Dream Play Build: Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places

James Rojas and John Kamp use art, creative expression, and storytelling to facilitate meaningful discussions between citizens and planners. Their approach, "Place It!" draws on three methods: interactive model-building workshops, pop-up events, and site exploration using our senses. Dream Play Build offers wisdom distilled from workshops held around the world and a deep dive into the transformational approach and results from the South Colton community in southern California.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Island Press

The room is dimly lit, with chairs neatly arranged in rows. The city planner presents a color-coded diagram of the street improvement project, anticipating the inevitable backlash. Jana, a passionate community member, attends the evening meeting, brimming with ideas for positive change. However, her hearing impairment and limited vision make it challenging to fully grasp the diagrams. Feeling discouraged, she decides to leave early.

It's time to envision a different approach to community engagement—one that fosters connection, creativity, and enjoyment. People cherish their communities and strive to make them safer, healthier, and more prosperous. Yet, the traditional method of public meetings often leaves everyone dissatisfied. Conversations that should be inspiring often devolve into shouting matches. What if we could facilitate truly meaningful discussions between citizens and planners? What if they could be fun?

For twenty years, James Rojas and John Kamp have been exploring the power of art, creative expression, and storytelling to transform the conventional community meeting. In Dream Play Build, they share their insights into creating common ground and encouraging active participation among diverse groups. Their approach, "Place It!" draws on three methods: the interactive model-building workshop, the pop-up, and site exploration through our senses. By using our hands to build and create, we tap into our human essence, sparking ideas without relying on words. Deceptively playful, this method is remarkably effective in eliciting community dreams and desires through hands-on activities. Dream Play Build offers wisdom distilled from workshops held around the world, as well as a deep dive into the transformative approach and outcomes from the South Colton community in southern California. While much of the process was developed through in-person interactions, the authors recognize the importance of adapting to the digital age and exploring online platforms for community engagement.

In conclusion, Dream Play Build offers a fresh perspective on community engagement. By leveraging art, creative expression, and storytelling, we can create spaces where citizens and planners can come together, have fun, and foster meaningful discussions. By adopting the "Place It!" approach, we can tap into our human essence, spark ideas, and build a more vibrant and inclusive community for all.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642831498