Plug'n Play

  Play is an important part of children's physical and cognitive development. At this point, before starting the design, we conducted a detailed literature search on children and play, ranging from Montessori to her contemporary Kathy Hirsh-Pasek. The important point we realized throughout the research was that environments that increased children's creativity and physical skills by supporting their development generally supported their socialization and individualization. All child development theorists from past to present argue that the individuation of children is important. In the theory proposed by Montessori, it is stated that children like free choice, control of their mistakes, repetition of exercises and acting. These requirements constitute the first starting point of the project. Apart from the theoretical reading, the game materials used in the traditional playgrounds are analyzed based on movement and repetition, and thus their creativity, participation, etc. are analyzed. parameters were created and evaluated.

   By making use of the analysis of traditional playgrounds, the common points of the movement forms offered by the equipment used in these areas with similar repetitions were determined. The variations of the movements have been studied. From this point of view, we decided to design a playground where they can produce their own variations for various playgroups cognitively (individually, participatory, stimulating curiosity-exploration) and physically (developing motor skills). Articulating modules created with reference to the common points of the basic movements, unlike traditional playgrounds, offer system suggestions rather than presenting play material to the user group. The fact that the play contains certain predetermined boundaries is an imposing method for children (constantly going on the same slide). With reference to Montessori's theory, play models based on free activity increase children's creativity, keep their interest and play time at the highest level. In the design model we propose, children can intervene in the physical functioning of the play individually or as playgroups, expand the playground by adding modules, and set up their own plays by changing the directions they want to play and the location of the module system.

  Instead of restricting sustainability to just the use of materials, we designed it to cover a wider variety of users and to enable future scenarios where the park can be used for non-play activities. These modules, which can be transformed into sitting and resting elements for adults, can also be used for various outdoor activities. In addition, this park, where children play in the daylight, can turn into a collective space where adult users come together and spend time in summer evenings. User scenarios, as well as the flexibility of modules, can expand and produce variations.

   The current prototype implementation of the design serves as an example as variations of play scenarios, but in the future scenario it may spread throughout the park. The area we proposed in the design was developed on the basis of the environmental data we obtained with the grasshopper lady-bug plugin. Regional climate data were designed by calculating daylight-shade parameters. Fixed points are created where the modules connect with the ground. Design variations can be increased by making various joints at these points. The play can be enriched with elevations from the ground. By moving the modules, areas suitable for flexible use were designed on the ground level, creating areas where children can construct their independent plays rather than focusing on a single type of play. In order to prevent possible accidents, flexible railings that can be attached and removed are designed in the detail solutions of the modules. Thus, safe playgrounds are created by installing railings at the points where the modules rise from the ground level. Free playgrounds can be created for children by removing railings in module combinations where there are no elevations.

It is possible to apply the design for different playgrounds by making similar studies in different regions. The modules are designed to withstand light movements such as jumping and climbing so that children can carry the modules safely and avoid possible accidents. At this point, it is envisaged that the inner materials of the modules will be produced from hollow-resistant recycled material, and their surfaces will be covered with treated recyclable plates. Thus, high-strength, light, easy-to-apply, ecological modules have been obtained. Considering the current global climate crisis, bio-based material was preferred instead of petroleum-based plastic. Bio-based material is the ecological contemporary of local material. It is produced as a result of sorting and processing the wastes produced in the region. The production of public spaces from regional wastes makes the result of our consumption habits visible, creating an ecological awareness that is inclusive not only for children but also for all age groups.

   Thanks to the use of bio-based materials, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions during transportation and to increase accessibility thanks to the fact that it can be produced in the region. It is also possible to evaluate the material within the scope of the circular economy. Elements produced from recycled materials can be recycled at the point where they are no longer used, and can be used for different designs.

   To summarize briefly, the flexibility and originality created by the play modules for children gave shape the main concept of our design. We adopted this at every stage, from the detail solutions of the design to the material selection, its applicability in different regions and future scenarios.