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An example of how sculpture is influencing play equipment
Socially, architecture and design can help us feel good about who we are and where we live; it can foster or inhibit social interaction and contribute to or mitigate against social cohesion. The design and fabric of buildings and places can contribute to our cultural identity and pride in our local community.”* Today’s newly created public play areas are no longer defined by the traditional swing, see-saw and slide combination.
Play equipment has taken on a more dynamic focus, fluid in forms drawn directly from organic inspiration and influenced by structures from a wider environment – structures need to be attractive to children yet blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while retaining a contemporary feel. Enter a new breed of equipment whose shapes are organic, moulded and robust, incorporating vibrant colours and diverse textures.
It’s an exciting time for playground providers. Local authorities are teaming up with architects and designers to reshape the urban landscape: play areas are considered an integral part of redevelopment and increasingly reflect and echo the evolving architecture surrounding them. Architectural landmarks are imprinting themselves on the public psyche as well as safeguarding our architectural legacy. Take, for example, contemporary installations such as the iconic Swiss RE ‘Gherkin’ building in London, the memorable Angel of the North and Manchester’s ‘B of the Bang’ which have created a sense of pride in our urban spaces. Similarly, many designers are seeking to exert the same influence at a local level when shaping play environments and public outdoor spaces.
There are the beginnings of a move away from the ‘box-like’ equipment structure of the 70s and 80s characterised by regular or predictable activities. Without compromising safety, increasingly unconventional shapes and structures are being crafted which challenge, engage and test children.
The bigger picture
Investing in high quality public environments can have a long-term beneficial effect on a community’s lifestyle and sense of well-being.
Good design reaps rewards in any setting – boosting economy, engendering a sense of pride and respect, reflecting contemporary culture, furthering the concept of self-expression and giving off a clear and unambiguous message of prosperity and investment.
With government initiatives promoting the use of outdoor areas, green space and fresh air for all citizens, reinvigorating play areas makes perfect sense – and creative designers are continually developing new ideas for play equipment which is durable and sustainable, yet revels in its dynamic unstructured appeal. It is only relatively recently that play equipment designers have begun to consider the architectural environment of which their structures will be a part.
Sculpture is primarily concerned with space: occupying it, relating to it, and influencing the perception of it
SMP is committed to shaping the playgrounds of the future and has invested in research about how best to create play structures that will be attractive to children yet blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while retaining a contemporary feel. Through working with its design partner, DesignWorks, it was concluded that sculpture and public art is a natural attraction for children as the abstract forms trigger a sense of curiosity and inspire young minds to explore and create games. By seeking inspiration from the work of sculptors like Alexander Calder and Isamu Noguchi, who were committed to bringing sculpture into everyday life and making it accessible to all, British playground designers, like SMP, have been able to produce unique pieces of playground equipment which have aesthetic appeal.
In America, Mary Miss, Louis Kahn, Walter Hood and Richard Dattner are just a few of the designers whose work is deemed to translate effectively to playgrounds.
Consequently, we’re witnessing the evolution of the playground – play equipment can now be seen as contemporary art in its own right through a blend of innovation and originality.
Children are sensitive to colour combinations, texture and style throughout their development. Adults show similar fascination with shape and structure, and have an aesthetic appreciation of design. A well designed play space will become a focal point for the community, where vibrant activity creates energy and gives the users a place to be and a sense of purpose.
By reflecting trends in architecture and taking inspiration from modern sculpture, play equipment of the future really will be design-led. Watch this space...
