In order to thrive, children need play environments where they can have fun, develop skills, test their powers, be adventurous, and take independent steps in a safe environment. Increasingly, communities in the U.S. are recognizing the importance of providing stimulating and engaging playspaces for children and families. This Learning Lab will explore the range of features, furnishings, and materials that offer diverse and robust play experiences in well-designed landscapes. The session will include discussion of relative space requirements for varied play activities and observation of user play behaviors. The focus will be on elements of design that contribute to self-directed play, social interaction, and an atmosphere of creative discovery, encouraging children and their families to return again and again to find something new each time they visit.
Learning Outcomes:
Consider design decisions that encourage free, self-determined play and social interaction on the playground
Discuss oppotrunities for creating site-specific designs that integrate nature, landscape, and play elements
Understand the importance the planned environment in a playspace and the effect of atmosphere on visitor behavior
Survey relative space requirements for maximizing play value of diverse landscape features and site furnishings