The Appropriate Third Places: A Perspective from the Muslim Youth

Fath Nadizti (Doctoral Program of Architecture, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Himasari Hanan (Group research history, theory, and criticism of Architecture, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung)
Firmansyah Firmansyah (Group research Architectural Design, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development Institut Teknologi Bandung)

Journal of Islamic Architecture
Vol 7, No 2 (2022): Journal of Islamic Architecture

Third Places refers to managed gathering spaces outside the home and work where people can engage in social interaction voluntarily. These places are known to decrease stress and build a sense of community. However, third places are currently developed in a western cultural context. This paper investigates the role of third places in the context of eastern culture, specifically with Islamic values. Using a qualitative approach, the data was gathered using semi-structured interviews with young Muslim visitors of a coffeehouse in Bandung City. The results illustrate that the coffeehouse is considered a third place. Not only because of its availability for conversation and laughter but also its architectural features that support Islamic practices like praying and maintaining certain proximity with the opposite gender. This study concluded that the cultural framework in which a third place is created is critical.