Saturday 16 April 2016

Adding natural elements to playgrounds can help depression in kids: study | CTV News

Adding natural elements to playgrounds can help depression in kids: study | CTV News

The full article can be read through the hyperlink above

'Populating a playground with natural elements that feature sand, grass and water can help reduce signs of depression in children, according to research by the University of British Columbia.'

Swings, slides and iPads: the gaming companies targeting kids' outdoor play | Guardian Sustainable Business | The Guardian

Swings, slides and iPads: the gaming companies targeting kids' outdoor play | Guardian Sustainable Business | The Guardian

The full article can be read through the hyperlink above

Yeah, I'm one of those people who thinks that playspaces should be technology free. How do you develop your own imaginative in play if you (a child ) are restricted by a computer programs narrative?
And have a look at the associated video's they leave me spout-raged ,speechless and outraged at the same time. 


Three-quarters of UK children now spend less time outside than prison inmates, according to a new survey, with the lure of digital technology partly to blame. But, in a world where gaming and screen time are an everyday reality, could the right technology actually get more kids to play outdoors?

Hybrid Play is a Spanish start-up which uses augmented reality (AR) – patching computer imagery on to real life – to transform playgrounds into video games. A wireless sensor resembling an over-sized clothes peg clips onto any piece of playground equipment. It then registers the movement of the children as they play and converts it into video games to play through a smartphone. Demonstration of Hybrid Play

Co-founder Clara Boj says she is aware that many people think playgrounds should be technology free: “But our hybrid games are designed to put physical playing at the centre of the experience, not technology.”




Madison kick off plans to Connect Children to Nature | Madison Commons

Madison kick off plans to Connect Children to Nature | Madison Commons

The full article can be read through the hyperlink above

“Each [child] can develop a sense of belonging in the natural world and ability to recognize one’s power in the community and identify as a steward of the environment,” Svingen said. “Access to nature and green spaces has the ability to heal wounds of stress.”

Saturday 2 April 2016

Working with nature to create better buildings | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific

Working with nature to create better buildings | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific

The full article and more pictures can be obtained from the hyperlink above


"It is really about taking a design approach that strengthens the connection with nature and these ideas can start from the ground up."