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How Does The Built Environment Shape Childhood?

By KENPEI - KENPEI's photo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Alexandra Lange's book looks at the designs inherent in childhood.

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s current exhibit, Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America explores the work of some 40 designers who integrated concepts like playfulness and fun into their work for corporations, home interiors, and — yes, children.

It’s a topic that connects strongly with the expertise of architecture critic and writer Alexandra Lange. Lange’s latest book is called The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids.  She was in Milwaukee to give a lecture at the art musuem. Speaking with Lake Effect’s Bonnie North, she explains how design affects young people and the adults they become.

Bonnie North
Bonnie joined WUWM in March 2006 as the Arts Producer of the locally produced weekday magazine program Lake Effect.