Straw Building: Does it have Meaningful Play?

Is using straws and tape to build a simple free-standing structure constitute meaningful play?

My answer, simply, is yes.

The game is largely descriptive due to the teamwork elements but also some of the decisions along the way. You find meaning in the game by making decisions -- who leads the project, what type of construction system, who is doing what parts of the construction. The limits of time and construction materials all help create a more interesting and "evaluative" process to the game.

"Integration" comes full-circle when you begin to near the finish and look at other free-standing structures. You see where your decisions have led you, where other people's decisions have led them, and you truly begin to understand the impact of your early decisions. Many times this will lead people to quickly change their idea or to add a small last bit of height (which ultimately fails).

Games are about decision-making, achievement, progress, and working towards a goal. The straw-building exercise fits into this mold perfectly, and thus, I would consider it a game.