o
o ightfoot
ivia
design portfolio
conceptions of childhood
Although many believe that the suburbs are designed for the safety and wellbeing of children, this notion is far from reality. Play spaces are often an afterthought in suburban design, causing children to seek out their own spaces for play. In partnership with Mollie Davis, we designed a conceptual "suburban roofscape" that works to break free of suburban monotony and give children a new way to interact with their environment.

Spaces for Children
Children's Spaces


We found that there are two different types of play environments. The first, "spaces for children", are environments that are encouraged by adults for children to play in. These are often deemed as safe and can be found within the bounds of the home. The second, "children's spaces", are unconventional play spaces appropriated by children, offering them a sense of freedom and adventure.
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The roof is the perfect setting for our playscape because it elevates children away from adult spaces and is risky enough for children to appropriate it how they desire.

Transformation

Our project is meant to grow with the age of its users in order to match their activity levels and behavioral tendencies.
Roof Plan

Repeating Elements

Physical Model Photographs


