Potantial playground

We are pleased to publish our playground design.

The aim of the competition was to establish a playground design approach based on the Generation-Z children necessities. We started designing this project by identifying the problems. Playgrounds are the most convenient environment for children to develop and express themselves. Today, it is very important for children to nurture the richness of the imagination of a child and the creativity it brings with it from an early age in a world where children grow up playing video games and see, live and evaluate life through screen activities. However, traditional playgrounds are not enough for children to discover their capacities. Additionally, there are technological devices that do not allow the use of these playgrounds and that we cannot say that they are very useful for children's development because of their misusage. When we examined the Z generation, we noticed that they did not like commands and directions. To take full advantage of the potential of this area, it is essential that all forms of mobility are integrated and that any physical barriers are removed to design a limitless space. For this reason, we designed modules for them on a gridal floor with no limits. Our strategy was to think big and start small. In this way, using these modules, they will be able to create their own safe areas and have the opportunity to redesign their games. These 3 interconnected spaces, which we think will be a solution to children's focus problems, will contribute to both the physical, mental and social development of children.

Our site was determined as a gated community. With our interpretation, a small pond is placed next to the playground that we can describe as a beautiful view and defined tree-lined bike road. In this way, children will be able to both plays and enjoy the view. We believe that nature and clean air is essential for child health. Moreover, our potential playground provides the opportunity to reconnect nature and community like a bridge.

We are aware that the biggest problem in child development is the lack of physical activity that comes with technological devices. First, we tried to integrate technology completely into outdoor games and trying to improve physical activity with it. But then we realized that these did not appeal to our goal of discovering potential. Then we decided to move forward with a modular design. This flexible and unique modular design includes plastic composite blocks, wood panels and rubber bands. We took care of simplicity and reflected this also in our soft and compatible colour choices. Often people tend to think that a playground needs to have an abundance of colours, but it is children who give colour to the playground. We thought that there was no need for a complex space for children to be aware of themselves. Children will position these plug-in blocks as they wish and create their own spaces with the bands. They should think about what kind of activities they can do in this space. Rather than a playground where everything they have to do in a playground is clear and certain, we aim to make children a part of this playground. For this reason, they will choose the place wherever they want to spend time in the levelled platform space we call the tribune, and they will place the panels there and continue their games there. In this place, which is an update to today's trıbune designs, children can use both above and below of this area. In this regard, we left them free to choose the place they enjoy spending time. They can also assign different functions to space like gathering and playing. Moreover, both the ladder and the ramp will also make the space easier to use. Another space is a hybrid system that resembles sliding walls or a rail system. Panels of different colours and sizes can move on a rail mechanism. The panels consist of a fractured modular system. In this way, they will be able to perform manoeuvring movements without getting stuck on the rail system. Children have to use their physical ability to move the panels. At the same time, this place, which is more suitable for multiplayer games, also contributes to teamwork, socialization, planning and organization. Moreover, it is expected to comprehend by considering which part will provide integrity with which panel. Children should be able to play in the shade if the weather is warm and sunny, and play under a shelter when it’s raining. In order to answer this problem, there are also panels attached to the plastic composite blocks added to the upper part of this space.

In the process of designing this multi-functional space, we also took ourselves as a reference. As members of Generation Z, we determined what kind of games we enjoyed in that age range and brought updates to every part of the game area. Thanks to its modularity, the spaces are suitable for long-term use and changes. Users will be able to find the place configurations changed every time they come to the playground. Because thanks to the modular system, games can expand both horizontally and vertically.

The fixed places are the bicycle road surrounding the playground and green areas which creates a connection between the game spaces. These areas that also encourage physical activity are based on the principle of shared space, placing pedestrians first but at the same time providing space for cyclists, skateboards and roller skates while controlling the traffic flow.

Meantime, designing all modules, we took care that they are durable and safe. At the same time, we preferred plastic composite as a material because they can be used as pluggable. Therefore, they should be lightweight. We focused on the subject of how we will position the game spaces in the playground and how we will connect them with each other. We evaluated the functions of the games as well as their volume and solid-void qualities. After that, these are placed in a balanced way. We are aware that we cannot completely detach children from technology. Thanks to this playground that encourages children to go out, at least in a way that balances their excessive use of technological devices, their physical, social and mental development will be supported.

We wish for a future where all children can discover their potential.