The document discusses differences between how children and adults perceive landscapes and playgrounds. It notes that children's use of spaces often does not align with adult design intentions. Post-occupancy evaluations are suggested to see where intentions meet or diverge from actual use. The concept of the playground being for children's play emerged in the 19th century, but proximity and equipment alone do not determine a playground's quality or use. A holistic framework beyond just safety is advocated to better design for children.

1. Let
the
children
play!
Jamie Nicholls, Landscape Architect
AAPQ, CSLA, ASLA
PhD candidate, McGill school of urban planning

2. There is a divide between the way children perceive landscape and
its elements with how adults perceive the landscape.
adult view
child view

3. Vs.
The way that children use the landscape, when given free choice,
often runs counter to our design intentions.

4. Post occupancy evaluations of
spaces are a valuable tool to
see where intention meets use
and where it doesn’t.

14. Children are not a unitary
group. Like adults, children
are a heterogeneous group.

15. The concept of the play-
ground is essentially a 19th
century idea.

16. Proximity and Equity in play-
ground equipment provision
do not determine use or qual-
ity.

17. Quality

18. source:http://www.littledream-
ers.com/sand.htm

20. source: http://www.
leaparkandplay.com/
products/PlayBuild-
ers-913.html
Vacant 87% of the time .Used as intended 3%.

22. Beyond Safety vs. Risk.
Toward holistic and quality
frameworks.

23. 7Cs Design Criteria
Context
Character
Clarity
Change
Challenge
Chance
Connectivity

24. Thank you.