Fireplace For Children
Photo credit: Jason Havneraas and Grethe Fredriksen for Haugen/Zohar Arkitekter
With many schools in the US cutting back on recess time, especially in the cooler winter months, and all the hoopla about obesity and kids watching video games...take those kiddies out and let them play!
A recent New York Times article tackled this issue:
"The best way to improve children's performance in the classroom may be to take them out of it. New research suggests that play and down time may be as important to a child's academic experience as reading, science and math, and that regular recess, fitness or nature time can influence behavior, concentration and even grades."
Having worked at a progressive private school, and helped construct a play structure/outdoor classroom equipped with a fire pit for warming up during cold northeast winter days, finding this magnificent Fireplace For Children from Norwegian architectural firm Haugen/Zohar confirmed just how important and delightful it is to take kids outside. Not only do children benefit from getting out of the indoor environment, all this hardiness fosters adaptable individuals.
Inspired by the Norwegian turf huts and old log construction, this recycled wooden playhouse was built and mounted on a lighted and brushed concrete base. The architects were hired by the municipality of Trondheim, Norway to create the project that allows children to be outdoors in even the coldest of climates.
The architect's intent for The Fireplace for Children:
"Together with the standard playground facilities we wished to combine an enclosed space for fire, storytelling and playing."
Just imagine the possibilities for imaginary play in such a structure. As a teacher, there are three things I love about this structure and would love to see US children participating in such a fun adventure:
1. This Fireplace for Children is a child's fantasy with endless possibilities for stimulating creativity.
2. With a tight budget, the architects used recycled leftover materials from a nearby building site, making this an eco-friendly structure.
3. The children of Norway are taught that fire is a natural heat source to be respected and enjoyed. They learn to revere fire because they are exposed to it in their everyday life.
Parents, teachers and outdoor enthusiasts may agree that with a few precautions, a sense of fun, and a healthy respect for children's limitations, kids can, and should enjoy the winter days exploring the outdoors.
Check out more pictures of The Fireplace for Children here.
