Around The World In 3rd Places: #1

In the very densely built-up Chinese city of Hong Kong, the House of Stories museum, formerly “Wanchai Livelihood Place”, serves as a genuine third place. In fact, it’s the favorite of includi’s interior architect Eunice Ma. She explains: “It is a textbook example of community building and user participation. Locals are actively involved and encouraged to tell their own stories through programming classes, lectures, neighborhood tours, festivals and even museum exhibits. This type of user participation and community feeling form the basis of its success.”

The blue monumental building of HK House of Stories has been repurposed from a mixed residential and commercial building into a museum. Thus, the programming adapts to the characters of the building. The spatial program consists of two parts: an exhibition and a makerspace. In addition, a multifunctional outdoor patio is used for cultural events. The interior decor is a co-creation of the community and artists in residence upstairs. The vibrant colors give the building a very recognizable identity. It is a true third place that is built by the community itself.

In the city of Groningen (the Netherlands) stands the “Oude Rooms Katholiek Ziekenhuis”, mostly known as ORKZ. This impressive monumental building is a former hospital. It was destined for demolition in the late 1970s but a large group of squatters prevented that from happening. In the mid-1980s it evolved into a successfully autonomously managed residential/work building, along with its own board, maintenance committee and technical service. Our graphic designer Sjoerd Rekker lived in the ORKZ until recently and is a huge fan of this community home 4ALL. “Not only the 250 residents but also many people from the neighborhood use this place daily.

The cultural offerings within the ORKZ are tremendous. You will find a cinema, a pub, a concert hall and an exhibition space where artists can display their works for free. Everyone is welcome in the day cafe, whether you order something or not. There are newspapers, games and a pool table. The drinks are low priced; there is no profit motive. The ORKZ also houses an eatery, a little shop with organic goods and a giveaway store. Yes, it’s actually a community in itself, but one that everyone is welcome to be part of!”

In the past, the Friedrichshain district in Berlin was the epicenter of huge riots between squatters and police after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today vegan cafes and hip boutiques have largely replaced the squatters, yet this neighborhood retains a raw ragged edge. Here you will also find the legendary techno club Berghain and the cultural complex RAW-Gelände alive with alternative ambiance, located on a former industrial site from the GDR era. Think of clubs, small eateries, terraces, markets and, of course, lots of street art.

Tessa Wennink, interior designer at includi says: “I visited RAW-Gelände once briefly for work, but the atmosphere remains unforgettable. It is a kind of open-air cultural center. The place has a very approachable character, and so far it is the most accessible place I have ever been. Everyone is allowed to stay there, you can just be who you are, it feels wonderfully casual and free. The place is also brimming with cultural extravagances. Truly feeling home away from home vibes!”

Tip: In December, visit the alternative Christmas market at the RAW-Gelände in Berlin. Those who want to enjoy the pre-Christmas season with medieval flair can purchase handmade works by blacksmiths, woodcarvers, potters and other artisans.