This summer, I had the opportunity to conduct research in Berlin, Germany, focusing on how adventure playgrounds foster environmental awareness through unstructured play and immersive design. Over six weeks, I combined fieldwork, photography, and exhibition study to explore how visual research can communicate complex cultural and policy themes.

Berlin offered a compelling setting for this work, blending a rich historical backdrop with a forward-looking approach to public space and sustainability. The playgrounds we studied were intentionally raw and challenging, encouraging children to take creative risks and develop a sense of responsibility toward their environment. Documenting these spaces required careful planning to ensure ethical practices, particularly when photographing public areas often used by families.

Beyond fieldwork, the project emphasized the role of narrative and visual sequencing in research communication. Visits to Berlin’s museums and galleries provided valuable insight into curatorial practices, from image selection to exhibition layout. These experiences informed how we approached our own photographic work, ensuring that each image carried both artistic and interpretive purpose.

The project was guided by Professor Christopher Sims and completed with the support of a dedicated research team of Madison Mikayelyan and Ashley Gutierrez-Torres. Together, we learned to view photography not only as documentation but as a means of sparking reflection on culture, community, and sustainability. This experience strengthened my ability to engage with research creatively while maintaining ethical and academic rigor.