This manual is a result of Andrea Francke’s Communal Knowledge project, which explored issues surrounding childcare in collaboration with local nurseries, childminders, children’s centres and parent groups, and looked for new models and possibilities. Francke set-up an exhibition and workshop space at The Showroom in summer 2012, for visitors to test out DIY designs for furniture and forms of play, some of which were gathered through an open call.

The publication contains eight especially commissioned essays as well as interviews, event excerpts, discussions and documentation from the exhibition. Design by Studio Hato