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
For more information relating to SMP
visit www.smp.co.uk