Dream Networks C.I.C

The twelfth session of the World Urban Forum is taking place this week. Although we couldn't be there in person, we have been following along online. Yesterday's discussions covered "putting people first in a digital era". As part of Dream Networks programmes, we are regularly addressing this topic - and have decided to address 2 of the topic questions that were posed during this talk. >What digitally-enabled solutions and innovations are positively transforming cities and communities, offering lessons for scaling and replication? >How can communities play a greater role in shaping, monitoring and fostering people-centred approaches to smart cities and technology that protect rights and privacy, while ensuring equitable benefits? By involving residents in the design process from the outset, cities can ensure that smart solutions meet local needs while respecting cultural and privacy concerns. For instance, Dream Networks' co-design approach in creating play spaces encourages collaboration between businesses, schools, and community groups to create spaces that truly reflect the needs of children in marginalized communities. Utilizing technology such as computer-aided design (CAD), Dream Networks empowers children to participate in the design process of their play areas. This not only encourages creative thinking, but also builds technical skills that can later be applied to broader community development projects. Dream Neworks collaborates with businesses and local stakeholders, creating a strong sense of community ownership over each project. This approach enhances social interaction and builds networks that continue to support the community long after the project ends. #worldurbanforum #wuf12 #digitalera #communities #play4all UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

Check out our CEOs reflection on day 2 of the #worldurbanforum Like homes, our increasing urban world needs to make spaces for more diverse forms of play. #play4all #plurality

I had a lovely time leading on a workshop at the Dulwich Picture Gallery for Dream Networks C.I.C exploring the beautiful nature around Dulwich! Children helped assemble the structure of a play tunnel and decorate it with foliage. We also did rock painting depicting happy memories!

🌏 The planet is drowning in plastic, and to stop the flow, we need to turn off the tap! That's why our iconic Rainbow Warrior is heading to Busan, South Korea, to urge world leaders to sign on to a Global #PlasticsTreaty that cuts plastic production for people, planet, and community! 🌈🕊️⛵ Join us as we're sailing for change ⛵to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea for a plastic-free future! Sign the petition! https://lnkd.in/eDdXeZzq 🎨 Wit and Wisdom

Did you know that childhood Play and health go hand-in-hand? Play is a vital component of a child's physical, emotional, and social development. Physical play is essential for the growth and development of children, encouraging movement, strength, and brain function. As children grow, play helps them maintain good health, develop resilience, and enhance their social and emotional well-being. However, the time allocated for play has diminished over recent decades, including in schools, and this lack of opportunity could have lasting consequences. Through play, children learn to move, balance, and lift, which builds the foundational movement skills needed for an active lifestyle. In fact, the UK government recommends that children engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to support their development. Additionally, play helps children develop confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills - benefitting their mental wellbeing. Studies show that intense academic pressure and reduced playtime have been linked to rising levels of adolescent depression, emphasizing the need for free play. Despite its importance, many children face barriers to play, such as poverty, social inequities, and lack of safety. Studies in America even show a decline in recess periods in schools & kindergarden. It is important for communities, GP's, and child advocates to address these barriers and enable #play4all

In 2019, we partnered with Surrey Square Primary School to create two amazing play areas that over 400 children now enjoy! Through co-design workshops, the students became active participants in the design process, sharing their ideas for a space that would foster creativity, physical development, and social interaction. From the initial observations to the final construction, every step was guided by the children's needs and the community's unique spirit. Learn more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/dcfChqdK #PlaygroundsForAll #CommunityImpact #DreamNetworks #SurreySquare #InclusivePlay #ChildrensPlay

Urban issues and sustainable development are important conversations for our future - and today's youth are at the heart of the solution. Through our Playful Engineers project, we used the power of play to inspire the next generation to lead climate action and move towards sustainable cities. During the workshops, the children explored how fossil fuels release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and discussed the effects of climate change on their lives. Their inspiring designs focused on nature-based and reusable materials. Over 3-4 play-based design workshops, our young engineers collaborated as a team, engaged with sustainability, and most importantly, had fun! Play is at the core of everything we do, and it’s evident in the playful, interactive designs they created. Check out our exhibition at Market Peckham in the video below! https://lnkd.in/e3rFQ3WW

We at Dream Networks C.I.C are really grateful/excited 🙌🏾to have been shortlisted in collaboration with Project office and Earth tenders for the London Festival of Architecture competition for Dulwich Picture Gallery #playground We are honoured to be able to design a truly playable, inclusive structure for such a world renowned Gallery. I’m especially looking forward to the co-design sessions and making all things playful. Well done to the other 5 shortlisted teams 👏🏾🎉 https://lnkd.in/dXu8TxRe #countyourblessings #play #art

Today, we recognize the vital importance of World Environmental Health Day, with this year’s theme: “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” As we face the escalating impacts of climate change—ranging from extreme heat and floods to droughts—it's crucial to understand the direct health risks involved. Extreme weather can lead to heat-related illnesses and fatalities, while a lack of access to clean water and sanitation continues to cause millions of cases of waterborne diseases, especially in developing regions. The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) established this day to uncover the undeniable link between our environment and public health. Pollution, waste mismanagement, and the depletion of natural resources are global challenges that affect our well-being. At Dream Networks, we’re committed to creating sustainable solutions for safe and inclusive play within communities. Our recent project, "Playful Engineers," empowers children to understand and address environmental issues through hands-on engineering. During our workshops, children designed their own sustainable solutions using Tinkercad, cultivating not just creativity, but a sense of interest toward our planet. To see more ways we are committed to creating sustainable solutions, visit our website https://lnkd.in/enabBSef #WorldEnvironmentalHealthDay #sustainable #engineering #play4all #tinkercad #playful #children

Our Safe Haven Program is committed to providing inclusive play opportunities beyond the school setting. This time, we partnered with Bristol Zoo to create a Congo-themed playground that's accessible to the public. The playground is designed to inspire children's imaginations and spark a love of nature. It features a variety of play elements, including a spider climbing frame and a play hut that harvests rainwater. This project involved a collaborative effort between our team, local volunteers, and the zoo's staff. Together, we created a play space that's not only fun but also educational and sustainable. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/dJpkkn_c #CommunityImpact #codesign #play4all #righttoplay #childdevelopment #notforprofit