Developed in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion, The Growing Together Project sought to create inclusive public play spaces where children can come together to learn and grow through play. Spanning across refugee camp communities in Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan, the program targeted the youngest children confronting developmental challenges while engaging local child development service providers.

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As the Playground Design Consultant not only did I design five playgrounds in each of the program's countries, but I conducted rapid, iterative voting exercises with both children and adults to inform the designs and gather essential input from the camp residents. Children voted for their favorite play activity and an inspirational image, while parents and teachers voted for their favorite public space amenity and for their biggest safety concern for their children.

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In Bangladesh, voting results indicated a gender bias among children; as girls voted mostly for jump rope and reading.  My designs therefore sought to create active play spaces, passive play spaces, and adjacencies that would encourage inclusion and new experiences of play.  Additionally, I created a series of play walls that were erected on a number of playgrounds.  These created opportunities for creative expression and competition.

 

The Growing Together Project was funded by the IKEA Foundation and completed in July of 2020.