Childhood nostalgia is a sentimental yearning for the past that evoke our autobiographical reminiscences. This emotion encourages social connectedness, unifies people with common memories, and rebuilds an individual’s self-esteem. However, nostalgia could also fuel depression among adults. Recalling childhood could increase our sense of loss and wistful depression since it’s an elusive dream. People long for their past when they face overwhelming responsibilities and repetitive daily life as adults. How can design comfort people with childhood nostalgia?
My thesis uses the idea of the playground to evoke memories of our collective childhood experiences and resonate consolation. This project suggests how every value from playgrounds continues to be reflected in our current life as adults. The Playground explores the primal impulses of youth which are embodied in climbing higher, socializing, thrill-seeking, falling down, and getting back up again. Whether it be the solitary calm of the sandbox or the partnership of the seesaw, the strength-training exercise of monkey bars, or the courage-testing vertigo of the jungle gym, children’s games are metaphors for life. If you feel empty or exhausted with your daily life, read this book to fulfill your emotions. It will be an empathetic, fun trip down memory lane that we can all enjoy.