Infill Philadelphia: Play Space

Showcasing the importance of play for childhood development.

Play Space was a two-year initiative that brought awareness to the critical role of play in childhood development, advocating for more thoughtful, imaginative, and informed play-centered environments. Through the facilitation of a series of programs, Play Space rallied designers, educators, academics, city officials, and other thought leaders in an unprecedented, coordinated effort that now influences the way Philadelphia invests in child-centered public space.

As the Program Manager for the Community Design Collaborative, Hinge founder, Alexa Bosse, developed and directed this initiative and facilitated a series of programs that included:

• An exhibition and discussion of 40 inspirational play-focused projects;

• A series of community build projects focused on the importance of physically active play and childhood health;

• A day-long charrette focused on developing replicable, nature-based, play environments for in-home childcare facilities;

• An international design competition with 40 entries from 6 countries to design innovative outdoor play spaces for a Philadelphia library, recreation center, and school yard;

• A series of 7 lecture and panel events centered around the various benefits of play and models for improving the quality of play spaces for children worldwide and a final exhibition held at Philadelphia City Hall showcasing the results of the initiative and soliciting support.

Photo Credit: Chris Kendig Photography

Location: Philadelphia, PA (city-wide)

Client: Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) and William Penn Foundation

Timeframe: 2016

Outcomes:

• Greater interdisciplinary collaboration

• Three local libraries put play spaces in their buildings

• Prototype designs for in-home daycare

• Temporary play spaces developed by Public Workshop