Play, Playfulness and interaction in the street

Abstract

In this research the space of the street has been explored from the perspective of play theory. This has been done through the case study of leefstraat Duifstraat. Leefstraat Duifstraat is an experiment in the street which took place in the summer of 2016 in Utrecht. During a period of several weeks the street was closed down for cars and the residents were allowed to put objects and street furniture in the street, creating a space to safely play and a space for residents to meet. By focusing on three elements within the leefstraat; the rules, the physical boundaries and the artificial grass carpet, this research argues that these three elements facilitate a space for play, playful appropriation and stimulate interaction. The research question which is asked is: ‘how does the leefstraat Duifstraat by play and playful appropriation reflects on interaction in the street?’ The play theory from Huizinga is central in this research and helps understand leefstraat Duifstraat through play theory and how by playing it stimulates interaction. When residents regulate and construct the space themselves, they have the freedom and possibility for playful appropriation of the space, this stimulates community forming. The physical boundaries create a separate space from the city and allow for residents to linger at the boundaries which stimulates interaction. The grass carpet creates a playground and a context for play in the street and it allows the organization of activities which stimulates community forming. Through the use of play theory, it thus becomes clear how communities can be formed. The initiators of the experiment used play as a tool to reach their goal of connection between resident. This research has shown that utilizing play as an instrument to stimulate community forming, can make the process easier. If city councils want to stimulate community forming in their city, it can be recommended to implement playful experiments and use a frame to create space for play in their city.