Kindergarten Taka-Tuka-Land, Berlin
A strong example of including children in the design process can be found in the work of Baupiloten, a Berlin-based architecture and design collective known for their participatory approach. Baupiloten involve children from the very early stages of design, especially in projects related to schools and playgrounds. Instead of relying on formal interviews or verbal explanations, they use playful and interactive methods such as drawing sessions, storytelling, role-playing, and model-making.
These activities allow children to express ideas through movement, imagination, and play rather than language alone. In this process, designers act as facilitators, creating situations where children’s experiences and perspectives can surface naturally. The insights gathered from these interactions directly influence design decisions, including spatial organization, atmosphere, and types of play supported by the environment.
Baupiloten’s approach demonstrates how interaction design methods can translate children’s playful expressions into meaningful design input. Their work shows that when children are treated as co-designers rather than passive users, the resulting spaces are more responsive to their needs and more supportive of creativity and exploration. This makes Baupiloten a relevant and inspiring example for exploring how interaction design can help include children in the playground design process, particularly within a German-speaking cultural context.
References
- Baupiloten. (n.d.). Participatory Architecture and Design Projects with Children. Berlin. https://www.baupiloten.com
