Reframing Third Places: Environmental Changes of Merging Places During COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sociology of Technology
• Interior Design and Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Technology's increasing integration into daily life is redefining social interaction spaces.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the fusion of physical and virtual environments, blurring the lines between home, work, and social venues.
• Homes (first place) became critical hubs for virtual work (second place) and social gatherings (third place) during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliance on technology for social needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To investigate environmental modifications in response to the pandemic and their alignment with third-place characteristics.
• To provide insights for interior designers on integrating virtual experiences into physical spaces.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• An online survey with closed-ended and open-ended questions was administered to 229 participants.
• Participants submitted photos to visually support their survey responses.

Main Results:

• Virtual environments integrated into homes served as substitutes for physical third places during the pandemic.
• Four key themes emerged regarding physical space modifications driven by the merging of home, work, school, and social functions.
• Individuals adapted their environments to accommodate the increased use of technology for social connection.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic necessitated a reevaluation of interior spaces to accommodate blended physical and virtual social interactions.
• Designers should consider the integration of virtual elements to create functional and adaptable spaces.
• Future interior design strategies must address the evolving relationship between physical environments and digital experiences.