Storytelling Design always tells a story. It speaks of needs, desires, ideas, work, hands and minds, technology and philosophy. Playground design does the same. Standard plastic-and-metal post-and-
Sometimes, storytelling in Earthscape
deck playgrounds that are found in every
playgrounds takes the shape of direct
municipal playground or schoolyard tell
representations. Native birds that
their story: one of concerns over safety
frequent neighbouring forests might
and fears of litigation, and freedom
become large, scalable play structures.
translated into risk management.
Such sites often include interpretive
If we want different stories—ones that are complex, hopeful, joyful, and inclusive—we need to make different decisions when it comes to how playgrounds are designed and built.
signs that speak to visitors about native habitats and their residents. In other cases, stories are abstract. Ideas are hinted at in the shape of cladding or through colour. The tall walls of a playground tower are built to resemble the flow of grasses.
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