The Refrigerator Box Model

01/05/2009

A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.
Anonymous

In his Exchange article, "Thinking Inside the Box: An Architect Looks at New Models for Children's Space," Mike Lindstrom asks us to look at a cardboard refrigerator box, a tree, an attic, and a vacant lot as four play settings that can provide inspiration in designing spaces for children. In discussing the refrigerator box he observes...

"The refrigerator box seems to admirably address [key design issues] in its qualities as a play environment for children. It provides a scale that is most often missing from children’s spaces, analogous to the rabbit warren, the hobbit hole, or the doghouse; it is an intimate space that allows children to feel big. The box can feel very private and can support one, two, or three child activities that might be disrupted in a larger space. What could be more comfortable than the warm brown color, rhythmic corrugated texture, and box smell? Finally, it encourages creative engagement: it’s movable, can be manipulated, cut, moved, drawn on, and colored. It can also be connected to other boxes or spaces as well as modified with doors, windows, or skylights."

Great Resources on Outdoor Environments for Children

Mike Lindstrom's article, "Thinking Inside the Box: An Architect Looks at New Models for Children's Space,"" is included in our new Environments Tool Kit. This kit has packaged together ten practical Exchange resources and is offering the entire set at a 18% discount. Included in the Kit...

Books:

Caring Spaces, Learning Places: Children's Environments That Work
Natural Playscapes: Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul
Learning With Nature Idea Book: Creating Nurturing Outdoor Spaces for Children

Beginning Workshop Units:

Environments for Special Needs
Environments
Environments With Families in Mind
Outdoor Environments
Space
Environments to Engage Children
Learning Materials

How are the best spaces for children created?
Watch this online video to see how seven top centers designed creative and developmentally appropriate spaces for play and learning. Then take advantage of Community Playthings’ expert planning services and innovative, modular furnishings for every kind of environment and activity.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.