I was in Bilbao a few weekends ago and spent several evenings in Plaza Nueva, a square in the old town and a popular weekend meeting place for local people. While grown-ups enjoyed drinks and tapas (or to use the Basque term, pintxos) in bars under the elegant colonnades, the central area was humming with children playing. Ball games, scooter races, chalk-picture-drawing, heely tricks (remember Heelys?) and chit-chat were just some of what was in the mix.
Posted in Play spaces, Public space, Urbanism
Tagged bilbao, child-friendly cities, playable space, plaza nueva, public space, spain, urban design
My plan to showcase some of London’s most playful places has been in the pipeline for a while. And now it’s around the corner. For all the latest info, follow this link to the mighty Playscapes blog – including handy onward links to the Open House website, with more details and maps for all the venues.
Posted in Outdoor play, Play spaces, playground, Public space, Urbanism
Tagged Adventure playground, Camden, child-friendly cities, design, early childhood, early years, EC1, Islington, London, neighbourhood, Open House, outdoor play, play space, playable space, playground, public space, Tower Hamlets, urban design
Glamis Adventure Playground
This post is an invitation to join me – and some kindred spirits – in September, for London’s first ever ‘Open for Play’ event. The programme includes site visits to some of the capital’s most innovative playgrounds, a walking tour of the acclaimed EC1 regeneration area, and an evening seminar.
Posted in Education, Outdoor play, play, Play spaces, playground, Public space, Urbanism
Tagged Adventure playground, Camden, child-friendly cities, early childhood, early years, EC1, Islington, London, neighbourhood, Open House, outdoor play, play space, playability, playable space, playground, public space, urban design
Rethinking Childhood 