PASSIVE SPACE / ACTIVE PLAY
2020 (Ongoing)
The Pandemic, and more extreme weather events brought on by Climate Change will keep children indoors for longer periods, cutting off a much needed outlet of physical activity. How can essential physical play be done indoors, with limited space? It wasn’t until I looked at my bed while working at my desk that the idea struck me:
A child is only in their bed for a portion of the day, why couldn’t that space be used as a play area when they can’t play outside or at a playground?
USER RESEARCH
Once the idea was cohesive enough I presented it to a number of my
friends with children ages 3-7. I asked about how they have been handling
play over the past year of the pandemic, and they offered insight in how
active play has adapted for indoor spaces. When their child was present
they would excitedly tell me how they would interact with the play set,
opening an entire realm of playful exploration.
“Would encourage cleanliness; 'You need to clean the floor if you want the playground.'“
Nick + Charlie (3 y.o.)
“I would climb up and be a pirate, the mattress
would be the water!”
Kimi + Oona (3 y.o.)
“Like camping in your room;
making a nest!”
Kristen + Scarlett (7 y.o.)
“Not high enough!”
Allison + Milo (6 y.o.)
“All play worth playing has a little bit of a dangerous element. It’s a little mini adventure for them.”