An important element of design is the fact that it is influenced by its place and context. Physical space and public discourse are interconnected and campus spaces like 8 Ball Hall take full advantage of particular designs in order to be a “third place.”

 

8 Ball Hall executes these random  interactions  perfectly through its design of being a pool-orientated lounge. Users of the pool tables perpetuate these new encounters when choosing to play with new people. Oftentimes students want to find new opponents and so they are quite inviting to engage in games with people they have yet to meet. These types of interactions continue to foster the type of community not only 8 Ball Hall hopes to be but also the community a “third place” needs to be. It draws people into the physical space for the kinds of the conversations and relationships that can be made.

 

 

 

 

In the far back of the space, behind the row of pool tables, are a desktop Apple Mac computer, a foosball table, and two sets of pinball machines. Once again, presence of these items serve as a reminder that student lounges like this are locations for amusement and for people to hang out. Set apart from the pool tables, these features give enough space for some to engage in foosball or arcade games while others play pool. They also encourage people to play together and engage with other users of the space. Particularly, these multiplayer games involve people interacting with one another in joint activity, creating relationships between the users. All the while, the very nature of the atmosphere invites conversation between the users. 

 

 

In building the space, the designers hoped that the pool tables, televisions, and chalk wall would attract students to visit the area. In order to be a place away from work and home that emphasizes conversation between peoples, the physical place needed to be welcoming to all who noticed it. In fact, users, when asked, “what particular elements of design of the space influence your decision to come,” found those very features to be noteworthy and most influential. The couches, televisions, art on the blackboard, pool tables, and music all attracted people not only to relax in the space, but also have conversation with other people within it. Through the tools of this third place, areas like 8 Ball Hall allow the students on campus to connect with others and have open dialogues with people. The design promotes constant amusement, conversation, and interaction as users share this space with one another.