When did cafés become coworking spaces, without no one’s agreement, and how does this trend shape the urban coffee culture?

As more cafés introduce no-laptop zones, something seems to be shifting. Are we looking for spaces to work—or spaces to escape work? Joined by sociologist Jan Rath (University of Amsterdam) in this panel discussion will ask whether cafés can create genuine communities—or are we romanticising the idea of the “third space”?

Jan Rath is Professor Emeritus of Sociology – ‘especially the study of cities and their ethnic and cultural diversity’ – at the University of Amsterdam. He previously also held the Prof. J.A.A. van Doorn Chair at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). He has published extensively on the transformation of commercial landscapes, with particular attention to the proliferation of specialty coffee shops. For more details, visit his website www.janrath.com

The talk is moderated by Isabelle van der Horst,

Language: English

Please note: talks are walk-in, first come first served, and a valid Rotterdam Coffee Fest festival ticket is required. Find the Talks Room on the second floor, above the Festival Hall.