PLAY STRUCTURE 
2009

NASHIRA WOMEN'S ECO VILLAGE
NEAR PALMIRA, COLOMBIA
COMMUNITY SOCIAL SPACE CURATED BY VERONICA WIMAN
DESIGNER; LAUREN ELDER

The children lacked a safe and comfortable place to play while their mothers were working in the various enterprises that form the economic base of the community. The first suggestion was to create a tree house, but when I arrived I was dismayed to see nothing larger than stunted old citrus. As it happened the very progressive business EcoBambu was a neighbor. They graciously lent tools, prep work and some logistical support. The children designed the play structure and gave a hand in the construction. All of us were new to bamboo and the process was rushed by a very short time schedule. Guy wires were installed later to keep the structure from "dancing" although I would have insisted on diagonal bracing had I been present.
​
Nevertheless it is still standing and is adored by swarms of children. A benefit dinner at artist Ann Schnake's Berkeley home provided us with a send-off of needed funds for the materials.