Thinking Allowed
Playgrounds
Jan 21, 2025
Ben Highmore, a Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Sussex and author of "Playgrounds: The Experimental Years," discusses the revolutionary adventure playgrounds that emerged after WWII, transforming bomb sites into vibrant spaces for child creativity. He explores the influential figures behind these playgrounds and their vision for fostering autonomy and social change. Highmore also reflects on the evolution of play in today’s risk-averse society, the challenges these playgrounds face, and their lasting impact on community and child development.
28:39
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Quick takeaways
- Adventure playgrounds emerged post-World War II as transformative spaces promoting creative, self-directed play among children of varying ages.
- The evolution of adventure playgrounds reflects shifting societal attitudes towards child safety and the resulting impact on creative exploration opportunities.
Deep dives
The Concept of Adventure Playgrounds
Adventure playgrounds emerged as a revolutionary approach to children's play, distinguishing themselves from traditional playgrounds characterized by static equipment. These playgrounds were initially labeled as 'junk playgrounds,' utilizing bomb sites from World War II to create engaging, versatile spaces for children. Unlike conventional playgrounds that typically cater to younger children for brief visits, adventure playgrounds encouraged deeper engagement from a wider age range, operating from ages two and a half to twenty-two. Children were given the freedom to build structures, like dens, that could evolve throughout the summer, promoting creativity and self-direction in their play.
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