Cohousing-L Mailing List: play and children

[mdigia (mdigia]

This is for all of you that have been discussing about play areas.

I don't know much about it, but I have a friend who is writing her master
thesis on children and outdoor play around buildings.  It seems there are a
lot of good work done on it by educators, architects and others...
Check a university library near you.  It should be at least engaging.

I also have the experience with the structure we have in the country, at
the beach.  17 extended families share it, which may amounts to around 50
children. My observation of its use is that swings are a great success.
Both children and adults love it! If cost is a constraint, sturdy swings
will always be a bargain.They will be used for years.

And I also remember that some people were discussing the idea of creating a
pattern language (like Christopher Alexander's) for cohousing. It would be
a huge effort, but it could be gratifying.  Maybe you can get a graduate
student at Berkeley to do it for you under Alexander's supervision. If you
want to start on your own, try the playground.

Make a group in which  each person could read one publication on the
subject.  Later, with the addition of their personal experiences, they can
brainstorm guidelines for playground.

Good luck with your playgrounds!
Usha Digiacomo, not living in a cohousing yet...

P.S. Clare Cooper Marcus is also a scholar who can add great info on the
matter.Check her book "Housing as if People Mattered," or try send her an
email.I don't know where she is right now!


mdigia [at] po-box.mcgill.ca