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Meeting spaces matter


I've been thinking a little bit about trust, and now I contemplate interaction.

In my opinion, it takes many interactions to build trust. How do we quantify trust? Is it based on the exchange of physical things, such as contributing time and resources in exchange for money? Or is it based on the exchange of non-physical things, such as the regularity of saying hello to the same person on the same side of the street every morning? I feel that it is a combination of things.

I believe that trust is based on the consistency of interaction with society, whether by one individual or those they represent. I also believe that there is a correlation between how regular these interactions are and the depth of what is being entrusted. In other words, if that which is being entrusted between two parties is great, the interactions will be of proportional consistency.

For example, in terms of a physical exchange: If I am an employed research assistant handling highly sensitive data belonging to the state, the trust between my employers (the government) and I will be contractually bound by a document stating that I will need to show up about 40 hours a week and work on stuff. Here, the depth of what is being entrusted to me (sensitive documents) is enforced through consistent interactions (me coming to work at 9am every weekday).

Another example, in terms of a non-physical exchange: If I say hello to the same store keeper every morning on my way to work, the trust between us is based on eye contact in the same position, and the benefit is a greeting from another human being. Here, the depth of what is at risk (the morning greeting) does not require an enforcement of interactions as in the first example.

Yet, I feel that in the second instance, my interaction with the storekeeper everyday is of similar value compared to my working for the state.

Now, considering that we need to make room for healthy interactions in society, so that we have a better chance of trusting each other more and thereby being more productive, I think we need to work on meeting spaces.

The reason I have attached an image of a woodshop is basically because I think we need a similar set up for social interactions. We need a garage or workshop of sorts in which all the tools are free for anyone to use. The emphasis should be on the provision of such spaces and tools.

A park is a perfect example. It's a spot where people casually spend their time with their friends, family or even alone. But it is also a place that is conducive to people accidentally bumping into each other and starting up conversations.

Now think of the tea shops and Internet cafes in almost every city. Imagine if there was an open warehouse full of office space and desks and computers, amongst other resources for entrepreneurs. This could be a hub for interactions, as long as it provided a structured work environment, and was able to cater to a wide audience.

Anyhow, I've been contemplating meeting spaces and how interactions held build trust for a while now. One of the things I hope to do in Dar someday is to start an open office/meeting space by day and a restaurant/cafe by night.

Drop me a line if you want to look into that with me. Carpe diem for now.
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