A Case Study in Outdoor Design: Berlin Playgrounds5 : Sand

Project Information

Introduction

Sand is a signifi cant part of every play space and replaces tarmac as the most frequently used surface. This altered the atmosphere of the sites and how children played with equipment as it was a more welcoming and interesting medium that encouraged jumping into or sitting on and so opened up the whole area, in and around equipment, as a place to play.

The Schools Programme commissioned Grounds for Learning to create a series of nine case studies, which looks at and documents the widespread transformation of play spaces in schools, kindergartens and public parks in Berlin, Germany.

The nine case studies focus on different themes that were important factors in the spaces’ successes. The themes are;

1. Choice2. Risk and Challenge3. Nature with a Capital N4. Play Machines5. Sand6. Shade and Seating7. Topography8. Variety and Texture9. Water

Within each case study there are examples and images from a variety of settings – schools, nurseries and public play parks – to show the variation and scope of the design ideas. All areas shown began life as fl at, dull tarmac grounds but they demonstrate that it is possible to transform schoolyards into playgrounds.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Play

Children of all ages play in or with the sand in a variety of ways - directly on their own or small groups or using it as a safety surface for more boisterous games.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Sand as the main feature

Small ‘rooms’ where sand play is the main feature encourages quiet, individual/small group play. There is often more than one ‘room’ in a setting and some are enclosed and slightly hidden.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Sand as a Surface

Larger areas where sand was used around another feature such as a water pump or play equipment encourages more active group play – building dams for water, socialising or walking/jumping/running.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Safety Surfaces and Sports

Sand and bark are used as the main shock absorption surface for play and sport. This allows areas to be multi functional and makes more creative use of space.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Boundaries

These loosely demarcate sand areas but also provide a space to sit or walk along. They occur both around an area and within it and are often bespoke and made of natural materials.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Other Features

A number of features such as seats, plinths or tables, water pumps and channels support play but also help to keep the sand contained – they encourage children to play in the area and not take the sand elsewhere!

Practicalities

Health and Safety

The sand forms the main safety surfacing in the playground and is below all play equipment or areas with a fall height requiring shock absorbing surfaces. ‘Plastic fields’ or rubberised safety surfaces as described by our guide, were only seen on sports pitches and were not seen under any play equipment. It is filled to a depth exceeding minimum regulations as, through play, it is moved by children throughout the year! All sand is cleaned/replaced every year or two but not inspected daily or cleared of sticks and twigs etc. Due to the large areas involved none of the sand areas are covered.

Messy clothes

The children do not have special clothing for play with the sand although piles of socks and shoes by sandpits are a common sight – as children go into the sandpit barefoot and roll up their trousers, especially where water play was involved.

Shade and drainage

All sand is on well drained ground to ensure that it doesn’t become waterlogged – even those with water pumps and channels.

As sand is used in so many different ways, there is a mixture of shade and shelter. Some areas are left unsheltered whilst some have partial shade provided by trees and shrubs and some have full shelter provided by purpose built shade sails.

Berlin Playgrounds : Sand

Architecture and Design Scotland

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T: +44 (0) 845 1 800 642F: +44 (0) 845 1 800 643E: info@ads.org.uk

www.ads.org.ukwww.smarterplaces.org

Project Information

The Schools Programme commissioned Grounds for Learning to create a series of nine case studies, which looks at and documents the widespread transformation of play spaces in schools, kindergartens and public parks in Berlin, Germany.

The nine case studies focus on different themes that were important factors in the spaces’ successes. The themes are;

1. Choice2. Risk and Challenge3. Nature with a capital N4. Play Machines5. Sand6. Shade and Seating7. Topography8. Variety and Texture9. Water

For more information about what we do, and to view the other Case Studies, visit SmarterPlaces.org.

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