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Childish.

The project initiative Childish Studio is a designer collective based in Berlin, focusing on creating positive changes for children and teenagers. Our main interest lies in developing spaces, activities, methods, and tools for creativity, curiosity, and playful learning.

News

We are seeking new collaborative partnerships and opportunities to realise projects within the social and cultural context from children's perspectives for summer 2025

Serious play

PROJECTS

Each Childish Studio project typically includes workshops for municipal artists, designers, architects, planners, researchers, urban professionals, and children advocates. We provide opportunities to engage children and young people actively in assessing their local environment, setting priorities for improvements, and developing designs where they can contribute their ideas and priorities.

Learning Spaces

Bangkok, Tha

School we'd like

Visual Storytelling Workshop for Bangkok-Patana School's Future

In an era of educational transformation, Patana International School Bangkok students explore their alma mater's future aspirations through visual storytelling. Through diverse mediums, they articulate visions, probing twenty design questions to reimagine classrooms and technology's role. Their creations form a rich tapestry, connecting them deeply with their school community.

Future Visions

In response to these profound queries, the students embarked on a creative odyssey through the realm of visual storytelling. Through a meticulously structured workshop, they endeavored to articulate their visions and aspirations for the future of Patana School. Employing a diverse array of mediums including typography, cut-out imagery, colors, shapes, and narratives, they breathed life into their collective dreams.

Design Inquiry

Central to this endeavor were twenty design questions, each probing a distinct facet of the envisioned future. From reimagining the classroom of tomorrow to envisaging the role of technology in education, the students delved into multifaceted dimensions, striving to encapsulate their hopes within the folds of visual expression.

Artistic Culmination

Students' exploration culminated in a diverse array of artistic creations, spanning evocative illustrations, insightful comics, vibrant posters, and captivating mini-publications. Through hands-on engagement, they translated aspirations into tangible expressions, delving into communication design while fostering a deep bond with their school community.

Narrative Impact

The "Empowering Voices, Shaping Destinies" workshop at Patana School showcased the transformative power of visual storytelling. Students explored artistic expression, envisioning their school's future and shaping its trajectory. Their narratives, potent with meaning, positioned them as architects of change, ready to inspire future generations with their creative vision and insight.

Brief

What: Art class workshop
Where: Bangkok Patana School, Thailand
Age: 8-15 years old
Children's Roles: Designers, creators, storytellers
Timescale: June 2023
Collaborators: Patana School Bangkok, bkk Unzine

Neighbourhood

Brandenburg, Ger

Past, Present, and Future

Interactive Exploration of Lieberose's Favorite Playgrounds

The project "Explorations of Play in Lieberose: Past, Present, and Future" delves into the evolution of play opportunities within Lieberose. Commencing with a workshop in the Lieberose Castle Gardens in November, this study extends to ongoing community initiatives that aim to transform the city's approach to play, fostering creativity and community engagement.

Urban Play

In collaboration with the Wertewandel Association and students from the Architecture program at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Lieberose families were invited to explore urban spaces through play. This initiative facilitated creativity and interaction, with interim results publicly discussed in an online event in January 2023.

Playful Insights

In spring, findings will be presented in a poster exhibition, providing a platform to test and further develop the games. An interactive map will enable Lieberose families to mark their preferred play areas and share personal stories, creating a collective narrative of cherished memories.

Brief

What: Open table workshop
Where: Lieberose Castle Gardens, Brandenburg, Germany
Age: Families and children of all ages
Children's Roles: Participants, creators, storytellers
Timescale: November 2022 - Spring 2023
Collaborators: Wertewandel Verein, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

LEARNING SPACES

Jakarta, INA

School Through Our Eyes

Visual Narratives of School Environments:
A Student-Centric Approach

In collaboration with the PASCH initiative, the Goethe-Institut Indonesia hosts a photography competition and workshops titled "My School Through My Eyes," engaging students across Indonesia. Participants capture their schools' essence through photography, attend skill-enhancing workshops, and showcase their work in an online exhibition, fostering appreciation for educational environments.

Youth Perspectives

The "My School Through My Eyes" photography competition invites participants to perceive their schools from their individual perspectives and document them through photography. Students are encouraged to capture the distinctive architecture, atmosphere, and activities of their schools and reflect on their personal experiences.

Skill Enhancement

The accompanying workshops provide participants with the opportunity to enhance their photographic skills and further develop their creative visions. Under the guidance of experienced photographers, students learn how to visually express their narratives and receive valuable feedback on their work.

Public Exhibition

The online exhibition showcases the best works of the participants to the public, offering insights into the diverse perspectives and impressions of the students regarding their schools. This platform serves not only as an expression of the artistic talents of the participants but also as a forum for exchange and discussion on education and school systems.

Awareness and Engagement

Overall, this initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of schools as learning environments and deepen the connection of students to their educational institutions. Through creative engagement with their schools, participants are encouraged to actively participate in shaping their educational experiences and develop a deeper appreciation for their schools.

Brief

What: Competition, workshops, and online exhibition
Where: Indonesia (online)
Age: 14—19
Children's Roles: Storyteller, photographers, creators
Timescale: Spring-Summer 2022
Collaborators: Goethe-Institut Indonesia, PASCH initiative

Environment

Gothenburg, Swe

Playable Waste

Engaging Children in Sustainable Practices Through Playful Recycling Workshops

The workshop fosters sustainability awareness in young children through experiential learning and play-based education. By integrating recycling concepts into playful activities, it aims to bridge theory and practice, promoting environmental responsibility from an early age. It explores the impact of play on sustainability understanding and behavior, addressing key questions to inform early childhood education strategies.

Early Experiences

"Playable Waste" workshops highlight the profound impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong attitudes. Research emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning for children, especially for complex concepts like sustainability. The workshops bridge theory and practice, helping children understand environmental concepts through direct experience.

Structured Learning

The workshops begin with children collecting paper waste, demonstrating recycling's tangible impact. Guided through the recycling process using a paper shredder, children see firsthand how waste transforms into new resources. This hands-on experience reinforces sustainability and promotes a sense of agency and empowerment.

Creative Expression

After recycling, children use shredded paper to create abstract figures and artworks. This activity fosters creative expression, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Play-based activities significantly impact children's cognitive, social, and emotional development, making them ideal for exploring sustainability.

Play and Learning

"Playable Waste" explores the relationship between learning and play in early childhood education. The project investigates how playful activities enhance children's understanding of sustainability and foster environmental responsibility. Research questions focus on the role of play-based learning in shaping children's attitudes and promoting sustainable practices.

Project Questions

The project addresses research questions to advance understanding of learning and play in early childhood. It aims to inform effective educational strategies for promoting sustainability awareness. Collaboration between Kapellgången 8 förskola and HDK-Valand, University of Gothenburg, contributes to a broader dialogue on early childhood education's role in fostering a sustainable future.

Brief

What: Two-hours-workshop
Where: Gothenburg, Sweden
Age: 4-6 years old
Children's Roles: Artists, Designers
Timescale: Winter 2020
Collaborators: Kapellgången 8 förskola & HDK-Valand, University of Gothenburg

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Bordeaux, Fra

We have stories to tell.

Empowering young designers through self-publishing and storytelling

The workshop at ECV Bordeaux, led by Irvandy Syafruddin and Jonas Schulte (Berlin-based Art Director), emphasized self-publishing, storytelling, and fostering a sense of belonging among young design students. Active participation in self-publishing projects expanded participants' design skills and enhanced their societal awareness. The workshop culminated in an exhibition where the participants showcased their self-published zines.

Workshop Focus

The workshop at École de Communication Visuelle (ECV) Bordeaux, led by Irvandy Syafruddin and Jonas Schulte, centered on self-publishing and storytelling. It aimed to foster a sense of belonging among young design students, empowering them to freely express their ideas and enhance their understanding of democracy and free speech.

Critical Skills

Through storytelling, students developed critical thinking and communication skills while exploring local narratives. This approach fostered a deeper connection to their community. Research suggests that self-publishing projects enhance students' sense of agency and ownership over their work, leading to increased confidence and motivation.

Cultural Awareness

Investigating local stories encourages students to consider diverse perspectives and promotes cultural awareness. Key research questions included the impact of self-publishing on students' perceptions of democracy, the role of storytelling in fostering belonging, and the development of critical thinking and communication skills.

Social Impact

Engaging in self-publishing projects centered on local stories helps young designers understand societal issues and cultivate a deeper community connection. This process empowers them to advocate for social justice, promote inclusivity, and amplify marginalized voices. The workshop fosters teamwork, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.

Exhibition Dialogue

The workshop culminated in an exhibition where participants showcased their self-published zines, sparking dialogue between storytellers and the Bordeaux community. Visitors engaged with the zines, fostering meaningful conversations about local issues, culture, and identity. This interactive exchange strengthened connections and understanding within the city.

Brief

What: Workshop and exhibition
Where: École de Communication Visuelle (ECV) Bordeaux, France
Age: 15-18 years old
Children's Roles: Designers, Storytellers
Timescale: Fall 2018
Collaborators: École de Communication Visuelle (ECV) Bordeaux, France, Jonas Schulte

Cities

Gothenburg, Swe

Shadow Play

Engaging Children in Gothenburg's
Historical Legacy

"Shadow Play" is a collaborative initiative engaging children in Gothenburg's historical legacy. From April to June 2021, Gathenhielmska Huset, Lekkontoret, facilitated child-led explorations of the historical house, using mapping, storytelling, and play to uncover its secrets. The project fostered a sense of ownership and belonging among young residents, culminating in an exhibition showcasing their interpretations of the city cultural heritage.

Historical Exploration

Groups of children aged 4-9 explored Gathenhielmska Huset over several days. Guided by designers and educators, they used mapping, storytelling, and play to uncover the house's history. This approach facilitated their engagement and discovery.

Ingela Gathenhielm

Children explored the legacy of 17th-century privateer Ingela Gathenhielm. Using head torches, they searched for treasures in Kungssalen and experienced daily life in Ingela's bakery, baking cookies and sampling treats, immersing themselves in history.

Playful Activities

Children participated in activities like measuring Stigbergstorget with their bodies, dancing with ghosts in Salongen, and sailing puppet ships, battling sea monsters. These experiences connected them to Gothenburg's past and fostered a sense of belonging.

Shadow Theater

"Shadow Play" included a shadow theater performance. Children used puppets inspired by Gathenhielmska's walls to narrate their stories, showcasing creativity and storytelling skills. This activity captivated audiences and enriched their historical understanding.

Community Exhibition

The project ended with an exhibition of the children's artwork, fostering community dialogue. Visitors explored the children's interpretations of Gothenburg's heritage, sparking meaningful conversations about the city's history and identity, and emphasizing the importance of children's perspectives in cultural discussions.

Brief

What: Workshop and exhibition
Where: Gathenhielmska Huset, Gothenburg, Sweden
Age: 4-9 years old
Children's Roles: Explorers, storytellers, puppeteers
Timescale: April to June 2021
Collaborators: Gathenhielmska Huset, Lekkontoret

Collaboration

We are always seeking new collaborative partnerships and opportunities to realize projects within the social and cultural context from children's perspectives. Interested parties are invited to reach out to us to discuss collaboration opportunities and explore potential synergies that can contribute to creating positive impacts on children and their communities.

Journal & Inspiration

CHILD CULTURE 
DESIGN

This is our Journal & Inspiration section, a scholarly endeavor dedicated to the exploration of Child Culture Design. Here, we invite you to immerse yourself in a comprehensive examination of various facets, including references, artistic and academic research, historical narratives, literary analyses, and notable events.

History

9/2024

The Playground Project

A research project initiated in 2008, delves into international playground history. Serving as the foundation for The Playground Project, an evolving exhibition blending history, research, and interactive play spaces, it has offered insights into the evolution of playgrounds and their significance in shaping childhood experiences worldwide. More info

Childish Studio Journal

Friends

10/2024

Play Office

Lekkontoret (Swedish for Play Office) is a children’s design ‘office’ that aims to increase child influence in the city through participatory design projects. The team work on design briefs in Gothenburg’s public places and cultural institutions, hoping to give children sustained opportunities to practice participation so that they can be understood and acknowledged as competent and engaged citizens in their city.

Childish Studio Journal

Academic

11/2024

Academic Playground

Explore the MFA Programme in Child Culture Design at the University of Gothenburg. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, students investigate design from children's perspectives. With a practical curriculum and dynamic arts community, graduates significantly contribute to socially sustainable design practices. Instagram / MFA program

Childish Studio Journal

About Childish Studio

APPROACH TO DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

For us, the process represents the essence, with democratic principles serving as a cornerstone in our work's genesis. Consequently, we maintain that children should be integral participants in the design process, thereby ensuring a more inclusive and reflective approach to design endeavours.

Info

Seriuos Play

Childish Studio, established in 2020 by Irvandy Syafruddin and Tina Lehnhardt, embodies a commitment to exploring the educational and playful dimensions of design. Our projects are characterized by an interdisciplinary approach that fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including children, artists, designers, architects, planners, researchers, and urban practitioners.

At the core of our projects are design interventions and workshops aimed at engaging children in creative exploration and empowering them to shape their environments. These workshops serve as platforms for children to actively participate in assessing their local communities, articulating improvement priorities, and contributing their ideas to design processes. Through hands-on, experimental sessions across various mediums, including art, storytelling, and play, children are encouraged to express themselves freely and creatively.

One of our key methodologies involves employing action research techniques to deepen our understanding of children's perspectives on their residential environments. By listening to their grievances, recommendations for change, and reflections on the impact of participatory processes, we gain valuable insights that inform the design process.

Central to our philosophy is the belief that the design process should be inclusive and reflective of democratic principles. We advocate for the active involvement of children in decision-making processes related to their surroundings, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are considered. This approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among children but also leads to more innovative and sustainable design solutions.

17 Targets 2030

icon sdgs red

This project aims to educate children about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through engaging gameplay, enabling them to grasp the goals' significance in their lives. Through interactive activities, children explore how they can actively contribute to achieving these goals by 2030 and develop solutions for global issues like poverty and climate change. The project fosters a sense of responsibility and global citizenship from an early age, inspiring young individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.

Disclaimer

All images unless otherwise indicated are not taken or owned by us. They are used solely for the purpose of discussion, references or visual aid. All images are not intended for any commercial use. If you would like an image removed from the site please email us and it will be removed as soon as possible.
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