CHILDESIGN.org: Our Current Goal

OUR CURRENT GOAL

"... the key element is the Center..."

George Simons, Advanced Concepts Group, Steelcase, Inc.

CHILDESIGN can dramatically expand its efforts to help the U.S. assume an international leadership role in supporting and producing quality design and positive environments for children with...

The National Center on Design for Children

...the first research, exhibition and study center on the subject.

When a designer, a manufacturer, a builder or a parent wants to do a better job, still there is no place for them to see firsthand examples of what works, and to get the guidance they need. Not surprisingly, novelty vs. substance prevails. "Cute" informs an industry, but to children's detriment. And a vital resource is being squandered and denied.

Thus, CHILDESIGN remains fervently committed to its founding goal: to put in place a new national institute that can speak forcefully to the nation about this vital subject and on behalf of children.

"Such a resource will be invaluable to improving the quality of products marketed for young children"

William MacMillan III, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assoc.

THE ONLINE CENTER A Place for All to Come

With the exciting launch of CHILDESIGN.org, made possible by Founding Sponsorship from LOWE'S, CHILDESIGN establishes the first phase of the National Center on Design for Children in cyberspace, creating an international gathering place, an online magazine, a membership drive & an awareness campaign...in effect, taking the Center and CHILDESIGN's message into every community. This vitally important project is a first step in satisfying the growing demand for broader public access to CHILDESIGN's unique viewpoint and information in a single location. While significant in its own right, it does not replace the original mission...

A BUILT CENTER The Mission Statement

As an organization whose entire focus is on improving the quality of the built environment, there simply can be no substitute for a national museum where people can directly experience -- in exhibitions and spaces that tangibly communicate the message firsthand -- why this subject is so essential. To children, education, families & communities.

In this exciting, first-of-its-kind facility in the U.S., we will show how to use design as a tool to build a better world for children... and for us all. A non-partisan, pro-active, global think tank and public institute -- and CHILDESIGN's founding vision:

(Concept drawing by Jeffrey Frankel, for an earlier identified space. CHILDESIGN is currently working to identify a new site on the waterfront in Lower Manhattan.)

The Center will be a research library, exhibition space, communications center, laboratory, advocacy institute and cultural facility where techniques, solutions and ideas are developed with adults for the benefit of children. Its focus -- to inspire and inform parents, policymakers & professionals about the real design needs of children - is determined by the truth that it is adults who design, produce and put in place the environments in which children must live and grow. Thus to ignore this mission is to neglect the opportunity and the urgency to help adults assume their collective responsibility to nurture, educate, include & protect children by design.

The Center facilitates multi-dimensional activities, is a repository of the results, a clearinghouse for ideas, a platform for dialogue and a convener for shared expertise & cooperation among organizations. It provides direct service, inspirational examples of both products and environments and state-of-the-art programming.

Finally, in envisioning it as part of the exciting redevelopment of the Lower Manhattan waterfront, it makes a vital contribution to economic revitalization by offering a visitors destination without equal. Here, people of all generations and nationalities view, study, discuss and enjoy the programs, exhibits and resources collected and produced within this inspiring, much-needed, high energy environment.