Fall Creek Schoolyard Co-Design Project

What are we trying to do or learn?

An extensive co-design program was carried out two classes at Fall Creek Elementary School (Ithaca, NY) to understand and synthesize the schoolyard design priorities and preferences of the students. The two co-design programs were of different lengths (11 sessions vs 3 sessions) in order to evaluate their differing impact on child and design outcomes.

Where and with whom?

The co-design programs were carried out with the two Gr 5 classes at FCE whose schoolyard was slated for significant renovation in 2026.

Approach & Methods Used

Both co-design programs involved diverse environmental evaluation and design activities (see Co-Design Manual) designed to help students at the school assess their existing schoolyard, to help them re-envision the space, and to understand their play preferences and design priorities. A comprehensive analytic framework (PrEP Framework; see paper) was developed and carried out to effectively understand and synthesize the children's playspace priorities and to translate these into design recommendations for the school architects (see Design Brief). Pre-post surveys were also carried out with participating students; post-program interviews were conducted with staff.

Findings & Publications

• Joyce, K.* & Loebach, J. (revised & resubmitted). Co-designing outdoor playspaces with children: A framework for analyzing design priorities. Design Studies Link to Preprint

• Loebach, J., Joyce, K.*, Faulk, J.*, Eng, L.*, Li.,A. & Herrera, A. (2024). The Co-Design Playbook: Designing Playspaces with Children. DECA Lab, Cornell University. Link to Co-Design Resources

• Loebach, J., Joyce, K.*, Faulk, J.*, Eng, L.*, Li.,A. & Herrera, A. (2024). Design Brief: Fall Creek Elementary Playground Redesign. DECA Lab, Cornell University. Link to Design Brief