Architecture Is Fun

by Sharon Exley, Peter Exley

Overview

• Grouped into finished works by typology and thematic idea, this monograph is packed with rich illustrations, plans, full-color, photography, and incisive commentary on storytelling through design, toolkits for wayfinding, embedding research for better experience outcomes, with strategies and tactics behind each project’s development to help attract and engage people to play, learn, explore, and experience these places
• Projects featured include the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, Young at Art Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo: Pritzker Family Zoo, The Latin School of Chicago Interactive Science Forum, and the DuPage Children’s Museum, among many others

In a follow-up to Design for Kids (Images Publishing, 2007), in Architecture Is Fun Sharon Exley and Peter Exley demonstrate their ethos that architecture is one of the gateways to a more empathetic and equitable future. They believe making accessible places of learning, living, working, and playing are indispensable for human growth and development. This beautifully presented second monograph illustrates a nexus of architecture, education, community, and experience from the practice of Architecture Is Fun.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781864708943
Publisher:	The Images Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/16/2021
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Spreading influence as educative design specialists, Sharon Exley and Peter Exley design, build, and consult in a myriad of fields on a wide range of contemporary issues.

As a social and cultural activist, Peter Exley works with local and global leaders to envision resilient cities through art and architecture. Peter is the 97th President of the American Institute of Architects. He’s a thought leader, professor, and established architect who believes that successful architecture comes about when the dialogue on design involves the entire community.

Sharon Exley is a culture builder, author, and the developer of Architecture Is Fun’s participatory design process. She embraces the intersection of design and pedagogy, visual arts, and arts as visual feasts. She is the quintessential finder of fun.

Table of Contents

Preface Sharon Exley Peter Exley 7

Architecture, Public Space, and Play 8

Case Studies

Healing Hearts and Minds Away From Home 42

Walking in the Woods Connects Nature and Home 48

Improving Test Scores Through Public Space Design 54

Designing a Socially Inventive Epicenter of Art and Discovery 60

Getting Acquainted With Art 68

Bridging Environmental Education Through Art 72

Designing to Be Heard 76

Building a Land of Imaginative Early Learning 78

Making Art on Campus Accessible 84

Sharing Maritime Stories Extends Visitor Engagement 90

Making Archaeology Fun 96

Sculpting a Sandbar to Challenge Curiosity 100

Opening Doors to Learning 104

Restoring in Children's Terms 108

Cultivating Community on the Farm 114

Inspiring Community to Improve Downtown 118

Connecting Literature and Nature 122

Designing With Attitude Serves Teens 126

Attracting Teens Through Equitable Design 130

Planting a Forest of Literature and Play 134

Recruiting Next-Generation Learners with Lofty Space 140

Planting Seeds of Inspirational Play 146

Making Pediatric Visits Happier 150

Designing Fun for Everyone 154

Experiences Matter 159

Acknowledgments 186

Firm Profile 189

Image Credits 191