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We have discussed how throughout time and in different projects such as Play Lab, Humanitarian Play Lab, Child Care and Playground projects- space and material design has taken into account the issue of sustainability.

Sustainable design practice takes into account economic, environmental, social and cultural sustainability and addresses a few important issues:

A. Materials and building techniques are cost efficient, so the design can serve children from low resource settings. This means designs are modular, flexible, simple. This process demands continuous innovation and a discovery approach of learning. A multidisciplinary team is continuously learning and exploring how specific elements and the overall design of a play/learning space can support physical, cognitive, socio-emotional and creative development of children.

B. Material selection, design and construction process takes into account the impact it has on the environment. Thus, local materials and local crafting/building techniques are promoted to cut cost and harmful impacts on the environment i.e., carbon emission. The design and construction management process ensures minimum negative impact on the environment. When children and communities come together and engage in gardening, they also take care of nature in the process.

C. Children, communities and educators are important partners in co-creation, so they own the process and they will carry on the practice of creating child friendly environments when external technical support is not there. In this process, the final result reflects the community’s aspirations, uniqueness and pride. This process also creates strong advocacy for play and creativity within the community and other stakeholders.

Sustainable design practice engages an active learning process. The teams involved in this process continue to search and find new ways to ensure and strengthen environmental, economic and social sustainability.