3 December 2007

Questioning spaces

To realise a playground; develop a model and strategies for designing play environments. Need to understand what is importnat to each player. What design process is best to develop strategies for future projects. What do I need in my toolkit for planning action?
I began my external collaboration with the idea of putting together proposals for Outreach Programmes run by Golden Thread Gallery. The idea for these workshops is to allow opportunity to express their wishes and desires for (un)defined space within their community.

Working with Ardoyle Shankill Health Project ASHP. Sites include Ardoyle Health Centre and Youth Club and Shankill Stadium Youth Club. What spaces are less restricted and unrestricted? And within the building what space is (un)defined or claimed?

Outcomes for 10 week workshops:
Realise their ideas through drawings, models making, performances, drama, through play.
Analysis what is play for them?

Who needs to play? Everyone. Greater need for people that have been deprived in Belfast.

Wikipedia's definition: "A playground is an area designed for children to play. Most forms of play are essential for healthy development, but free, spontaneous play—the kind that occurs on playgrounds—is the most beneficial type of play?" I don't believe this! Children play spontaneously everywhere and children are not permitted to play freely within a playground as they are usually subject to adult supervision and oversight.
Children traditionally "play out" in the streets for long periods without supervision, most commonly in children between the ages of seven and twelve. I believe that playgrounds need to be balanced with marginal areas that appear to be derelict or waste ground. Less restricted space within the community can be space for play and this space is temporarily theirs. Less restricted spaces I'd foresee are woods, fields, phone boxes, the streets, derelict buildings, waste grounds, green areas, stairways, etc. I plan now to photograph such sites and observe what undefined spaces people claimed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_street_culture

http://www.playboard.org/ - play manifesto

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3780/is_199610/ai_n8758229 - Book

Waterfront - Young people interact through skate boarding.
Design a game that young people engages with people from different backgrounds. E.g Football, Skate boarding. Observe whats in situ at present.
Modern games - invent game, music, multi media, physical game.

Private and Public on facebook.
Sms, mms

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