The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids

In this new book, author Alexandra Lange looks at how different aspects of a child’s world have changed, especially in the last century or so. She particularly focuses on what has been designed, but this necessarily entails addressing the changing philosophies of the surrounding culture that influenced them – and were influenced by them in turn. For example, schools, which absorb much of childhood, gradually incorporated more elements such as smaller desks, more windows, open seating configurations, and the like, according to the educational philosophy in vogue at the time. Lange also discusses the shifting form and function of toys, houses, playgrounds, and even cities as they have become more child-centered in various ways. Readers will especially appreciate Lange’s thorough scholarship as well as her open, informative, and non-didactic writing style, which takes pains to avoid judgment about particular design choices, instead presenting balanced and objective descriptions. The book is filled with photographs and diagrams that illustrate these design evolutions as well. It is a wonderful discussion, elucidating little-known aspects of the world around you that will make you see with new vision the details of your children’s lives.