Case study: Atrium on Bay

Like most commercial buildings incorporating public spaces the atrium on bay displays the same characteristic both in terms of architectural design and performance.Assessing the public space at atrium on bay against the criterions of a third space as defined by Ray Oldenberg:

·         Free or inexpensive- PARTIALLY (though the space doesn’t enforce a need to purchase but the functions provided are indicative of it.)

·         Food and drink, while not essential, are important-PRESENT

·         Highly accessible: proximate for many (walking distance)-PRESENT (Physically connected, No visual thoroughfare)

·         Involve regulars – those who habitually congregate there- QUESTIONABLE ( Regulars comprise of those circulate through the space and necessarily congregate)

·         Welcoming and comfortable- YES/NO (vistas to the space are not inviting. Environmentally might be considered comfortable in terms of experience that space is formal.

·         Both new friends and old should be found there.- Lacks a sense of Place and therefore isn’t the most ideal hang out spot

      Oldenberg also mentions a key quality of the third space which is the kind of public space the private building functions tend to adopt must portray being a Leveler in that someone's economic or social status doesn’t affect the use of the space however the formality of the space tends to deter use of it by all levels of the society.The threshold demarcating the interior and exterior takes away a lot from the space being used more dominantly as a public realm.If the transition was to be more fluid and inviting and the formal expression of the interiors expressed human dimension in scale and detailing it would become a warmer space for social gatherings.The building does act as a connector but there aren’t any visually connecting thoroughfares.