There is a tendency in society to separate generations and compartmentalize them, while in reality, generations overlap each other as people of various ages share common experiences. Rather than complaining that generations are not alike, we should embrace the differences as well as recognize our similarities. A hair salon has been a community gathering place for generations. People come not just to get their hair or nails done but to socialize and escape the everyday grind. This type of environment is known as a Third-place. This term was created by Ray Oldenburg and describes places where people spend time. Home is the first place and work is the second. Third places can do much to help stabilize communities, reduce social problems, and encourage interaction between groups that might otherwise be cut off from each other. They are places where people can feel they are treated as social equals. A successful salon should appeal to all generations and provide a place for people of different ages to come together and share their life experiences. In addition to third-place theory, research was also conducted to examine the design of both historical and contemporary salons to create a new concept that embraces the best of what each generation has to offer. By combining the 'minimalistic' approach of a mid-century design from the past with the modern technology of today, this new salon will not only make older generations feel comfortable but be welcoming to a new generation. In creating an inviting space for all generations to gather it will be easy to see and appreciate the differences and similarities of between each other.
