Loneliness is on the rise, communities are fragmenting, and our city centers are losing their sense of connection. Yet, hope still lives in the places where we come together.

Third Places, like libraries, cultural hubs, and community centers forge social bonds and a feeling of belonging.

Come, Stay, Grow – The Art and Science of Places That Connect Us is your essential guide to designing, building, and sustaining these spaces. Urban anthropologist Amy Goedhart and architect Aat Vos share actionable tools, strategies, and checklists that bridge vision and practice.

Grounded in includi’s model Third Place Fundamentals, it is also supported by 100+ social theories, expert interviews, and real-world case studies. Get inspired by renowned thinkers, including Eric Klinenberg (Palaces for the People), Karen Christensen (The Great Good Place), Cormac Russell (ABCD pioneer), Howard Gardner (Frames of Mind), and Setha Low (a leading voice in cultural anthropology).

Come, Stay, Grow is for architects, urban designers, policymakers, municipalities, community leaders, cultural organizations, business owners, and anyone passionate about places that matter to real people. From the creators of 3RD4ALL – How to Create a Relevant Public Space, this handbook guides you from concept to implementation.

Be part of the movement and discover how to shape places that help us reclaim connection, foster belonging, and enliven our communities, now and in the future. We invite you to come, stay and grow.