sign and the “MARKET” statue out front. The metal
vegetation as well as the large metal canopy contribute to canopy is an additional source of visual interest at the front FIGURE 78 (LOWER RIGHT): Front Porch Facade
The design of the graphics on the front facade as well as elsewhere in
the separation between the Market facade and the parking porch. The perforated metal creates a pattern of light and
the 8th Street Market provides information about the activities and shops
spots. The plantings as well as the vertical supports of the shadow on the ground, echoing the pattern of metal and sky found around the site and their locations. The metal overhangs mark
canopy form a physical and visual barrier between people seen as one looks up to the structure of the canopy. entrance to the interior of the Market as well.
113 114
 COMPONENTS: FRONT PORCH ACCESSIBILITY
OUTDOOR SEATING
A metal canopy shades the outdoor seating, where people gather, eat, drink, ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
play games, and observe other areas of the 8th Street Market. These seats are
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
somewhat farther from the food trucks and Bike Rack brewing, meaning they are
used less by patrons for eating unless there are many people at the Market, and FREE TO USE
they are outside the boundary where alcohol is allowed from Bike Rack.

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
FOR VARIOUS AGES
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
SIGNAGE
The signs around the 8th Street Market are examples of artwork as well as ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
advertising. The “MARKET” sign is a freestanding mass in a field of vegetation
while the neon “8” sign is a common location for evening photos. INFORMATION

PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE

INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

PARKING
The parking directly adjacent to the seating does not really contribute to pleasant FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
qualities people seek, but does allow easy access to the site at different times of
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
the day and times of the year. Some of the parking is original to the site’s original
purpose as a processing plant. PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK

VEGETATION OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS

Trees create a visual division between the facade of the 8th Street
AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
Market and the seating under the metal canopy in the front porch.
They also provide some shade for pedestrians, though they do not
shade any seats. The shrubs in along the curb create a green barrier PROTECTION
between the path of circulation around the market and the parking
lot. All of these elements create more visual interest than the empty FROM THE SUN
parking lot that was there before. FROM THE STREET
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
METAL CANOPY
This modular metal canopy shades a large area that wraps around the HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
8th Street Market. It shades outdoor seating and protects pedestrians
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
from rain while also holding visual interest with the perforated metal.
The rusted metal and heavy structure calls back to the industrial nature OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
of the site. String lights also hang from these canopies, illuminating
the space at night so people can use the exterior of the 8th Street
Market later into the evenings. ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 79: 8th Street Market Front Porch Elements

115 116
 8TH STREET MARKET
THE HOLLER
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 80: The Holler

The Holler is a hub of activities where people have The author witnessed many work-related activities The Holler is one of the more density organized FIGURE 81 (TOP): The Holler
many options. Entering from four different directions, people during his visit to the Holler. A company was taking a group spaces studied in the capstone. However, it exemplifies The Holler is a large open space with many activities including a
restaurant, a bar, a cafe, shuffleboard, games, places to work, and
have access to different options of drinks, a place for food, of clients out to lunch during one visit, while another group of many qualities of third places, including centeredness, social places to lounge. All of this program exists within the walls of the former
recreational activities, and places to work or converse with professionals held an informal meeting around laptops during mutualism, accessibility, and the heavy presence of seating. poultry processing plant.
friends, colleagues, or by themselves. another visit. On each occasion, other people by themselves Because this interior space is also free to use, it is one FIGURE 82 (LOWER LEFT): Shuffleboard
The wide range of seating within the Holler includes sat at the tables or lounge chairs to work on their laptops location that people can come to year round and many hours The bar has rentable shuffleboard equipment and a staff who explain
the rules and procedure of the game. High top seating surrounds the
lounge seats, booths, high tops, and individual seats. and listen to music, taking advantage of the power outlets of the day for both recreation and work. playing area where observers watch those playing shuffleboard. The
With these options, people can perform a wide range of associated with each table. Those working tended to stay field of diffuse lighting helps to hide the structure in this area and evenly
activities, and the ample seating makes these opportunities near the coffee shop where the coffee is a fuel source for light the space.
very accessible. The shuffleboard court is surrounded by work and they can operate peacefully away from the noise FIGURE 83 (LOWER RIGHT): Work Space
seating and is a source of entertainment for all within the of the bar and shuffleboard court. The Holler is an example While the Holler is a place for recreation and relaxation, people also
come here to work on their laptops or read. The tables have outlets to
Holler. Additional board games are rented from the bar as of how a third place can also accommodate second place
power digital devices. This side of the Holler has several types of seating
well. While the bar, restaurant, and games provide sources activities while not conforming to traditional second place to best accommodate users--tabletops for laying out work or food, small
of entertainment, the Holler can also be a place of business. qualities of say an office. tables for individuals, and booths for groups, and lounge chairs for more
relaxed sitting.
117 118
 COMPONENTS: THE HOLLER ACCESSIBILITY
HIGH-TOP SEATING
The high-tops overlook the shuffleboard court (a source of entertainment), and their ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
proximity to the restaurant makes them a place for eating. Because of the linear
organization, these seats are suited for conversations up to maybe four people, but PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
larger groups may choose to sit elsewhere. FREE TO USE

COFFEE SHOP
The coffee shop sits directly beneath a skylight that bathes it in sunlight on a clear SOCIAL MUTUALISM
day. This pleasant quality adds to the experience of buying a coffee or tea from one FOR VARIOUS AGES
of the talkative staff behind the counter. Though not free, the coffee shop creates a
node of interest that pulls people towards it. DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION
LOUNGE CHAIRS
These soft chairs and sofa sit lower to the ground than other seating and have
coffee tables resembling something someone may find in a lobby or home. This
INFORMATION
familiar arrangement encourages conversation, but also allows people to consume PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
food, drink an alcoholic beverage or coffee, or catch up with friends or business
colleagues. INFORMATION DISPLAYED

PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES

TABLES
The tables come in a wide variety--booths, long tables with chairs, FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
and more individual benches, chairs, and tables. These tables host
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
different activities--places for larger groups, work stations with outlets
for laptops, moveable tables and chairs for slight modification to
PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
accommodate group sizes.
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
BAR AND RESTAURANT
This restaurant operates differently from the rest of the food locations AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
at the 8th Street Market. Patrons order their food on a screen and
receive a text message when their food is ready for pick up. Though
this aspect lacks human interaction, people can still talk with a server PROTECTION
at the bar, though this is mostly a safeguard to prevent serving those FROM THE SUN
underage. Nonetheless, people seek out the restaurant and bar to
purchase food and drink and take elsewhere to consume. FROM THE STREET
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST

SHUFFLEBOARD COURT
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
The shuffleboard court serves as a source of entertainment for OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
both those playing and for those observing along the perimeter.
It is an example of some of the recreational activities making
their way inside into the Holler. Its location, the ramp, and ADAPTABILITY
entry points from two different sides make it a very accessible USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
component to the Holler as well.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 84: The Holler Elements
119 120
 8TH STREET MARKET
THE VINE
SCALE: 1/32”=1’

FIGURE 85: The Vine

The Vine is a zone of circulation between the of a unifying element among the different activities within the FIGURE 86 (TOP): The Vine Walkway
Holler and Bike Rack Brewing and the Brightwater school. site. The canopy provides environmental protection as one The Vine is a covered circulation space joining together the Holler, Bike
Rack Brewing, and the Brightwater Academy. Named for the trees and
However, the path curves in a zig-zag to avoid the monotony moves from one activity or area to the next. The Vine helps planned vegetation in the space, the Vine is less an example of an area
of a linear march from one area to another. This path is lined facilitate social mutualism and enhances accessibility among offering many areas but rather an example of how areas can effectively
with a series of trees as well as large windows looking into the different areas. It is also an open space in which people link together.
the production of Bike Rack Brewing and the activities of the can gather, though there is not much room to do much else,
Holler. To protect pedestrians from the sun and some rain, thus the Vine is not a very adaptable space. The trees and
FIGURE 87 (LOWER LEFT): Eastern Entrance to the Vine
a metal canopy spans between the two buildings along the canopy are all fixed in place and people do not interact with Towards the Brightwater Academy, the canopy of the Vine wraps around
same route as the concrete sidewalk. This metal canopy them except visually. Even with the canopy as covering, the Bike Rack Brewery. This canopy marks entry into the different points of
follows the same design as the metal canopy found at the Vine is still an uncomfortable place in colder weather when the 8th Street Market.
exterior space of Bike Rack Brewing, a reference to the it becomes soley a means of circulation that people quickly
industrial processes once present at the poultry processing move on from in search of a warm interior space.
plant. Though a path of circulation, the Vine does feature FIGURE 88 (LOWER RIGHT): Windows
The large glass windows built into the existing walls show the new
some qualities of a third place.
program within the interior of Bike Rack--the equipment used to brew
One of the more important contributions to the beer. This transparency involves people, at least visually, in an activity
qualities of third places the Vine represents is the creation they normally do not see.
121 122
 COMPONENTS: THE VINE ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO

FREE TO USE

SOCIAL MUTUALISM
METAL CANOPY
The canopy shades the exterior FOR VARIOUS AGES
circulation space and protects it to
some degree during rainy weather. DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST

Though it helps during warmer ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

weather, it is less effective during
the cold at blocking out unpleasant
environmental factors. The choice of INFORMATION
a metal canopy also reflects a more
PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
industrial look to the 8th Street Market
referencing its past. The slatted INFORMATION DISPLAYED
metal system lets some light through
to the pavement below, creating a PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
visual rhythm of light and shadow that
generates interest.
FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

POINT OF GATHERING
PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
VEGETATION
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
Trees in the Vine create a path for
people to follow along the central AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
outdoor zone of circulation. They also
provide some shade for pedestrians,
though they do not shade any seats. PROTECTION
The trees are sources of visual FROM THE SUN
interest as one would otherwise just
see the facade of the Market. In FROM THE STREET
this way, the trees help to conceal
some of the interior activities of the FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM
Holler so that ones first entry into the
Holler is more of a reveal. The trees PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
also symbolize a new purpose and
reimagining of the 8th Street Market HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
and its past as a source of industry.
PHYSICAL INTERACTION

OTHER SENSES ENGAGED

ADAPTABILITY
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY

USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR

ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 89: The Vine Elements

123 124
 8TH STREET MARKET
MARKHAM AND FITZ
CHOCOLATE
SCALE: 1/16”=1’

FIGURE 90: Markham and

Fitz Chocolate Shop

Markham and Fitz Chocolate is one of but many at Bike Rack Brewing. This observation area doubles as Markham and Fitz used the shell of one of the units FIGURE 91 (TOP): Chocolate Shop Interior
shops located along the west side of the 8th Street Market, seating for small groups in a similar way as the seating around along the west side of the 8th Street Market to create a People sitting on the interior of the shop have variety in their choice of
seating. The high tops have views into the chocolate-making process,
but the qualities of third places it exemplifies are common to the shuffleboard at the Holler. A source of entertainment to space with an experience not found elsewhere. The interior, the wall bench and tables seat groups, and the individual chairs and
many of the other shops as well. watch is something that brings people together and conveys dedicated to the production of chocolate, engages the sense seats can host up to four people.
The design strategy of the chocolate shop follows information, aspects important to a third place. Other of taste, sight, smell, and hearing while also offering refuge
trends found elsewhere in the Market--moveable outdoor components of third places are also explored. from the outside and a place for different activities. The FIGURE 92 (LOWER LEFT): Cash Register
seating beneath a perforated metal canopy, indoor seating Adaptability is an additional part of the chocolate exterior meanwhile has features common to other exterior The front counter is where people interact with the chocolate shop
where people can work and talk, and the presence of food shop. The seats reconfigure to accommodate different spaces of third places, especially those at the 8th Street workers and purchase food and drinks. These sweet options differ from
the food found elsewhere in the 8th Street Market such as the food trucks
and drink. Markham and Fitz is unique to the Market as sizes of groups. If the weather is poor outside, there is also Market.
and the Holler.
it provides sweeter options than the other food-related seating inside. The lights hung from the canopy extend the
businesses. The chocolate production is also on display and usefulness of the outdoor space into the evening. Though
FIGURE 93 (LOWER RIGHT): Outdoor Seating
a means of starting conversation among different groups there is not a large range of activities at Markham and Fitz,
In addition to the indoor seating, the chocolate shop has outdoor seating
of people who enter the shop and see their products being people are able to work, shop, talk with one another, watch shaded by the perforated metal canopy. String lights illuminate the space
made, just as the brewery is on display through the windows the chocolate-making process, or enjoy the weather outside. at night. These elements together allow the chocolate shop to serve the
public at different times of day and the year.
125 126
 COMPONENTS: ACCESSIBILITY
MARKHAM AND FITZ CHOCOLATE ACCESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
PEOPLE MAY FREELY COME AND GO
OUTDOOR SEATING FREE TO USE
A metal canopy shades the outdoor seating, where people gather,
eat, drink, play games, and observe other areas of the 8th Street
Market. These seats are common to many of the shops along this SOCIAL MUTUALISM
side of the Market. They are light and moveable so differently- FOR VARIOUS AGES
sized groups can arrange them to fit their needs.
DIFFERENT PEOPLE/SAME INTEREST
ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION

SHOP COUNTER
INFORMATION
People purchase products from each of the shops. At Markham PEOPLE CAN CONVERSE
and Fitz, people can purchase, chocolate, candy, coffee, mixed
drinks, tea, and hot chocolates. The sweet selection acts as a INFORMATION DISPLAYED
desert to some of the other food options found elsewhere within the
PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR TRACES
8th Street Market. Obviously the food is not free, though there are
free samples and the smell of chocolate fills the air. The staff are
also open to talking with guests as it is not as busy of a location as FAMILIARITY OF PLACE
other areas of the Market.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

PHYSICAL PERMANENCE
OLD AGE

CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION AREA POINT OF GATHERING

People sit around the stools for an informal demonstration of how
Markham and Fitz produces chocolate. Just as the windows at Bike PLEASANT QUALITIES PEOPLE SEEK
Rack Brewing, this visual connection enhances the relationship
OPEN SPACE FOR GROUPS
between a person and the food they consume. This counter is also
a place for people to enjoy their purchase, speak with one or two AREA OF INTEREST OR DEMARCATION
other people, or perform some work through reading or their laptop.

PROTECTION
FROM THE SUN
FROM THE STREET
FROM NEIGHBORING PROGRAM

PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
METAL CANOPY
This modular metal canopy shades a large area that HOLDS VISUAL INTEREST
wraps around the 8th Street Market. It shades outdoor
PHYSICAL INTERACTION
seating and protects pedestrians from rain while also
holding visual interest with the perforated metal. The OTHER SENSES ENGAGED
rusted metal and heavy structure calls back to the
industrial nature of the site. String lights also hang
from these canopies, illuminating the space at night so ADAPTABILITY
people can use the exterior of the 8th Street Market USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF DAY
later into the evenings.
USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF YEAR
ALLOWS ALTERNATE CONFIGURATIONS
FIGURE 94: Markham and Fitz Chocolate Elements
127 128
 SUMMARY: 8TH STREET MARKET

As the name implies, the 8th Street Market is for people to work, something that has become more
a source of many food options and hosts many other common for public spaces
recreational and commercial activities. Some of the Advancements in technology have increased
qualities of good public spaces and third places the type, quality, and amount of work people can
described by Oldenburg and Whyte are present at complete remotely via laptop or other devices. As
the Market as well. All of this program is organized such, public spaces have started to reflect this trend.
around a former poultry processing facility. The The author noted several people at the Holler with
practice of renovating old buildings for new public laptops, headphones, and even one man with an
purposes has been a common trend for all of the audio mixer board working at tables equipped with
explored case studies. The use of the existing power outlets. Companies also bring visiting clients
structure is suited for the context of Bentonville. and coworkers to the 8th Street Market for lunches
The 8th Street Market accommodates today’s and dinners as an icebreaker to working together.
“experience society” discussed by Jan Gehl. 73 It is Whether working on a personal project or a more
a source not only for food but also for socializing, business-related endeavor, people use the Market
drinks, selling products, working, seeing as a public space that blends the qualities of third
performances and events, and recreation. This places with those of a second place where work
quality of centeredness encourages people to come normally occurs. The Market is far from a traditional
to the Market for any number of these opportunities. office, with many possible distractions and plenty of
One might assume that they go to the Market to food options, but many still choose to work at public
participate in one of these activities as well as spaces such as the 8th Street Market or Cooper
consume food, but it is not required. In fact, much Hewitt Museum for the availability of pleasant
like the City Pump located only a short drive away, qualities and a connection to the community not
the whole site is a public space open for free and always found in an office. The community in which
does not require any purchases, a quality of third the Market is located, much like trends in means of
places Oldenburg cites as being very important for work, is changing today as well.
bringing together people of different economic The 8th Street Market appears to be part of a
classes in the same community. 74 The site has a pushback movement against some of the more
wide range of seating options for differently sized commercial ventures in eastern Bentonville,
groups and different activities. The indoor and specifically Walmart. Walmart’s corporate offices
outdoor seating can seat several people in the same take over large tracts of land between the Market’s
group out to socialize with one another or share a site and Highway 49. Despite the Market’s location
business lunch. Smaller groups and individuals also in an open field ripe for corporate development and
have no trouble finding a place to sit. William the site’s past as an industrial production plant, the
Whyte’s observations indicate that people tend to Market was reimagined as a center for food,
occupy spaces where there is seating 75, and the 8th education, recreation, and art. Oldenburg attests
Street Market’s areas certainly have this seating. that third places must be locally-owned to avoid the
From their seats, people have many sources of standardization and loss of the sense of place that
entertainment. The shuffleboard court is surrounded accommodates take-overs by larger corporations
by stools, the chocolate production area at Markham and franchises. 76 Instead of a corporate presence,
and Fitz has observational stool seating, and Bike the site of the 8th Street Market like many sites
Rack’s indoor and outdoor seating are located around it, is filled with artwork. There are murals on
adjacent to a stage and several board games and several walls both inside and out, the metal canopies
outdoor games. These seats also provide a place and their perforations create shadow patterns on the

73
Gehl and Svarre, Study Public Life, trans. Steenhard, 65.
74
Oldenburg, “Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 8.
75
Whyte, Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
76
Oldenburg, “Vanishing ‘Third Places’,” 10.

129
ground, and the signage around the site even serves poor weather conditions. The ratio of indoor and
as a source of visual interest. The opening of Crystal outdoor opportunities is very balanced, and people
Bridges in 2011 increased the importance of art in can use the Market at many times of the day and
Bentonville. Today, there are currently efforts to year, a display of its adaptability. For all these
open a contemporary art museum adjacent to the 8th pleasant qualities, there are some qualities of the
Street Market, and the Thaden School down the Market that contradict third places. For examples,
road will soon open having been designed by many the massive surface lot parking and its distance from
local architects. Of course, the downtown square is other areas people occupy harms the pedestrian
located just a short walk or drive from the Market as traffic to the 8th Street Market that third places often
well where there are other examples of public art and benefit from. To its credit, the parking lot replaces
culture. Public spaces filled with art and various some of the harsh street lights with string lights to
activities are more engaging and build stronger create a more inviting and pleasant experience as
community bonds than additional office spaces or one moves between the Market and their car. There
industrial sites, one of several takeaways from the is also less thought given to the space between
8th Street Market. areas in the Market. For example, there is an empty
The analysis of the 8th Street Market reveals hallway linking the shops to the Holler that almost no
several examples of the public space acting as a one uses unless they are searching for the
third place and some of it failing to do so. To begin, bathroom. Thankfully, this means people tend to
the Market capitalizes on its past as a processing travel outside to move from one shop or area to
plant. The site was already equipped to prepare another. Additionally, the Vine creates a path of
food, and now that process is on display. Views into circulation too small for many outdoor activities
the brewery, the food trucks, the Brightwater school, found elsewhere in the site, though it does generate
and the production in smaller shops such as visual interest through the use of vegetation and the
Markham and Fitz Chocolate creates a relationship metal canopy that winds through the corridor. The
between guests and the food they consume. This front porch is also an area that could use some more
experience is one that makes a trip to the 8th Street defined activities. The seating here, though
Market unique and different from other public places. covered, is farther from the food trucks, and drinks
Coupled with the presence of art and indoor and from the brewery cannot reach out to this area. It
outdoor recreation, the Market has a strong sense of seems to mostly serve as a point of gathering below
social mutualism with something for almost the metal canopy and as overflow seating from the
everyone to do. The elements in the areas food trucks. No other source of recreation is present
themselves, however, are not unique to the site, as here as of the author’s analysis of the site.
with other sites such as the City Pump and Cooper Nonetheless, the whole 8th Street Market works well
Hewitt Museum. The seating is generic but great in together to create a cohesive experience.
variety to accommodate different activities. These Food is consistently a reason for public
activities such as the shuffleboard, brewery, and gathering and is a common quality of third places for
concerts draw people to the 8th Street Market. The its ability to bring a community together. The 8th
relationships between these activities are Street Market continues its tradition as a site of food
strengthened by everything’s close proximity to one production to also bring a culinary school, shops,
another and the level of transparency between outdoor and indoor recreation, workspaces, and art
interior and exterior spaces. One can stand on the and culture to Northwest Arkansas. It is an example
west façade, look through the Holler, across the of how a public space can exist both on the inside
Vine, through Bike Rack Brewing, and see the food and outside of a building and still contribute to the
trucks beyond. Visual relationships encourage qualities of third places that create strong social
people to see all areas of the site. These visual bonds.
relationships are especially important when people
confine themselves to the interior spaces during

130
 SYNTHESIS /
DISCUSSION

131 132
 SYNTHESIS / DISCUSSION:

The capstone was built upon the idea that of the case studies except the Cooper Hewitt
successful open spaces rely on qualities of third Museum, and yet the range of other program at each
places to attract an array of people for a variety of site still makes them unique from other open spaces.
reasons. The development of the capstone People go where there are options for them to do
produced three main goals: (1) to test if traits of third different things 77, meaning quantity and quality of
places existed in successful open spaces in the activities are both important factors to open spaces.
ways Ray Oldenburg discusses in his writings, (2) to Most of the sites have a presence of food, varieties
produce a method for analyzing elements in open of vegetation, plenty of seating, relief and access to
spaces and how they contribute to qualities of third the sun, and the Citygarden even has the presence
places, and (3) to produce a catalogue of successful
of water. All of these components have been
open spaces and their components for the design of
identified by Whyte as aspects of successful open
future public spaces. Through this process, the
spaces. 78 Different types of people also display
analysis revealed many patterns in the four selected
interest in similar activities, a gesture of social
case studies despite their different contexts as well
mutualism that creates a stronger sense of
as some features unique to each location. This
recorded data and the accompanying graphic community. The City Pump in Rogers, AR for
information contributed to a response to the three instance allows dogs to roam the fenced yard in the
stated goals of capstone. From here, a critique of front and back to the delight of people of all ages
the capstone study process as well as suggested who enjoy petting the dogs and speaking with the
courses of action for future research are the logical owners. Based on the results of the graphic
next step. information in many of the elemental diagrams,
social mutualism associated with bringing people to
CENTEREDNESS / SOCIAL MUTUALISM each site by offering activities that many are interest
in is one of the biggest contributing aspects of third
The capstone project addresses the places present in successful open spaces. Two of
following statement: third places are open to a wide the other most important factors according to the
range of people, but not all open spaces are third gathering information are accessibility and
places. Successful open spaces are those that adaptability.
exhibit qualities of third places, meaning they are
where people choose to spend their time outside ACCESSIBILITY / ADAPTABILITY
their homes (first places) and their work (second
places). This idea is mostly true for the four case Many of the ideas of accessibility and
studies researched. Each to some degree or adaptability of successful open spaces followed
another offer a broad range of activities that many corresponding ideas regarding third places. For
people flock to, displaying the idea of centeredness. instance, sites such as the City Pump, and 8th Street
For example, some people come to St. Louis’s Market have a balanced ratio of indoor and outdoor
Citygarden solely for the coffee shop, others cool off space and activities so that people can still use each
and play in the pool with their families, and still site even in poor weather or colder seasons. The
others casually walk around the park observing the Citygarden and Cooper Hewitt garden are not as
artwork within. These activities do not even have to
be unique to the site. Food trucks are located at all

77
Whyte, Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
78
Ibid.

133
adaptable in these unsavory conditions due to their Figure 95: Parking at the City Pump
large outdoor concentration, but each feature at
least an indoor seating area and source of food. An
interesting note is that the two former examples exist
in a context where the population and building
density is less than the two latter examples. In this
less dense context, a larger percentage of indoor
space is present, meaning the building density of the
area increases and people can adapt their activities
to the outside conditions. In the denser urban
contexts of St. Louis’s Citygarden and New York’s
Cooper Hewitt garden, there is more outdoor space,
reducing the density of buildings in the area but
making the outdoor spaces susceptible to negative
environmental conditions. There was also a
distinction among these case studies regarding the in less dense areas, even though it is an eye-sore,
means of access into the site. For the Citygarden and parking is less important in more dense urban
and Cooper Hewitt garden, pedestrians almost centers like St. Louis and New York where walking
exclusively access the site due to the limited street is a more accepted form of travel. The means of
parking adjacent to the site. Most of the visitors at transportation for the users of open space are an
these precedents arrive via foot, a stark contrast to example of people defining what a third place is (i.e.
those traveling to the City Pump and 8th Street is there parking available so a person can access
Market. Because of an abundance of parking the site given the dominant mode of transport?).
around each site and people’s inclination to drive in Connection to surrounding context thus becomes an
less densely populated areas, people drive to each especially important aspect of design for open
site, even with the surrounding neighborhoods and spaces where parking is a concern, though it is
other urban program. Randolph Hester describes normally an important aspect anyway.
this tendency towards vehicular travel as a threat to
open spaces and urban planning. 79 It becomes ADDRESSING SURROUNDING CONTEXT
more difficult to discover an open space or stop to
visit while driving quickly by in a car versus walking Given that third places are ways of uniting a
on foot. Despite this theory, both the City Pump and community, the way open spaces address the
8th Street Market are consistently populated surrounding area is very important. Each
establishments. While not the most environmentally- researched case study in the capstone addresses
friendly practice, the people in these areas have the physical attributes or the historical context of its
adapted their primary means of transportation--the surroundings. The Cooper Hewitt garden is in the
car--into the way they access open spaces (see late Andrew Carnegie’s private garden and has
Figure 95). This currently integral use of the car geological and botanical specimens found at Central
means parking is an important aspect of third places Park across the street. The Citygarden’s design is

79
Hester, Ecological Democracy, 17.

134
 SYNTHESIS / DISCUSSION (CONT.):
based on the limestone bluffs along the Mississippi, buffers, and food trucks to obscure the lot. Inside
the flooding of the plains, and the history of these areas, activities occur, and the designed
agriculture in the Midwest. The City Pump uses the environment plays an important role.
gas pumps and garage doors present in the old
service station as motifs for the design of the project. ROLE OF ARCHITECTURE
And lastly, the 8th Street Market, which was a poultry
process plant, keeps its industrial identity as a
Figure 97: Missouri Limestone Wall at Citygarden
source of food production by using metal canopies
reminiscent of industry and by creating visual
connections to food production at the brewery,
culinary school, and various shops. All of these
examples with the exception of Citygarden exist as
renovations of spaces not previously meant for the
public. These existing structures are well suited to
host new public life, having all the required existing
infrastructure and having already become part of the
community in which they now serve again. The
demands of people for more places to congregate
outside home and work have led to the conversion
of formerly unoccupiable space into places for
unique experiences. Each case study uses a similar
method to contain these experiences—create a The organization of elements in each site
physical or at least visual barrier between the create different areas where people can do different
surroundings and activities of the site. The Cooper things. The architecture or other designed elements
Hewitt garden and City Pump uses fences to serve as a backdrop for these activities and are often
accomplish this task (see Figure 96), the Citygarden points of visual interest enhancing the quality of the
uses trees, plant buffers, and changes in elevation space. The English Georgian façade of the former
to divide the park from the street, and the 8th Street Carnegie Mansion, for example, looms over the
Market separates itself from the parking lot using a whole Cooper Hewitt garden space. The common
perforated metal canopy around the perimeter, plant language of the metal canopy guides the circulation
and points of entry into the building at the 8th Street
Figure 96: Fence and Vegetation Barrier at the Cooper Hewitt
Market. In addition to visual engagement, the wall
at the Citygarden is a tactile specimen of the geology
of the St. Louis area and also features an interactive
waterfall especially useful on hot summer days (see
Figure 97). The café and its overhanging roof are
also a source of visual interest at this site. The
architecture, while a visually engaging component of
each of these spaces, is also an additional area of
occupation, and usually the façades reveal what
activities happen on the interior. A high level of
transparency in the case studies helps unite the

135
interior and exterior spaces visually creating a Figure 99: Workers at the 8th Street Market
cohesive sense of a whole site. This idea of
transparency is not as evident at the Cooper Hewitt
given that it is a museum that cannot put all of the
exhibits on display out the windows, but the indoor
café seating area does feature large windows
looking out to the front lawn. Interestingly, the use
of well-designed environments meant for recreation
has also attracted another type of activity—work.

BLENDING OF SECOND AND THIRD PLACES

In each of the case studies, the author presence of coffee, food, and a range of seating
witnessed people sitting down to work on their types to best suit each worker’s needs. Third places
laptops or speak or speak with colleagues. are now including more components and aspects of
Excluding the City Pump, people at the other sites second places as remote working becomes more
decided to spend their time in a space normally accepted and convenient. People’s decision to work
meant for relaxation and recreation to pursue remotely and in places they can still connect with the
different avenues of work in an environment different community is a trend designers must consider in the
from a traditional office setting. For example, many creation of future open spaces.
people worked in the indoor café seating area of the
Cooper Hewitt Museum where there was access to ANALYSIS OF PROCESS
the café and a view into the front lawn of the garden
(see Figure 98). The Holler at the 8th Street Market The capstone is successful in documenting
encourages different forms of work further with the the four open space case studies and their different
presence of electrical outlets on many of the tables components, resulting in a catalogue of wholes and
(see Figure 99). Meanwhile, the café at the parts. The process for interpreting these
Citygarden was full of those on their laptops or taking components and their contributions to the qualities
phone calls on their cellular devices, activities also of third places continued to evolve over the course
present at the office buildings surrounding the site. of the capstone, and the author has made several
The common factor in all of these examples is the notes regarding the process’s successes and
limitations. Beginning with the actual means of data
collection, it was imperative that the author travel to
each case study to record seen observations and
better understand the components and their relation
in size, organization, and use by people. Photos
were an excellent form of documentation in addition
to the axonometric diagrams. However, the timing
of the data collection fell between January and April,
months were the weather is not always appropriate
for studying open spaces. Due to other obligations
the author was also limited in the time spent on each
Figure 98: Workers at the Cooper Hewitt Museum
site. In future studies, the author recommends more

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 SYNTHESIS / DISCUSSION (CONT.):

time be spent on each site to record how people use create successful open spaces. If the elements of
each area and component during different times of an unsuccessful open space do contribute to third
the day, during different times of the year, in different place qualities, then further research must be
conditions, and in different ways. The focus on the conducted as to determine why the space is
actual elements present in the public spaces and not unsuccessful or the criteria of third places as factors
necessarily the people using them was a means of in open space success must be reevaluated. This
limiting outside variables that people present. This additional research is but some of the additional
method is successful for documenting each site, and steps required to study the ways in which designers
the observations about each area and element are can create successful open spaces.
the results of recorded notes, past observations, and
suspected uses and activities. These written
descriptions and observations are very useful in
determining which aspects of third places the open
space elements exhibited as well as enhancing the
quality of the catalogue of elements. The graphic
representation of the element exemplifying third
place qualities is a more difficult task. This challenge
mostly arose from the varying nature of each
element and the struggle to graphically show the
qualitative difference between elements that may
not have anything to do with one another. For
example, a seat contributes to the quality of
accessibility because it is a free amenity. However,
under this definition, the roof of a café is also
considered to contribute to accessibility because it is
a “free” amenity. The author recommends that a
future iteration of the capstone study examine the
definition of an element or group them differently.
More subcategories for each quality of a third place
may be necessary too to develop a better picture of
how these elements operate in the entirety of the
site. Despite these setbacks, the element diagrams
show the main overall third place themes of many of
the open spaces—chiefly social mutualism,
accessibility, and adaptability. During future
research iterations, the author suggests that the
study of additional case studies could be beneficial
to continue testing the use of open spaces as third
places. Specifically, an unsuccessful open space
can be analyzed to determine if its elements
contribute to qualities of third places. If the elements
of an unsuccessful open space fail to contribute to
qualities of third places, then the hypothesis of this
capstone is supported. Third place qualities help

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138
 CONCLUSION

139 140
 CONCLUSION:

A successful open space is one which people choose to occupy and accommodates both local residents
and guests. It thus stands to reason that successful open spaces exhibit qualities of third places, a term coined
by Ray Oldenburg to describe the familiar places that people spend their time away from their first places (home)
and second places (work). The capstone uses on-site investigations to analyze four case studies—the City
Pump, the Cooper Hewitt garden, the Citygarden, and the 8th Street Market—to determine if the elements found
in these successful open spaces exhibit qualities of successful third places described by Oldenburg and of
engaging public spaces described by others. Through a series of diagrams, photos, and descriptions, several
common themes align with much of the thinking of these urbanists. For example, the presence of food,
recreation, seating, and art and culture are common in each of the case study. The range of activities is an
example of centeredness and social mutualism, drawing in different people for different reasons but creating an
environment for community engagement and interaction, nonetheless. Other common themes not directly
referenced in third place research also reveal themselves through analysis work. Each case study is an example
of a renovated space used to serve new purpose for a contemporary society. An instance of this changing
society is the accommodation of workers using the open space to pursue their career remotely or complete
personal projects. In this way, the open space serves as a mix between third and second places, containing
elements and atmospheres people seek out and desire as well as an appropriate environment to work. Through
some minor adjustments in research process and additional case studies, the study started by this capstone can
continue, providing urbanists and designers with a catalogue of successful public spaces, a better understanding
of the aspects of third places that help public spaces, and a reaffirmation and new insight into the work of theorists
such as Oldenburg and Hester.

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FIGURES:
FIGURE 02: “Cooper Hewitt: Smithsonian Design Museum.” 40°47’03.82” N and 73°57’28.34” W. GOOGLE
EARTH. 2018. Accessed March 28, 2019.
FIGURE 20: “Citygarden Sculpture Park.” 38°37’36.05” N and 90°11’37.35” W. GOOGLE EARTH. 2017. Accessed
March 28, 2019.
FIGURE 52 / 95: “City Pump: Food Trucks and Libations.” 36°20’02.00” N and 94°07’24.70 W. GOOGLE EARTH.
2017. Accessed March 28, 2019.
FIGURE 61: City Pump Interior. Digital Image. NWA Daily. Accessed 12 April 2019. [Link]
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FIGURE 64: “8th Street Market.” 36°21’53.17” N and 94°11’59.60” W. GOOGLE EARTH. 2015. Accessed March
28, 2019.
OTHER FIGURES: CREATED BY AUTHOR

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