In a course at the University of Texas at Austin called Childhood Play and Development, I learned the importance of play in children's lives. I studied theories of play from well-known theorists by reading research-based publications on children's play. At the end of the course, I was asked to take a space that would normally not be suited for children's play, and redesign it to make it a place children could enjoy. All I was required to do for this project was to make quick sketches and label the changes I would make to the space, but I took this assignment as an opportunity to fully express my creativity.
To execute this assignment, I used images from the internet, and manipulated them in Microsoft Word and Paint.
Final Space Redesign
Original Space
I selected this image of a nail salon as the space I would redesign for children’s play.
I hope that the play space that I have designed can act as a substitute for outdoor play or as an additional play space that gives children a break from the classroom. In this space, children can be physically active and socialize with one another. Of course, there is nothing like the real outdoors and the things that nature provides, but, I imagine this space being used in an area where it may be unsafe to play outside, or where outside area is simply not accessible in say, a busy, crowded city.
Final Space Redesign (Pictured Again)
To make the space kid-friendly, I removed all of the products used in this space for doing nails, which are likely toxic and do not serve the purpose of play. I made sure that the space was inviting by not overcrowding it with furniture and by including materials that children can easily access. I plan to use the two separate spaces behind the doors at the back of the room as (1) a storage area for materials that the children can use and (2) a restroom.
The walls are painted blue to mimic the blue sky outside. I replaced the original tile flooring with synthetic green grass to reflect the natural grass that grows outdoors. This new flooring material allows for rough, messy play that can be cleaned and maintained regularly.
SAND TABLES: I replaced the original tables on the left side of the room with sand tables, which offer the children a space to play together. The sand tables also provide a wonderful, tactile experience for the children that would allow them to explore their imaginations. Keeping the original long, black bench that was made for customers to sit, children can use the bench to sit or stand on and play with the sand in front of them. I picture the children running across the bench.
I removed the original chairs at the tables on the left side of the room suited for the nail technicians so that the sand tables would be accessible to children who use wheelchairs or similar alternatives. I added stools as optional forms of seating or objects to stand on. The stools can be easily moved by the children and used for various play methods.
NATURE: I brought a wood pallet, tree stumps, and plants into the room to bring in natural elements from the outdoors. There are big planters with plants in them that sit on the floor against the right wall. There are also plants hanging along the left wall, which can be accessed by children if they stand on the black bench. I imagine the children being interested in learning about the plants and how to care for them.
The small tree stumps I introduced into the space can be used in many ways. Children can use the stumps as chairs or arrange the stumps to create a path or obstacle course. Children may use the stumps as the foundation for building with other materials. The tree stumps also bring in a natural element into the space that hints to the outdoors. I imagine children sitting on the stumps, hopping along the stumps, balancing on the stumps, and picking up, moving, and stacking the tree stumps.
WATER: I removed the entire pedicure station at the right side of the room that included the raised platform with water tubs and a long bench. Keeping with the theme of water and relaxation, I have included two built-in water fountains (mounted to the right wall) that bring water into the room in a naturalistic way. The fountains have large bowls that collect water which allow the opportunity for children to explore materials in the water. I imagine the children bringing sand from the sand tables to the water fountains and using stools and stumps to stand on and get a better look at the water. The fountains are high enough so that children in wheelchairs or seated scooters can access the water bowls without moving from their seats.
RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROOM: By removing the wash station at the back of the room and the pedicure station at the right side of the room, I created more room for children to play. I imagine children crawling and rolling around in the open space, being free to arrange objects in the space to suit their play. I introduced balls and hoops into the space as objects that children can play with. There is room for more play materials to be introduced which can be stored away in on of the rooms behind the black doors and grabbed at will.
PERFORMANCE: I propped the wood pallet at the back of the room against the right wall to serve as a backdrop for children to put on a performances inspired by imagination. Things can easily be hung from, added to, and removed from the wood pallet by the children who are interested in designing a performance backdrop. The children can also easily pull the pallet down and use it as a stage to stand on for performance play.
ART: I added various pieces of artwork to personalize the space and make it welcoming for children. On the doors at the back of the room, I added hanging three-dimensional artworks that represent a cloud and a rainbow. I transformed the existing logo for the nail salon on the back wall to a symbol that represents the sun with the word “PLAY.” I added large three-dimensional flowers to the back wall and three-dimensional butterflies that hang from the ceiling in the back, right corner. I also added colorful wood blocks painted in an abstract style to the left wall. These elements make the play space more inviting because they add visual interest.
