Futuristic Play

SMP, reveals how architecture has been influential in the development and design of playgrou

                          

Our environment is constantly changing in a bid to regenerate areas into well designed places to live. Good design is sustainable and environmentally friendly as well as relevant, attractive and usable by our communities. Key factors such as reducing crime levels, building affordable housing and recreating a vibrant community feel, have all played a part in this recent transition to create environments that are accessible and safe. Consequently, this shift towards building more sociable and desirable places to work and live has been hugely influential in the design of products and brands that shape these environments.

It is becoming a common perception that if a town has an M&S, Pizza Express and a Toni & Guy it must be up and coming. These brands have become an indication of town’s progression in catering for a young fashionable generation, and their introduction normally coincides with the regeneration of an area.

There is a need today to modernise residential areas in a way that will attract new buyers and retain existing residents. For instance, the aesthetic value of contemporary street furniture or a modern sculpture can change the face of a town and create a positive forward-thinking image for the area.

Equally, a modern play area communicates investment in the younger generation and makes a neighbourhood more attractive. A traditional play area on the other hand, which consists of a swing, slide, roundabout and seesaw contained behind a fence has now become passé.  Although functional in some ways, traditional playgrounds may not be in keeping with the contemporary and inspirational image that many cities and towns want to project.

Subsequently, play equipment providers have become more sophisticated in their designs by incorporating new materials and trends to appeal to wider audiences. Not only are the end users involved with the conceptual designs but the developers of play equipment also consider the architectural environment of which they will be a part.

For many, improving public space has become a top priority. Outdoor space is now recognised as an essential element of improving a community’s quality of life by encouraging a healthy existence. Creating outdoor space that is functional and sustainable whilst fitting in with its existing architecture, is dependant upon good design. Where outdoor space is limited, for example an inner city environment, the need for good design is all the more apparent, and never more so than with playgrounds

Playground equipment must be flexible in order to fit an existing space. To offer this level of adaptability, activities such as climbing, swinging and balancing have been consolidated into multi purpose modules. This has given landscape architects a practical but innovative play solution which makes best use of space.

Through the influence of modern day architecture, play equipment has dramatically evolved from being cumbersome and sturdy to futuristic in its appearance. The look and feel of play equipment has changed dramatically in its attempt to create inspirational but functional places. By blending form and function, play equipment can mirror the same organic shapes achieved by modern architecture.

The recent trend of incorporating contemporary and innovative sculpture within a public place has also been influential in the advancement of play equipment. Designers have acknowledged the aesthetic appeal that sculpture has to the younger generation and how they play a major part in regeneration schemes.

Recently, SMP and their design partners, DesignWorks of Windsor, researched both architecture and sculpture to create a new contemporary and funky product range that would appeal to the ‘tween’ market (7-15 years olds). The companies considered how modern architecture uses organic form and plays with proportion to create intriguing and attractive shapes and structures.  SMP and DesignWorks also sought inspiration from the American sculpture and artist, Alexander Calder.

It was concluded that sculpture and public art, similar in style to those created by Caulder, would be a natural attraction for children. The abstract forms would trigger a sense of intrigue, and be an inspiring place for young minds to explore and create games. By using organic shape and futuristic design, a product range could be created that would not only have magnetic appeal with its dynamic appearance but would also provide a broad range of physical challenges.

The origination of SMPs new product range for the ‘tween’ market illustrates how play equipment is becoming a piece of contemporary art in its own right through a unique blend of innovation and originality. Children understand design from an early age (even if they cannot articulate this) and are sensitive to colour combinations, texture and style throughout their development. Adults show similar fascination with shape and structure, which means these playgrounds have cross generational appeal, which in itself can build cohesion amongst communities.

SMP understands that for a modern day playground to be truly successful the structures offered must be relevant to target users and suit their wider surroundings. Well designed spaces naturally attract an audience; hence playgrounds have become more sophisticated in their approach, reflecting the architectural trends which are shaping the future.

Article written for: Architects Datafile June 2007

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