There’s something magical about the nod of recognition from my favorite barista, the comforting scent of coffee wafting through the air, and the warm embrace of a cozy atmosphere illuminated by sunlight streaming through big windows.
In the bustling atmosphere of cafés, we may not always pause to ponder the reasons behind our choice of venue. Why do we gravitate towards solitude in one café, yet seek interaction and companionship in another?
Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve observed a shift in my preferences over time. I was drawn to cafés conducive to larger gatherings and extended stays during my student years. My priorities changed now as I now spend time at quieter spots, nestled near a wall socket with reliable Wi-Fi for focused short work sessions.
Coffee shops as ”third places”
Ray Oldenburg, a prominent sociologist, coined the term “third place” to describe physical and virtual spaces that serve as intermediary locations between the primary space of home and the secondary space of work. These “third places” encompass a diverse range of environments, including cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, beauty salons, parks, churches, libraries, as well as virtual platforms such as chatrooms and themed virtual meetings. These spaces offer individuals an opportunity to socialize, unwind, and engage with others outside the confines of home and the demands of work, forming an integral part of community and social interaction.
Coffee shops provide benefits like that of an urban park
Regarding third places, research conducted on 772 students noted that cafés and coffee shops can provide psychological benefits similar to those of an urban park.
”Interestingly, like urban parks, a large-chain coffee shop was a preferred and pleasant place to rest.”
(Lee, N. (2022). Third place and psychological well-being: The psychological benefits of eating and drinking places for university students in Southern California, USA. Cities, 131, 104049)
People go to coffee shops, cafés, or bars for various reasons. It could be for meeting friends, working, or just passing the time. It all depends on someone’s needs.
Why people love cafés: practical reasons or social interaction?
According to The Third Place Experience in Urban and Rural Coffee Shops:
”The results indicated that patrons of the urban coffee shop were more likely to visit the third place for practical reasons such as getting coffee and doing work, while rural customers were more likely to visit the shop for
social interaction or moral support.”
The study involved 146 patrons (18-84 years of age) with the goal of understanding why people visit cafes. (a “Patron” supports or frequents an establishment, often with loyalty or regularity- the difference between a patron and a customer)
Here’s what the study found:
Shopowners in rural areas may benefit from training staff to be more sociable and inviting. Shop owners in urban areas may benefit from more accommodations that are practical, such as providing more electrical outlets, spaces to work, and an extended coffee and food menu, according to the research. However, one thing was noted: the rural coffee shop didn’t have Wi-Fi, so that could possibly be one of the reasons why people weren’t working alone.
What attracts people to coffee shops?
Trying to find an answer about why people or patrons spend time at cafés or why we choose what we choose we’ve found an interesting research by Lisa Waxman: “The Coffee Shop: Social and Physical Factors Influencing Place Attachment“
According to the research, the study investigates the qualities that attract people and foster attachment to coffee shops, and it’s based on research on three southeastern United States coffee shops.
The research explores the reasons why individuals choose to spend their time at cafes and sheds light on various factors that attract people and cultivate a sense of attachment. One of the primary draws to coffee shops lies in the tangible aspects of their physical environment. The study identifies cleanliness, aroma, lighting, comfortable furniture, and views to the outside as key factors that shape patrons’ experiences.
views of the outside or sheltered seating areas give patrons a sense of connection to the surrounding environment.
Cleanliness, often associated with management practices, is a fundamental aspect that contributes to the perceptions of the cafe’s overall ambiance. Aroma, strategically manipulated to appeal to the senses, creates a welcoming atmosphere and enhances people’s enjoyment. Lighting, particularly important for reading and writing activities, influences comfort and satisfaction.
Moreover, comfortable furniture strikes a delicate balance between coziness and functionality, ensuring patrons’ comfort while having good table turnover. Additionally, views of the outside or sheltered seating areas give patrons a sense of connection to the surrounding environment.
Photo by christian koch on Unsplash
Beyond the physical attributes of coffee shops, the study illuminates the significance of social interactions in shaping people’s attachment to these establishments. Through interviews, surveys, and observations, the research identifies several key themes that underscore the social dynamics at play within coffee shop settings.
patrons develop a sense of attachment and entitlement to their preferred coffee shops, often staking claim to favored spots within the establishment.
The opportunity to linger emerges as a pivotal aspect of cafe culture, with patrons valuing the freedom to prolong their stay and immerse themselves in the social atmosphere. Ownership and territoriality also play a role, as patrons develop a sense of attachment and entitlement to their preferred coffee shops, often staking claim to favored spots within the establishment.
According to the research, 90 % of patrons said they have a favorite spot at a cafe.
Tust, respect, and anonymity foster a welcoming environment, allowing patrons to feel comfortable and authentic in their interactions. Productivity and personal growth are also significant drivers of café patronage, with individuals seeking out coffee shops as alternative spaces for work, study, or personal reflection.
While some patrons actively seek social interaction and companionship, others find solace in the presence of familiar faces, even if they prefer solitude.
Furthermore, the social aspect of coffee shop culture encompasses a spectrum of experiences, from active engagement with others to quiet observation and reflection. While some patrons actively seek social interaction and companionship, others find solace in the presence of familiar faces, even if they prefer solitude.
According to the research, 38 % of interviewed patrons sat alone and said they enjoyed seeing familiar faces but not interacting with them.
I believe that cafés and coffee shops are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee. When cafés invest in creating memorable experiences, such as painting cafes and bookcafes, and offer various workshops, they become sacred havens in our bustling world. In an era where virtual spaces dominate our lives, these physical third places offer connection to those seeking respite from the digital realm. As someone who is working from home, I understand the yearning for human interaction and the joy of seeing familiar strangers.
But it’s not merely the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that draws me to coffee shops; it’s the sense of belonging and community they cultivate. There’s something magical about the nod of recognition from my favorite barista, the comforting scent of coffee wafting through the air, and the warm embrace of a cozy atmosphere illuminated by sunlight streaming through big windows. In those moments, I feel like I’m in the “meantime,” caught in a beautiful pause between past and future, where time slows down.
References:
Lee, N. (2022). Third place and psychological well-being: The psychological benefits of eating and drinking places for university students in Southern California, USA. Cities, 131, 104049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.104049
The Third Place Experience in Urban and Rural Coffee Shops by Stephanie Saey and Kelci Foss Monmouth College
Waxman, L. (2006). The Coffee Shop: Social and Physical factors Influencing Place Attachment. Journal of Interior Design, 31(3), 35-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1668.2006.tb00530.x
