Play House – A Reminder of the Importance of Black Families

Playing house is a popular childhood activity that involves children role playing to imitate adult life and explore different family roles. It is an important part of children’s development because it helps them learn about social interactions and the world around them, as well as encourages imagination.

But most playhouses are a little more run of the mill than this stunning two-story model built by this dad for his daughters. The resulting structure looks like something out of a fairy tale, and it even has a front porch and hanging baskets for flowers!

This playful work is a reminder of the impact that black families have had on Miami’s culture, architecture and economy. It echoes the role of these black residents in the city’s history, from construction to the operation of hotels and entertainment spaces, demonstrating how essential their labor has been throughout Miami’s evolution.

The playhouse combines both raw materials and digital images to create a space that is both intimate and abstract. The structure is a reminder of the complex relationship between black families and this city, as it explores the nuances of urban and rural landscapes in the city of Miami. The bare presentation of the house is intended to reflect this dichotomy by juxtaposing the rough lumber structure with the digital images, as a nod to the city’s reliance on black labor throughout its growth and development.

In a world that is becoming increasingly segregated, Play House serves as a reminder of the importance of black families and their contribution to the cultural fabric of this city. The installation also calls to mind the need for a more inclusive and equitable city that values black lives as much as it values the lives of white or Asian citizens.

This program is a wonderful example of the power of collaboration and community involvement. The partnership between Wellen Park and Habitat for Humanity of South Sarasota County demonstrates how working together to achieve common goals can create an impact that goes far beyond the initial effort. We are honored to have been a small part of this beautiful project, and we look forward to seeing the many positive impacts it will continue to have on our local neighborhoods.

For more information on how you can get involved in the Cottages for Kids program, visit their website.

Free playhouse plans are a great way to get your kids or grandkids outside and engaged in imaginative play. Many of these projects can be customized with custom pieces or decorations to suit the child’s interests and tastes for a truly personalized backyard retreat.

This free playhouse plan from Georgia Pacific builds a charming little house that looks like it came out of a fairy tale! It features big windows and a door, and the plans include a materials list, tools list, diagrams, color photos, and written building steps.