Noguchi’s Playscapes

Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi observed that playgrounds offer a physical and social interaction not typically seen in art museums, and he designed a number of public spaces where visitors could actively engage with art. The exhibition gathers his designs for several playgrounds, stand-alone play structures, and other works that employ playful elements to engage the viewer, and provoke a reconsideration of the role of art in recreation, education, and community. Participants will visit the exhibition and participate in a hands-on, interactive design thinking experience. Attendees will learn how to apply selected tools and methods of the design thinking framework, including empathy interviewing, problem definition, rapid prototyping, and user testing.