July 21 & 28: Design Street Furniture in a child-friendly neighborhood public space (part 2)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Age Group: 6-16 years old
Team Work
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Objective: Recap the previous session and introduce today's activities.
Activity:
Briefly review the identified locations and the final chosen spot (next to the security hut).
today’s goal is to design a piece of street furniture specifically for kids
Discuss the importance of creating safe and enjoyable public spaces for children see images below).
2. Visualization and Observation (10 minutes)
Objective: Visualize the chosen location and imagine how the street furniture will fit (scale, exact location, orientation, type, etc.).
Activity:
Show images or a video of the chosen location to refresh everyone’s memory (from Piumi/Suren and Avanthi - last session).
Encourage kids to close their eyes and visualize the space with the new piece of furniture.
Discuss how kids currently use the space and how the new piece of furniture can enhance their experience.
3. Making and Problem-Solving (25 minutes)
Objective: Brainstorm and sketch ideas for the street furniture.
Activity:
Divide the kids into small groups (one older kid/group leader with 3 or 4 younger kids) if necessary and give them paper and drawing materials.
Ask each group to sketch their ideas, focusing on:
Function: What will the furniture be used for? (e.g., sitting, playing, climbing)
Form and Appearance: How will it look? (e.g., colorful, themed, inviting)
Identity and Composition: How does it fit with the community’s identity?
Safety: how can the design support a safe, child-friendly environment?
Strength and Durability: What materials will be used to make it safe and long-lasting?
Integration in Environment: How will it blend with or stand out in the surroundings?
Accessibility: Is it easy for all kids to use? - From where can it be accessed?
Rough Costing: Estimate the cost of materials.
Groups to share and present their sketches and ideas with the whole class.
4. Community Building (30 minutes)
Objective: Combine ideas and finalize the design as a team.
Activity:
Discuss the sketches and choose elements from each to create a unified design.
Create a large, detailed drawing or model (model to be continued next session) of the final design on a big sheet of paper.
Ensure the design clearly demarcates the area as a kids’ space, where they can play or relax and feel safe.
Consider adding elements like bright colors, soft materials, and playful shapes to emphasize it’s for kids, feel free other elements as required
Discuss and finalize the materials needed, ensuring they are safe and durable.
5. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)
Objective: Reflect on the design process and the final product.
Activity:
Gather the kids in a circle and ask them to share their favorite part of the activity.
Discuss what they learned about design and working as a team.
Highlight the importance of creating spaces that are safe and fun for kids.
Thank everyone for their contributions and efforts.
