Nature in Play

Three case studies explore children's play spaces in Bonn, Germany. The city has a wealth of natural resources and a culture of dedication to the environment that made it ideal for a comparison of the presence of nature in play spaces. Over two weeks in October, three play spaces including the Auerberg neighborhood playground with minimal nature, the Hofgarten urban playground with some nature, and the Naturpark Rheinland trailhead with complete nature immersion were carefully documented. The case studies rely on graphics and photographs as well as quantitative data modeled after post occupancy evaluations by Clare Cooper Marcus and Carolyn Francis. A comparison of the three case studies suggests that topography may have a greater influence on natural play than the presence of tree canopy.