To Pour Water on Soil: A Natural Playscape Case Study

Abstract

This thesis presents a natural playscape case study. The process of establishing the playscape, the beginning of installation, and initial use is documented. The natural playscape proposal included features geared towards young children with the purpose of facilitating learning about the environment. It presents the benefits of children spending time in the natural world and highlights the process of play as educational. Additionally, the thesis explores unstructured nature play, risk, affordances, and loose parts. It also briefly examines different play environments and the play behaviors associated with them. Based on this project, recommendations for playscape research and planning are included.