In spite of the aid in subsidies, 1/3 puts are nonetheless standard. As a result of those areas of sociability are horny as a lot for friendliness as for a lot of actions, each handbook and highbrow. A proof that helps the testimonials of customers of Los angeles Cocotte solidaire, Agis and the “makerspace” L’Etabli.
In Digne-les-Bains, within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a challenge for a 3rd position in tradition, subsidized via outgoing left-wing mayor Patricia Granet, used to be on the heart of the municipal marketing campaign. In Carquefou within the Loire-Atlantique, the quite a lot of right-wing candidate Jérômein Da Prat sought after to create “a third place for young people between 11 and 25”. In Arras (Pas-de-Calais), the centrist Frédéric Leturque formalized his marketing campaign in Le Perchoir, within the 1/3 position that integrated.
The time period “third place” comes from the paintings of American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who revealed The Nice Just right Position in 1989. He describes 1/3 puts, areas which can be neither house nor paintings, however a 3rd position of very important sociality.
In France, there are greater than 3,500 1/3 puts, 62% out of doors metropolitan spaces, a 3rd in rural spaces.
In a social and financial context other from that described via Oldenburg, which in France is marked via the innovative disengagement of the state and the accentuation of transitional problems, the traits of 1/3 puts should be reconsidered. Certainly, the most recent monetary legislation of 2026 confirms the removal of direct support to third-party websites, from €12 million to €1.20 million. Alternatively, 49 % of 1/3 position investment comes from public subsidies.
So, do fashionable 1/3 puts nonetheless reply to the similar motivations? And what in truth draws their customers?
Working out consumer motivation
To respond to those questions, we carried out analysis inside the EVATLESS challenge with the College of Angers. The latter is curious about comparing 1/3 puts of the social and team spirit economic system (ESS), ranging from a easy concept: to grasp their price, we should pay attention to those that consult with them.
We studied 3 1/3 puts with the improve of associations positioned within the town heart, at the outskirts and within the rural municipality:
Los angeles Cocotte solidaire gives foods with participation and improve geared toward preventing social isolation;
L’Etabli purposes as a device library and organizes DIY workshops round sharing and reuse;
On the Germination of Harmony Projects (Agis) leads native projects within the municipality associated with ecological and social transition.
A complete of 65 customers participated within the survey. The objective used to be no longer most effective to determine if they prefer the actions introduced, but in addition to grasp what those puts imply to them and what motivates their presence.
An immersive and participatory technique used to be evolved to make this analysis available to all and supply associations with testimonials. This system comes to associative companions in each segment of the analysis and applies the Okay way. The problem is to facilitate the expression of a non-public opinion on a given query, comparable to “What motivates you to come (again) to this third place?” »
The 1/3 position consumer solutions the survey via finishing the Okay way grid. Area for socializing
In our learn about, we observe that coming to 3rd puts way simple get admission to to an environment that you can’t in finding in different places. A heat position, but in addition sensible and inexpensive. You’ll get there on foot, at any time of the day, even on positive evenings and weekends.
“On Friday evening, when I come to get vegetables, I find a place that is pleasant and friendly. It is a pleasure to come here and it is right next to my house,” says consumer Agisa.
This friendliness is according to what customers look forward to finding in 1/3 puts: common people who find themselves every now and then buddies, workers who coordinate actions and reassure with their presence or, in a extra secondary approach, a cultural program.
Varieties of actions
Customers respect the simplicity in their engagement at the 1/3 associative websites studied. An annual club is incessantly sufficient to take an energetic phase in working where: DIY, cooking, organizing occasions, and so on. More than a few actions that help you really feel helpful via “doing”.
“And what made you want to come?” » “First to cook together and (to) offer this dish afterwards. And then to force myself to be with people I didn’t know. When I don’t know people, I’m quite withdrawn, but here I go, I dive into the bath”, underlines the consumer of Los angeles Cocotte solidaire.
Attractive in “transition” actions lets in respondents to concretely reach what might make sense or align with their private values: getting recommendation at a restore cafe, cooking a vegetarian meal, or facilitating an Amap assortment.
Social interactions with out judgment
3rd puts are “resource” puts. Respondents respect the framework and assets which can be installed position (particularly human) to welcome them and pay attention unconditionally. On this sense, they basically come searching for social interactions and conferences.
“I know it’s a friendly place. I came to have a good time and get out of the isolation because, even if I have a husband at home, I don’t know many people in Nantes. It’s also about meeting people,” recollects consumer Los angeles Cocotte solidaire.
Along with the will for social connection, customers are attracted via the opportunity of finding different organizations that shape a community across the 1/3 position. The potential of having access to new wisdom and abilities draws them:
“Since I came here, every time I do something, I learn and I love it. I see that when I ask someone for advice, they are happy to explain it to me,” stated the enthusiastic consumer of L’Etabli.
3rd puts draw in other folks from all walks of existence as a result of they implicitly observe the reciprocal common sense of present and counter-gift. They invent casual areas that advertise the chance for everybody to provide and obtain.
Due to friendliness, which is already central to Oldenburg’s writings, this alternate is facilitated and encourages customers to return and provides their time, their abilities and that means to their movements – whilst receiving consideration, new wisdom, eco-responsible items or services and products.
