The Theory Of Loose Parts refers to a theory, outlined by Simon Nicholson, that explains the relationship between environmental variables and creativity. The original article, titled How NOT To Cheat Children: The Theory Of Loose Parts, first appeared in the October 1971 issue of Architecture Quarterly. A somewhat different version was later published by Open University with the title The Theory Of Loose Parts. (See both versions below).

The Theory Of Loose Parts Summed Up In One Sentence

According to Nicholson

“The theory of loose parts says, quite, simply, the following: ‘In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kinds of variables in it.’”

Simon Nicholson

According to Svane Frode, “Children playing with loose parts are using more creativity and imagination and developing more skill and competence than they would playing with most modern plastic toys. It may take a very open mind on our part (there is often a lot of cleaning up involved as materials end up in places you would never expect them to be) but when children cross play materials and areas in creative ways, it is our responsibility to support and encourage their work and ideas.  “¹

Since it’s publication, according to creativestarlearning.co.uk, “Nicholson’s paper has had a profound impact on many childcare professionals, particularly playworkers, early years practitioners and outdoor and environmental educators.”²

It should be noted that Nicholson did not coin the term “loose parts”–it had been round in print for at least since before 1900. But as the screenshot below from Google’s Ngram viewer shows, his work did influence the use of the phrase.

We’ve set aside a corner of Playvolution HQ to highlight loose parts ideas.

The Architecture Quarterly Article

Here’s the original article:

The Open University Version

Here’s a slightly different version published at a later date:

Theory Of Loose Parts Handout

Finally, here is a free PDF we put together highlighting some key quotes from Nicholson’s article:

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1. https://fortheloveofplay.blogspot.com/2012/05/loose-parts.html
2. https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/early-years-outdoors/simon-nicholson-and-the-theory-of-loose-parts-1-million-thanks/