Grounds for Play

3 units

How can we provide for the possibility of public space to become a ground for social interaction - a ground for participation to contribute towards the idea of collective play? Exploring the intersection of art making and play, this course will experiment with the design of a playful and non-conventional obstacle course that embraces participatory imagination and collaboration for children between the ages of 6 to 11. With this in mind, we will develop a kit of parts that will allow for collaboration, inventive thinking, and interconnective activities among children. We will create interactive devices, made of shapes and forms that allow for the adaption and transformation of the obstacle course. This will allow for a site-specific sequencing of the obstacle course. It is encouraged you bring curiosity, playfulness, and knowledge of digital design software (such as Rhino, SketchUp, and illustrator) to the course. In addition, it would be helpful if you are familiar with the fabrication-shop at the Sam Fox School as the final product will be a 1:1 scale obstacle course you will build as a team. Each team member will develop one part of obstacle course, contributing to the greater assemblage. We will test the obstacle court at the end of the semester with invited guests from a nearby elementary school. Note: This course meets every other week for the length of the semester.