Third Places and Creative Spaces

Join us in this episode as we explore the dynamic world of community hubs and startup communities with Ken Bautista, co-founder at Makespace and Flightpath Ventures, and Maria Topolnyski, manager of Community Hubs at United Way of Calgary and Area. We delve into the essence of these spaces as third places, fostering a sense of belonging and community identity. Ken shares examples from the innovative landscape, highlighting how startup communities become breeding grounds for creative ideas. Meanwhile, Maria provides insights into the design principles and strategies employed within United Way of Calgary and Area’s community hubs, focusing on social cohesion and inclusivity. The discussion extends to evaluating the social impact of these spaces, considering well-being metrics and the role of data-driven approaches. Join us for a rich conversation that uncovers the interconnected threads of community, innovation, and inclusivity.

 

Topics discussed in this episode. 

• Celebrating the Third Place: Inspiring Stories About the Great Good Places at the Heart of Our Communities - Ray Oldenburg
• How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life -  Erick Klunnenburg

 

In the spirit of our journey to promote reconciliation, we would like to honour the truth of our shared history and acknowledge Treaty 7 territory and the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, that includes the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani First Nations. We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. We would also like to recognize the Métis people, and the Inuit people who have made their home here in Mohk’insstsis, also known as Calgary.