Lufthaus

Partnering with children in designing-thinking sustainable homes

Is a pedal powered toilet a childish idea?

Lufthaus is an interactive physical theatre show which encourages and inspires kids in the domain of design-thinking and future problem solving. In this show the children are taken on a tour of a constantly shape shifting house. With pedal powered toilets, bioluminescent windows and an out-of-control massage bed. The house is a wonder of fun as the children encounter both farcical designs and also honest environmentally conscious designs invented by real kids from around the globe.

When the protagonist and home-owner, Viviane was 8 years old she designed an incredible house. As a young girl growing up in Switzerland, people called her design a ‘Lufthaus’, or an ‘air-house’. Those who build houses in the air have big imaginations and to some people their designs can seem like a pipe dream.

Lufthaus is a humorous and exhilarating show for young children and incorporates a twister-style design workshop, in which children design and build a house using their bodies, and the collaborative bodies of their friends and families. The show and workshop aim to bring art and fun, into the domain of problem solving in-motion. We hope we will inspire movers, makers, and thinkers while building community and sparking joy.

Creative Team

Directors & Performers: Alicia Harvie, Ashleigh White and Viviane Frehner

Sound Design: Guy Webster

Costume & Set Design: Josh McIntosh

Photography: Kate Holmes

Videography: Benny Garcia

Acknowledgements

HOTA and The City of Gold Coast: Through the Arts Organisations Triennial Funding Program.

Performances

1st March 2020 development showing at HOTA.

Reviews & Publicity

“I noticed the playfulness was enjoyed by the younger audiences but honestly my 3' kids (7,8 and 9years) were certainly engaged and immersed in other aspects of the performance…. like the physical movement with the description of the rooms and the inventions… it prompted them to ask us questions and explore further… to me that’s a great reflection of the impact of your intentions. Another positive from my husband and I was that my kids got to see how their imaginative play was very similar to the performance… they kept talking about their own Lufthaus all afternoon. We are all look forward to seeing the renovations.”

Charlotte Byrant - Mother of three Children