If you can buy into author Ray Oldenburg's idea of the Third Place -- public spots we choose to celebrate and socialize with family, friends, and acquaintances -- it's hard to deny that public art, restaurant design, and local hospitality play a huge part in our community and daily lives.
On December 7, Michael Levine's historic Levine Machine building in downtown Phoenix will host a small-scale TEDx discussion of the importance the Third Place and of urban placemaking.
Speakers include Margaret Bruning, the former associate director of Scottsdale Public Art and current Director of Los Angeles County's Public Art program, Craig DeMarco of Le Grand Orange, Postino, Chelsea's Kitchen, and Windsor/Churn, Jeff Fischer of LUX Coffeebar, and Marianne Belardi, a writer and social media expert in the food world.
The TEDxScottsdaleSalon, curated and organized by Jim McPherson, Bob Diehl, and Andrew Knochel, will also be a chance for attendees to ask questions, talk with presenters, and discuss the importance of a place's design in an evolving city environment.
Tickets are limited and are $11 online. Cash refreshments will be available from Chi Chi's Tacos. Lavine Machine is at 605 E Grant St. More info here.
