This material was created for a school project in which we worked with an existing space which was planned to be developed. The changes and developments suggested here are based on information collected through interviews, workshops, observations and mapping together with people living in and near the area.
General changes, developments and definitions connected to the space as a whole:
1a Opening up the whole space by having grass on the opposite side of the patch that runs through the space. This provides a surface for various activities; from playing ball,
having a picknick, enjoying the sun, a “friend swing”, amongst other possibilities.
1a-c Grass throughout the rest of the area that provides possible surface for play and which connects the whole space.
2 Patches of wild flowers spread out through the space which makes the place more colorful but still creating a “natural” feeling, communicating with the forest.
3 Berry bushes inviting people of all ages to “interact” with the nature.
4 Round tables and connected seats, with space for wheel chairs, spread out and possible to move to preferred spot.
5 Outdoor gym placed near the forest which provides shades from the trees but also catches the evening sun.
6a-b Defined paths that lead into the forest and in between the trees.
7 Space for play with rubber asphalt and “islands” of sand, making the play space more accessible.
8 The “play path”, a painted line that runs through the space which connects play with other activities.
9 Boule field.
10 Tennis court with basketball hoop on one side.
11 A structure of wooden objects which can be used as bleachers, places to hang out and rest throughout the space as well as for play.
With light from within, these object also aim to be an alternative light source through the space.
12 Fireplaces.
13a-d Information signs spread out on the edge of the forest with facts about the plants and animals in the area that can inspire people to build a relationship with nature.
14 Water pump with water to drink.
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Target group 1: CHILDREN
From observations and dialogues with children and parents on the site and in the area, the site is being used today to play at but does not fully fulfil their wishes for play.
1 The “play path”, a 2cm thin painted line in orange that frames the space and connects the different activities with play when children run around, close to the space in
which other activities occur.
2 Painted circles that connects the play path with the shape of the concrete play objects (description, p. 9-10). Which games can you come up with here?
3 Trampolines lowered into the ground, requested by both children and teenagers.
4 Seesaw, also an object which has been wished for by children and teens in the area.
5 The existing and very popular swing which spins around.
6 Swing set with swings for children of different age.
7 Water pump with drink water which also can inspire water play on a hot summer day.
8 Following the bike path that runs through the whole space today is a small stream. My idea for this is to even the ground parallel with it and have simple concrete bridges that you can use to cross and to play with the water from.
9 Climbing structure with climbing wall and poles to spin around.
10 Slide with space under to go through and play inside. Placed on a “sand island”.
11 Sand play and concrete play objects, placed on a “sand island”. (Details in next section)
12 a-c The wooden objects, following the movement of the space provides surface for play to occur. Following the movement of the play path, and with the levels gradually increasing in height, the objects shapes aim to invite to play. When in the need of a stage or a bleacher for theatre play, these objects can be used as well as for parents
to sit at a close distance while the children are playing.
13 Lilac bushes to play under and in between.
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PLAY OBJECTS IN CONCRETE:
Parents and "day moms" also shared that there were few things at the playground for smaller children to interact with.
For these objects, observations of children playing with loose material found around the space inspired me. Sticks and rocks can be collected in the holes and on rainy days they will be filled with water for mud play.
Material: Concrete.
Surface: Smooth (mimicking the surface of the cast).
Edges: Rounded (250mm-500mm).
Holes: Diameter = 25mm-200mm (biggest hole is in the centre of the first shape).
Depth = 15mm (smaller holes)-100mm (bigger holes), following the restrictions for finger measurements for playgrounds.
Making: Casting in (glossy) cardboard shape with clay that is placed where the holes are planned to be.
Shape: Abstract shapes which aim to communicate interaction. They can also be used as tables to build with sand on, as well as for seating.
Color: Concrete without pigment for the bottom part and added pigment to the top surface of the shapes.
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Target group 2: TEENAGERS
For this target group, I gathered input through different workshops which I have had with teenagers attending a local school as well as from observations at public spaces and studies made by Idrottsförvaltningen, Stockholms Stad (the sports administration for the city of Stockholm) related to physical activity for teenagers. From this, the need for various places to “hang out” and space for “spontaneous” sports became clear.
“Hanging out” has been defined by teenagers as being with your friends, talking, listening to music, but also “not doing anything in particular”. For this, I planned various of seating possibilities where you can be close to other people in the activity area but also at places a bit on the side. “Spontaneous” sports refer to physical activities that are not part of any club that you have to be a member of or similarly planned physical activities (inspired by the studies previously mentioned). By having an outdoor gym and space to play various ball sports, teenagers that do not have the possibilities to join any club, or who want to train by themselves, have a place to do so.
1 Grass area for playing ball games and enjoying the sun.
2 Outdoor gym.
3 Trampolines.
4 Basketball hoop.
5 Tennis court which can be used for multiple sports.
6 Hang out spots around the activity space. The objects size makes it possible for you to sit in a group and some of the horizontal surfaces also provides space
to lay down.
7 Defined path in between the trees with a bench to hang out at, isolated from the area but still with a view over it.
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Target group: ELDERLY
Information connected to interests outdoors by elderly was gathered through conversations with people in the area, from Conara, a company which plan and build homes for elderly with connecting outdoor environments as well as from written material. Activities for this target group seem to mainly be taking walks with continuous resting spots, easier excersising, and enjoying nature.
1 Spread out seatings for resting throughout the space with the choice to sit in the sun or in the shade, by a table or not.
2 Boule field with trees near for shade with connected seating, located close to other activities for possible interaction.
3 Outdoor gym.
4 A clear path between the trees and a bench which invites you to have a seat and enjoy the nature and view of the area from a distance.
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