The Idea

 In 1989, American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg published his book The Great Good Place, in which he coined the term "third place"—informal public gathering spaces outside of home (the first place) and work (the second place), such as cafés, pubs, and community centers. He argues that these accessible, low-pressure environments are essential for civic life, civil discourse, and fostering a deep sense of community and personal well-being. Ultimately, Oldenburg warns that the decline of these neutral grounds in modern society erodes local culture, social connection, and democracy itself.

Status Quo

In 2025, the SPONTANICS trademark was registered. The idea is simple and embedded in the name itself: to give individuals complete freedom to choose their form of exercise or relaxation, as emphasized by the slogan "It’s up to you...". To achieve this goal, two main architectural concepts were developed: SPONTANICS HALL as the ultimate fitness center, and SPONTANICS PALACE as a holistic solution for sports and leisure.

The Development

Since then, this concept has been under constant review. Both non-profit organizations and urban planners have contributed to its implementation. And while tactical urbanism—along with Transit-Oriented Development and Superblocks—has yielded some results, let's ask ourselves honestly: has a holistic architectural solution been found for an easily recognizable, multifunctional public space that satisfies the human need for movement, communication, and relaxation? Unfortunately, the answer is NO.