Critical Questions & Prompts from Nancy
What else is out there like it?
There is a lot out there when it comes to playgrounds. The thing I am thinking the most about is the difference between built environments and natural environments. And probably eventually will consider natural environments with slight built-alterations
Im reading about Interactive Playgrounds that use technology right now and this type of play-intervention is exactly what I DON’T think we need or will serve children. Adding feedback loops and triggers around a playground by using technology does not seem effective to me. Nature already has that built in. I will withhold more judgement because as of today 11/10 I haven’t finished the article… so there may be some redeeming qualities :) we’ll see…
How is yours different?
The thing that has been the most inspiring to me so far are Forest Kindergartens. Maybe my question is: how can you have something like a Forest Kindergarten in a densely populated urban environment? A big question for me: can we transition small urban parks into an environment that feels like a forest (and later make into something like a Forest Kindergarten).
What makes mine different is that I am interested in Urban and Rural and what those environments can learn from each other.
How does it improve what exists?
See Above
What audience is it for?
For now, I think the audience is urban kids between 4 and 12.
What is the world/context/ market that your project lives in?
Schools/ parks/ outdoor spaces. It serves families & children and educators and communities.
In your initial research, have you found something you didn’t expect? Is it an interesting path to follow?
Hmm, it feels like playground designers are being FAR too heavy handed. Lets find the subtlety that can exist in playgrounds and in interventions with natural spaces.
What do you need to know about the content/story?
I just need to continue doing research.
What do you need from a tech standpoint?
So far, not much! Eventually I can imagine wanting to think about a specific neighborhood and the parks/public spaces/ playgrounds/ schoolyards that exist there… but I’m not there yet!
If it’s too much for the time.. Are there any discrete parts of it you could accomplish?
Im still thinking about this… Im starting to narrow in on Playgrounds & Landscape Architecture & Education.