# Imaginatively Abstract Playgrounds Free Play by Dan Schreibman Feeds Children's Creativity By Meghan Young | Published 2014-01-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-play References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3024106/this-weird-looking-playground-could-make-your-kids-more-creative) & [linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dan-schreibman/b/76b/52a) The more literal a thing gets, the less creativity and imagination it can inspire; the Free Play playground addresses this belief by providing a more abstract experience for children. In place of traditional swings, monkey bars and teeter totters, Free Play provides children with cratered spaces and matchstick-like installations that encourage children to interact in new and exciting ways. The Free Play playground was conceived by Dan Schreibman, who one day witnessed two children more enamored with a generic cardboard box than the nearby jungle gym. He proceeded to design "four [modular playground pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/king-swings) that resemble [experimental sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures) more than children's playthings," as reported by [Fast Co. Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-outdoor-furniture). These pieces are customizable to suit any need and location. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Abstract Playgrounds:** Developing more abstract playground designs to inspire creativity and imagination in children. - **Modular Playground Pieces:** Creating customizable and adaptable playground modules to cater to different needs and locations. - **Non-traditional Play Equipment:** Designing play equipment that deviates from the traditional swings and monkey bars to encourage new ways of interaction. ### Where This Applies - **Playground Equipment Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies that specialize in producing innovative playground equipment. - **Architecture and Design:** Architecture and design firms that focus on creating unique and imaginative playground spaces. - **Childcare and Education:** Childcare centers and educational institutions looking to incorporate more creative and engaging play environments for children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Structural Energetic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago-playscape.md) - [Generational-Lasting Dynamic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-hewson-2.md) - [Abstract Colorfully Vibrant Playscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wired-scape.md) - [Explorative Artwork Playground Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cuddly-playground.md) - [Nature-Inspired Indoor Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sarit-shani-hay.md) - [Landmark-Inspired Sleek Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doha-modern-playground.md) - [Bright Playful Sport Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-and-nike.md) - [Heritage Sound Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hornscape-playground.md) - [Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-big-playmat.md)