Built For Exploration
When we began imagining an outdoor play area for Kintsugi Village School, we knew we wanted more than traditional playground equipment.
We wanted natural elements and space for open play, as studies show that it is crucial to a child’s development that they are encouraged to follow their curiosity, move their bodies, take thoughtful risks and learn through their interactions with nature and one another. The natural elements are also an important part of the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach at Kintsugi Village School. So we knew we also needed a partner with the same values, who could help shape the vision rather than simply follow a blueprint.
That made Aaron Brown a natural fit.
For several years, Aaron studied architecture and worked at firms in New York, Amsterdam, Sydney and beyond. Over time, he realized he wanted to spend less time behind a desk and more time working in the community, creating with his hands. (Same, Aaron. Same!)
In 2012, he hopped on a bus from New Jersey to Detroit, drawn to its reputation for the grassroots, community-oriented work happening across the city. He began working with nonprofits and community gardens and found his passion.
Since then, Aaron has built cabins, saunas, gazebos, furniture and even his own home! Much of his work incorporates fallen trees, reclaimed wood and other materials found throughout Detroit.
“I like to co-create with the materials,” Aaron tells us. “They speak for themselves.”
Rather than forcing each piece into a predetermined design, Aaron pays attention to its natural movement and character. (Sound familiar?) “The tree tells me how things are going to go.” (Just like our kiddos!)
When Aaron connected with Kintsugi Village, this vision was simple: create an outdoor play area with natural elements that encourage exploration and learning.
He worked alongside founders Paul and Hamsa as well as our School Director, Chantelle to create something totally new.
Aaron described working without a blueprint this way:
“It doesn’t feel like you’re beyond familiarity. It just feels like you’re exploring. It’s exciting to navigate the familiar and bridge to the unfamiliar.”
That spirit is part of how we knew he was the person for the job. We are thoughtful about the people we invite to build alongside us. The right partners do more than complete a project. They understand what we are creating and help bring it to life with care, curiosity and imagination.
So Aaron formed the idea for the nest! He reached out to friends, arborists and community gardeners to find reclaimed wood and trees that were ready to come down to create this beautiful structure, perfect for climbing all over!
Our summer camp students love to balance on it, gather inside it and turn it into something new through their imaginations. There is no single right way to use it.
The play area also includes a swing set and climbing structure, with a sandbox and fort component currently underway.
The full project was made possible through a $20,000 grant from the PNC Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for the trust in our mission and the support to make it happen.
When the day finally came to enjoy the new pieces, the children raced outside and quickly filled the new space. They climbed, swung, explored and did a great job taking turns.
There will always be another way to move across the nest, another game to invent or a little more courage to find.
As Aaron puts it, “I love building fun things and working with good people.”
We feel the same way.
