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Concurrent Education Session

Design and the Creative Process

SAT-A07: Magical Mistakes: Embracing Unexpected Moments of Joy in the Urban Landscape

Saturday, October 11, 2025
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CT
1.25 PDH, LA CES/non-HSW

Sometimes the best-laid plans and the most carefully articulated details go awry! Join three women leaders in practices at the forefront of urban park and playscape design in a vulnerable and productive conversation about embracing the learning that comes from seeing playful unexpected uses of the built environment.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand how embracing a “safe to fail” mentality, while covering all the bases on standards, can lead to the most playful outcomes by addressing the gray area of code interpretation.
  • Connect unexpected uses and surprising moments or “mistakes” in design to learning that can enrich the design of playful urban spaces and encourage repeat visits.
  • Recognize when to learn from mistakes while balancing risk. Participants will learn about play areas, public realm, and the need for pushing boundaries.
  • Learn techniques to lead clients through a creative process for innovative non-prescribed outcomes while leaving room for mistakes and necessary adjustments.