Sanctuary 27: A Third Space

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third space” as a place where people can meet, share ideas, and build relationships outside of work and home. Welcome to Sanctuary 27. Created in my senior branding class, Sanctuary 27 was inspired by Zalib- a converted library turned third space I spent a lot of time at in my summer abroad. Sanctuary 27, like Zalib, is a safe space for people in their late teens through their 20’s. It’s a welcoming hub of culture where the Youth of Philadelphia can feel comfortable to just be. Including a game room, a room for musical adventures, couches and lounges for hanging out or working, and a back patio with a small bar that opens later into the night, S27 is meant to foster real connection with a focus on the people sitting in front of you. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, leave the phone at home and come as you are.

Membership Cards

To be apart of the controlled chaos that comes with a third space, individuals must purchase an annual membership card. The $10 purchase gains you access to Sanctuary 27 from open to close, as well as an extra guest during member or S27 events.

Business Cards

Like any restaurant, cafe, or bar, Sanctuary 27’s employees need a business card to spread the word- here she is!

The Website

Every stellar hangout spot can only be great if it can let everyone know it exists- so that’s what we’re doing. On Sanctuary 27’s website you can find everything you could ever need to know. From upcoming events to photo’s taken by our staff on events days and random nights, we got you covered.

Club 27- A Weekly Newsletter

At the heart of Sanctuary 27’s mission is a connection to the community as well as a reversal back to tangible connection. That’s why Sanctuary 27 must have a newsletter. Put out weekly, Club 27 includes breaking news stories, table games, upcoming events, and coupons supporting local businesses. Flip through issue 21 below.

Custom Card Deck

While creating this brand, the idea that people would be sitting have face to face interactions was incredibly important. I knew I wanted my space to have a room full of games- board games, card games, ping pong, football, etc. It felt only right that S27 should also get a custom deck of cards. Pictured below are 5 example cards and the back card design. The illustration inspiration was people being themselves in whatever facet of activity that involved. They’re fun, they’re odd, they’re living life- just like all of us.

Sanctuary 27 Events

At Sanctuary 27 we want to create a space that allows everyone to feel at home, almost as though the space is theirs too. These posters are advertisements for events proposed by and hosted by Sanctuary 27’s members. The idea is Sanctuary 27 members could propose an event for a particular date and utilize the space at no cost. Whether a local band wants to host a small concert, a group of friends apartment is too small to watch the big game, or an art lover wants to make new friends over a craft night, we want to help make that happen. Members are welcome to use anything that already lives in the building but must provide any extra supplies and cover outside costs. If funds are tight, they can apply to joint host with us and we will help cover costs to make their dreams reality. Individuals who propose and host an event are also responsible to create a physical poster and instagram post to promote their event and it must be open to all members. While each advertisement doesn’t individually align with the brand’s identity, there is a branded section at the bottom to unify all event advertising.