Tactilely Tubular Passageways: An Exploration of Accessible Play Spaces
Close your eyes and imagine a playful space alive with vivid colors. People are running, exploring, laughing, and bursting with energy. Place your friends or anyone you know in the space. How do you interact with this space? In what ways do you and your friends interact? In your mind, what can you see and feel? If you were a child in this space, how would you play differently? How could the space accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities? I examine alternative play space designs adapted for people with exceptionalities.
Those with physical disabilities are often unable to interact and use traditional play equipment. As an aspiring teacher, I am motivated by my students to redesign play structures that evoke play and joy in all people by exploring multisensory, social, colorful and open play spaces. I intend for each person and child to interact differently with my sculptures.
I have realized that when asked to design a play space that benefits and accommodates every person, I cannot imagine a space or equipment that would work for everyone. This is why I chose to explore many options and models. As I continue the conversation around accessible play, there is still much to be explored. How should we move beyond ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, guidelines and expand accessibility? Please touch and explore my sculptures as you imagine how play can be more accessible.
Griffin Carnett ‘22
Advisors: Daren Kendall, Studio Art; Gretchen Teffs, Education
All images copyright © 2022 Griffin Carnett. All rights reserved.
Sculpture Series, Mixed media, 6' x 7', 2022
Digital Image Series, Digital print, 18" x 24", 2022
Digital Image Series, Digital print, 24" x 18", 2022
Digital Image Series, Digital print, 18" x 24", 2022