Post by Cracknell

Engaging the audience from the start, Rekha Thomas gave a lively talk on Resilient Landscapes for Play at the 4th Future Landscape and Playspaces Summit on 30 April 2026 at Dusit Thani Dubai, UAE. Read more here: http://bit.ly/4unF0F0 Speaking of her passion for play as a healthy, lifelong pursuit rather than an activity confined only to childhood, Rekha (Senior Associate Landscape Architect) proposed that play is an intrinsic and inclusive part of human nature that extends beyond the early years and contributes to resilient, high-quality environments. She emphasised that integrating play into design enhances user engagement and is often considered as a key driver of successful, activated developments. Drawing on Cracknell’s diverse portfolio of vibrant landscapes, Rekha illustrated how play can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of landscapes of all sectors through thoughtful consideration of ecological sensitivity, heat mitigation, biodiversity, water efficiency, and maintenance. She demonstrated how play needn't be prescriptive and is often best when it is incidental and spontaneous. Engaging creatively with the landscape, play opportunities can transform spaces into ecosystems supporting social, environmental and cultural resilience as well as offering contrasting experiences and driving wellbeing. To wrap up, Rekha concluded that collaborative, thoughtful design can transform functional spaces into dynamic, memorable places that foster lasting community connection and identity. acm - Advanced Conferences & Meetings #LandscapeDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #play #playontheway #naturalplay