CAFx - Play Spot by Rebeka Bratož Gornik

Play Spot

Rebeka Bratož Gornik

Albania

Play is older than culture. Play theorist Johan Huizinga in his book Homo Ludens (1955) defined play as "a free activity standing quite consciously outside ‘ordinary’ life as being ‘not serious,’ but at the same time absorbing the player intensely and utterly. It is an activity connected with no material interest, and no profit can be gained from it. It proceeds within its proper boundaries of time and space according to fixed rules and in an orderly manner." While exploring Tirana in Albania I searched for signs and acts of playfulness in the built environment. A lot of play spots can be found in the city centre in parks, where people play chess and domino, especially the elderly. They bring their own games, organise and spend time with friends outdoors. Play is in the city incorporated as a design (chairs as domino blocks), and use of public space (covered areas) in parks. As a result of my research, I choose to make a short film in which the play is addressed as a sign of inclusiveness which gives the feeling of belonging and identity.

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