Sara Teh - MADA NOW 2021 - Art, Design and Architecture

Hi, I’m Sara :) I’m a designer primarily interested in research and participatory design. My work mainly covers product design and interactive experiences. For the Everyday Messaging studio, I explored the topic of placemaking with children, inspired by my initial research into architectural lettering. My studio project aims to include children in the design process when designing parks and playgrounds. Through drawing, collage and sculpture, children can communicate their ideas regarding their local areas and thus play a part in shaping the world that they live in.

Envision Kit

Envision Kit gives children ages 4–11 various tools to share their ideas with urban planners, architects, builders and council members. The kit can be used in workshops, schools, or at home with the assistance of a facilitator, educator, or parent. The goal of the kit is to not only encourage children to dream and speculate about the future of their local parks and playgrounds, but to also serve as a way to introduce inclusive design practices to the wider community.

Contents

The kit contains an activity book, an information sheet, stickers, craft supplies (pencils, markers, glue, tape, beads, buttons, craft paper, pipe cleaners, pom poms, and icy pole sticks) and recycled materials.

Activity book

The activity book is the core component of the kit. It is filled with prompt questions such as “What activities do you like to do in the park?”, “What don’t you like about your park?” and “What would you add to your park to make it more welcoming?” to get children to open up and discuss their thoughts and experiences.

Information sheet and stickers

An information sheet is included to explain the purpose of the kit. Stickers have also been created as a way for children to easily decorate the book and make collages.

Testing the kit

I tested the kit out with a 5 year old. Even though they were initially very shy, the drawing and craft activities proved to be a great way for them to open up. Going through the activity book and building things collaboratively helped me better understand their perspective.

Findings

Through creating together, I learnt about the different ways they wanted to make their park more welcoming, such as adding different sized monkey bars, ice cream trucks, climbing poles, and a giant curly slide.