Between control and play: the experience of domestic space through furniture in childhood

Abstract

Adult control over childhood has always been a constant over time. This control is exercised through different devices, ranging from swaddling to baby walkers, and a wide variety of chairs; all of these tools are based on a limitation of children movement within the domestic space. Confinement furniture reduces the freedom of the user, attempts to lengthen the permanence time with playing and restricts movement in an environment that belongs to adults. Children’s furniture, together with the configuration of domestic space, reflect the relationship of the society of each age with children: in some cases, integrating children with adults’ life is preferred; in others, the goal is to adapt to both children and parent needs. The transformation of furniture over time causes changes in children rooms, affecting also other home areas where adults and children share experiences. The search for safety limits freedom, spaces get limited and furniture is protected; today, the use of technology allows for an augmented home where babies sleep monitored and their movements are perfectly controlled within a supposed freedom.