Habitats for play, curiosity and material exploration

Peters, Morwenna; Dowling, Fiona; Davis, Rachel

Abstract

In a time of growing financial pressures, time constraints and reduced staffing across universities in the UK, the danger of losing space for play and exploration within teaching and learning environments requires us to take action. Play contributes to an improved sense of wellbeing by reducing the pressure to produce outcomes, and building confidence to try things out and see what happens. The ability to take risks, and embrace and learn from failure, is a key element of
innovation and creativity. Alongside this, we recognise a need for students to better develop their understanding of materials and their origins, properties and environmental impact, to empower them to make more critically informed, sustainable material choices
within their projects.
Collectively, we model and advocate for collaborative and interdisciplinary working practices across technical, library and academic departments. This expansive approach invites multiple perspectives and shared knowledge, building rich habitats in the arts education context.

Together, we have developed resources and pedagogies that prioritise play and cultivate curiosity and critical thinking. We invite our peers from all disciplines to participate and test out a selection of our tools and activities, designed to support this playful approach to learning, making and building materials literacy.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: iJADE: Ecologies The 14th International Journal of Art and Design Education Conference
• Start Date: Nov 6, 2025
• End Date: Nov 8, 2025
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/15254692
• Additional Information: Workshop delivered to iJADE conference attendees at the Bristol in-person conference day.