SPCS Talks Vol. 12 | Approaching Nature through Play

Would you let a child design a sustainability plan or remodeling project for an office building or university? How about a museum, or even a city? Our world is made by and for adults — but what if we let children take the reins to create spaces that reflect their worldview?

In Jose’s research, children are often placed in decision-making roles, given real-world problems and the ability to speak with experts about them.

Switzerland-based researcher Jose Antonio Gordillo Martorell and his organization Cultural Inquiry explore these questions through programs that put children at the helm. Rather than simply collecting input from children on spaces meant for young people, Gordillo prefers to make children an active part of the decision-making process for museums and other institutions. Often, this takes the form of a Children’s Board, which advises museum staff.

In SPCS Talk Vol. 12, Jose will share some of his research regarding design incorporating children’s relationship with nature, especially through play. Many children feel closely connected with nature, as they have yet to create firm conceptual boundaries between indoors and outdoors, between the world and themselves. As a result, Jose believes, involving children in decision-making and co-creation could yield entirely new ways of thinking about nature and educational spaces.

The Children’s Board of Barcelona’s Museu Blau deliberates on some pressing issues.

In psychology, there’s an abundance of research on the significance of play. Of course, play is an important element of child development, from helping them develop social skills to teaching them how to act out certain roles as human beings. However, play is also unique for its boundless possibilities. For young children, this means they can be mythical creatures or royalty. On the other hand, designers and planners can expand their horizons beyond the norm.

The Science Park in Grenada brought children in to consult during their remodeling process.

Rather than simply teaching adults how to play or think like children, however, Jose’s research brings children into roles where they can contribute to decisions and co-create spaces with adult professionals.

Jose takes a nature-based approach to museum programming, envisioning a museum as a living organism rather than just a collection in a building. A living museum grows, evolves, and changes; by letting children take an active role in museum development, there are no limits on its evolution. These museums can more clearly reflect the mindset of children: open, curious, growth-oriented, playful — all qualities that adults, too, can appreciate.

Children were invited to the Science Park in Grenada to see ongoing construction and give feedback.

Beyond museums, communities and organizations can take inspiration from children in creating connections and meaningful experiences. Taking a playful approach to sustainability and nature-focused initiatives can widen their reach while deepening their impact. After all, we all have an inner child. Why not let them play?

• Museum professionals looking for inspiration for more playful, accessible programming and research methods to guide development.
• Space and program designers trying to create engaging experiences and build strong communities.
• Designers and researchers interested in novel methodologies for design, design research, and community co-creation.

• This program will be conducted in English. (There are plans to provide either real-time interpretation or display automatic translation text, but please note that not all talks may be covered.)
• We reserve the right to change this program with no prior notice.