What is "playspace"

n. An environment where play can take place.

Playspace describes the space adults co-create, largely in organizational settings, for the play of new ideas, for people to play new roles, for more play in the system (flexibility and agility) and for improvised play. The concept contrasts with terms such as workplace or workspace, that are most often used to describe the physical space. Playspace refers to the social/relational space that adults create in the present moment, in the midst of solo or collaborative creativity, learning and engagement.

Scholar-practitioner, Pamela Meyer, developed the concept based on her research on adults’ experiences learning to improvise. Many participants attributed their experience of significant learning and transformation, not to the improvisation skills they learned, but to the space they co-created with their colleagues that enabled them to step out of their comfort zones, be more playful, experiment with new identities and develop new capacities.

The playspace model includes five dimensions: Relational: makes room for the development of social bonds Generative: generates energy and engagement Safe: for people to bring their whole selves and fresh perspectives Timeful: fully engages people in the present moment, while honoring the boundaries of the clock and deadlines Provocative: stretches familiar ways of thinking and being