Research - Final major project: Style of Architecture

For me Playground architecture is about designing and planning outdoor spaces, I am interested in design that are functional, and give purpose to community. For this project I am inspired by three Architects, Kunal Maniar, Carl Theodor Sorensen and Aldo Van Eyck.

Kunal Maniar

Carl Theodor Sorensen

Aldo Van Eyck

Kunal Maniar is one of the most famous landscape architects in India. He worked on many projects and always cares about nature but most importantly about water conservation. As my project focuses on the ecosystem and sustainability, Kunal Maniar is a great inspiration with his work and techniques. "Landscape architecture and mindful planning interventions applied at a large scale can help restore ecological balance in regions that have suffered ill-effects of exploitation by humans and build resilience against anthropogenic climate change" (Kunal Maniar, 2023).

Architects such as, Carl Theodor Sorensen and designers who work on playground architecture focus on creating environments that are safe, engaging, and beneficial for a child's development. When it comes to this type of architecture, I am aware that safety, accessibility, creativity, development considerations, environmental sustainability and community engagement are important.

Playground

I believe that safety should be a priority, with features like impact-absorbing surfaces and age-appropriate equipment spacing. Accessibility is also important, making sure that playgrounds can be used by children of different ages and abilities. (Julian, 2019). Playgrounds should incorporate elements that stimulate children’s imagination and encourage creativity play. Aldo Van Eyck who is my inspiration for this project believed that playgrounds should not only be places to relax, but also serve as hubs for socialising, learning, and creativity which lead him to be one of the greatest playground architects of his generation.

Carl Sorensen is a master of sustainability and is highly respected and admired in the field of landscape architecture. He is best known for creating the first adventure playground along with schoolteacher Hans Dragehjelm in Emdrup, Denmark, a district of Copenhagen in 1940 (pgpedia, no date). I think that using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design, along with incorporating green spaces to connect children with nature is a great way to keep a sustainable environment.

Wooden Playground

I think that Community engagement is important in the design process as it allows for the locals needs and concerns into consideration. Playgrounds are important for children' overall health and growth. They give children chances to work on a lot of different skills like socializing, expressing emotions, staying active, and using their brains.( playsi, no date)

 

Reference:

-      Smart landscaping can be an answer to climate change, wellness problems: Kunal Maniar explains how  (2023) Money control. Available at: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/interiors/smart-landscaping-can-be-the-answer-to-climate-change-health-and-wellness-problems-kunal-maniar-explains-how-11297331.html (Accessed: 27 October 2023).

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-       Julian (2019) Play area design: Children’s play area design considerations & safety, Play Area Design | Children’s Play Area Design Considerations & Safety. Available at: https://www.mortisportandplay.co.uk/blog/play-area-design (Accessed: 14 November 2023).

-          (No date) Carl Theodor Sorensen. Available at: https://www.pgpedia.com/s/carl-theodor-sorensen (Accessed: 27 October 2023).

-          Developmental benefits of playgrounds - landscape structures (no date) Landscape Structures Inc. Available at: https://www.playlsi.com/en/playground-planning-tools/education/playground-equipment-benefits/#:~:text=Playgrounds%20are%20an%20essential%20element,emotional%2C%20physical%20and%20mental%20skills. (Accessed: 14 November 2023).