A play space for practice-based PhD research

This chapter offers a practical approach to support the role of play within knowledge construction through doctoral practice. In developing this approach, I draw on psychology and learning theory – primarily Peter Gray’s five characteristics of play, ¹ Sandseter’s figurative summary of the phenomenological structure of risky play ² and Kolb’s updated Experiential Learning Theory. ³ The chapter draws on my experience as programme leader for a Practice-Based Research Doctoral Training Programme at De Montfort University (2012–present) which runs across various disciplines, including computational intelligence, creative technologies, fine art, digital art and holography. While this chapter relates primarily to a doctoral training programme, the lessons learnt relating to the importance of play within practice extend beyond PhD training to practice-based researchers more generally. My experience of practice-based research is from an academic perspective in the UK, and as a professional practitioner in music composition and interdisciplinary performance practice. The principles of practice-based research that shape this chapter are reflective of those defined in this handbook. This chapter builds on a previous chapter written by the author for The Power of Play. ⁴