Trend Watch April 2019

Risky playgrounds could be better for kids:

Studies show that kids develop greater risk detection, creativity, and self-esteem through riskier playgrounds, says Vox in an episode of By Design.

Studies have found that risky outdoor play is a key part of children’s health, promoting social interactions, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.

Some communities are even experimenting with “adventure playgrounds,” a format with origins in World War II Denmark, where bomb sites became impromptu playgrounds. Filled with props like nails, hammers, saws, paint, tires, and wood planks, these spaces look more like junkyards than play spaces – and parents are often kept outside the playground while children are chaperoned by staff.

Now, that question of keeping children safe versus keeping children engaged is at the heart of a big debate in playground design.

Downloadable library of free drawings:

Flan Studio has created a library of more than 200 free downloadable drawings in DWG and PNG format.

Established by Cem Ozan Cetintas and Alpkenan Koska, the drawings of people, animals, and nature have been created “to generate free-willed content for architects and designers.”

Subjects range from art installations and cooking to movies and vehicles. The artists say the library will be updated each month.

The full range of drawings is available for viewing and download on the official website.