Urban Playfulness: Fostering Social Interaction In Public Space

Abstract

In this paper we present our perspective on the role of playfulness regarding large scale, interactive floor projections in urban public space. We start with a model to identify the key elements and their interplay within this experience design space. This model will develop a deeper understanding of the design space in order to act as being a conceptual tool for creating interactive projects. We discuss the potential of playful projects to reconfigure public space in terms of the performative and motivational aspects of play. We conclude with our findings from observing playful projects built or supported by our research team.