play all day: a book on design for children

joël tettamanti, untitled images from the studies lager

editors: r. klanten and s. ehmann publisher: gestalten year: 2009 size: 240 pages, 24 x 30 cm isbn: 978-3-89955-236-2

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‘play all day’ reminds us of the power of play and its ability to fuel imagination and creativity.

content children have imaginations that run wild. they often find much pleasure in playing with the simplest things such as a cardboard box, pieces of string or even pots and pans. to them, anything can become an object or environment of fun. divided into five sections: let’s play, playgrounds, home sweet home, exploration and express yourself, ‘play all day’ takes a look at the domain of the children’s playground and the potential for discovery through design solutions which include furniture, architecture and illustration. it takes a look at the playground as an essential environments in which children can learn most about their life and develop their personalities.

the book lacks a little bit of depth in illustrating relevant themes or ideas, some of which maybe be too conceptual, perhaps because some of the creators may not be parents. however, it is a book about play and still reminds us that classic childhood activities such as dress-up or building forts or climbing trees are still good ways to allow and encourage kids and adults to explore a different, happy and more positive world. is this book for me? the book can be seen as an inspiring reference for all those out there who are still kids at heart.

daupeney school playground, 2002 kinnear landscape architects and artist hattie coppard, london

topotek 1, temporary playground 2004 coated pink-colored polyester fabric, inflatable objects installation at state garden show wolfsburg, 2004 photo © hanns joosten