A for play!

Abstract

The task was straightforward; design and build a playhouse to be raffled for a charitable organization. A team consisting of students, volunteers, and faculty banded together to not only meet the requirements but to exceed the typical preconceived ideas of a totally enclosed miniature home. Based upon the needs of juvenile clients, the design team focused more on “play” than on “house” when working out conceptual ideas. The playful design was based upon the enclosure being partially open to allow air flow, sunlight, and the ability for the inhabitants to have an aural connection to the outside. The idea of having partially open space on the lower level, a mere 5’-0” x 5’-0” footprint, flanked by stepped bands of cedar and cypress yielded a particular acoustical presence. The space is not only visually unique, but the selection of materials, how they were cut and assembled, and the scale in relation to a seated child enhance the fun factor by creating an enveloping and somewhat amplified acoustic. This project provided pedagogical opportunities within an atypical learning environment. The final inhabitable playhouse exceeded our visual and acoustical expectations of a small space and prove acoustics “plays” an intrinsic role despite occupant age.