The Common House and Makerspace: Creating a "Third Space" in Gratitude Village

The Common House and Makerspace: Creating a "Third Space" in Gratitude Village

In today’s busy world, we often divide our time between two primary spaces: home and work. While both are essential, they can sometimes feel limiting—home is often tied to personal responsibilities, and work is focused on productivity. Enter the concept of a third space: a place that is neither home nor work, but a community-centered environment where connection, creativity, and relaxation thrive.

At Gratitude Village, our common house and makerspace are designed to serve as vibrant third spaces, enriching the lives of community members and fostering a sense of belonging.

What is a Third Space?

Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term third space refers to social environments where people can gather, build relationships, and engage in activities outside of their usual routines. These spaces are vital for:

• Building community bonds

• Encouraging creativity and collaboration

• Providing a sense of identity and belonging

• Fostering mental and emotional well-being

Think of third spaces as the local coffee shop, (like Central Perk in Friends), a public library, a pub (think Cheers) or a bustling park. They’re the “great good places” where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected.

The Common House as a Third Space

The common house at Gratitude Village is the heart of the community. This shared space will feature:

• A cozy hearth room/library for reading, relaxing, or quiet conversations

• Indoor and outdoor dining areas where meals can be shared, celebrations hosted, and connections deepened

• A theater room for movie nights, live performances, or guest speakers

• A teen lounge and kids' playroom for younger members to socialize and play safely

• A co-working space for brainstorming, remote work, or collaborative projects

The common house is a place where relationships are nurtured, milestones are celebrated, and spontaneous interactions spark joy. It offers community members a chance to step outside their daily routines and connect in meaningful ways.

The Makerspace as a Creative Third Space

For those who love to create, tinker, or learn new skills, the makerspace will be a dynamic hub of innovation ideal for the more introverted community members. This area is designed to:

• Encourage collaboration: Work on projects, share tools or learn from others in the community.

• Inspire creativity: From woodworking to sewing, painting to 3D printing, there’s something for everyone.

• Support learning: Host workshops, share expertise, or simply experiment with new ideas.

Whether you’re building furniture, creating art, or designing an invention, the makerspace provides the tools and environment to let your imagination soar.

Why Third Spaces Matter in Cohousing

In cohousing communities like Gratitude Village, third spaces are more than just physical places—they’re opportunities to build the fabric of community life. They:

1. Strengthen Relationships: Third spaces bring people together in informal settings, fostering deeper connections.

2. Encourage Well-Being: Shared spaces reduce isolation and promote emotional health by creating a sense of belonging.

3. Spark Collaboration: Ideas flow freely in third spaces, leading to shared projects and innovative solutions.

4. Enhance Quality of Life: Access to diverse activities and people enriches personal and collective experiences.

By prioritizing third spaces, Gratitude Village ensures its residents have a place to recharge, connect, and create, enhancing life in ways that go beyond the usual confines of home and work.

Experience Gratitude Village's Third Spaces

Whether you're envisioning a lively dinner in the common house or tinkering away on a creative project in the makerspace, Gratitude Village is designed to make third spaces an integral part of everyday life. Join us in creating a community where everyone has a place to gather, grow, and thrive.

Are you ready to find your third space?