Et landskap for lek: Minner om barndommens utendørs lek og betydning for opplevelsen av omgivelsene i dag

Abstract

A particular experience depends on the momentary event; however, it will be coloured by earlier experiences, knowledge, and social participation in specific cultural settings. The surroundings of the event are integrated into these dynamic experiences. The article examines the importance of outdoor play in childhood for sense of place and experiences in adulthood. Its point of departure is 120 essays written by 15-year old youths from three regions in Norway. Play is central in their stories, and their
childhood memories of their surroundings are mainly positive and connected to values such as joy, safety, diversity, and freedom. When they become adolescents, their relationship to their surroundings seems to become more problematic, partly because they associate play with childhood, and the possibilities offered by their surroundings are hence reduced. This concerns perceptions of what play is and where it takes place, and the way in which the playing human restrains himself. The memories and values related to the urge to play are not necessarily visual, but they nonetheless affect our perceptions of the landscape and our environment.