Design For Play, An Inspirational Guide
Play is vital for a child's development, and it also fosters creativity, reduces stress, enhances brain function, and improves relationships for people of all ages. It's a shame that play is often disregarded in residential design and overlooked in the workplace despite the benefits for overall well-being and productivity. As many of us spend the majority of our time indoors, it is crucial to infuse our indoor lives with joy, lightness, and play, which is beneficial for our health and happiness.
In this article, I shed light on various ways to encourage and support the creation of diverse play environments, from simple solutions using furniture to more intricate and comprehensive approaches for residences, workplaces and communities.
Simple Solutions
For the living room, arrange the seating in a U shape. This creates an inviting setting for gathering, playing group games, and fostering connection.
Consider a wooden coffee table with storage; it will serve as an excellent centrepiece for gatherings and a platform for various activities.
When choosing sofas and armchairs, choose low, comfortable, and washable options.
A soft and thick rug placed under the entire living room furniture will enhance comfort and provide versatile sitting options, especially if floor cushions are added.
Leaving empty spaces not filled with furniture will allow room for physical play, such as rolling on the floor, rustling, and dancing.
Choosing the right colours is essential for creating a good play environment. In another article, I will discuss the various colour schemes that evoke different moods and complement different environments.
Don't forget to add plants. A good-sized indoor tree will bring vibrancy. Check out Biophilic Design blog to learn more out the Biophilic Design blog to learn more
The dining table is also great for seniors to gather and play. To promote inclusivity, it's best to have a sturdy, round wooden table and comfortable dining chairs with cushions to welcome everyone.
Large Scale Inspirations
I was absolutely thrilled to incorporate a climbing wall into the foyer of a residential design project in British Columbia. The climbing wall was designed to accommodate parents and children and features different difficulty levels. We selected stone as the primary material to seamlessly integrate with the cabin's style. This enabled us to discreetly incorporate the climbing wall through the placement, size, and protrusion of the stone.
I love seeing how designers from different countries create fantastical indoor play spaces for residential and workplaces. The multi-functionality and integration, instead of creating a dedicated “playground,” in some of the designs are truly inspiring!
Feeling inspired to bring some fun and play into your home or workplace? Even the smallest steps can lead to great fun, deeper connection, creativity, and productivity!
With Joy and Delight!