inspirations

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l iv e r i n g t o d a y ’ s r e c r e a t i o n a l s p a c e s

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2014 © Playscape Creations

We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing. Charles Schaefer

Strong on values, Playscape Creations is needs, not product driven and offers a holistic understanding from consultancy and site investigation through to project handover.

Strategy | Trust | Collaboration

© 2014 Playscape Creations

I n s p i r a t i o n sA b o o k o f i n s p i r a t i o n a l

r e c r e a t i o n a l s p a c e s

Environment Sensory

Character

Diversity

Comm

unitySustainability

Health

Adaptability

Culture THE PRINCIPLES OF URBAN design are

critically important to the creation of successful recreational spaces.

Addressing the site specific attributes of each space and its interrelationship with adjacent uses, effective recreational space design creates bespoke play environments that tie in to the character of each setting.

Essential too are the needs of parents and carers – because their presence is often critical to getting children outside in the first place.

Identity

Placemaking Creating spaces where people feel good

PlaySCaPe CreationS is committed to creating inspiring recreational spaces with designs that provide a unique character for each site and respond to varied multigenerational needs – places that will be well utilised by the community time and again.

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inspirations | 11

Design consiDerations

7 senses Design: design for a play experience that integrates sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste, vestibular (sense of balance) and proprioception (sense of body awareness in space)

Landscape character: creation of a landscape setting that embraces play through design for discovery, variety, scale, level change, speed, challenges, social interaction, intimate play and group play.

Legibility and connectivity: designing the landscape structure to support natural movement patterns, intuitively emphasising arrival points and desired lines, and building in visual connectivity.

existing landscape: complementing and enhancing the existing form and identity of the space.

Functionality: provision for, and connectivity to, supporting activities such as shaded seating, barbeques and picnic spots.

security: defined spatial boundaries that allow for parental supervision whist permitting visual connectivity into and from spaces.

equitable access: integration of accessible routes as part of the circulation experience.

servicing: consideration of service requirements to ensure they do not negatively impact on spatial quality.

the integration of the play experience with the landscape setting is integral to achieving a balanced design. it builds on the existing fabric of mature vegetation, landform, key vistas and built form while presenting an experience that is unique, challenging and exciting.

dry and wet play

Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable.

Lucia Capocchione

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Dry and Wet playgrounds

Dry and Wet play | 15

aquatiC Play has revolutionised the industry. interactive water elements bring a new dimension to the play experience, creating sensory awareness as well as captivating, imaginative play.

People of all ages have an affinity for water. a blend of dry and wet play opportunities provides an accommodating environment that brings smiles to faces and keeps everyone engaged in a sensory rich environment.

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not only for Play – water becomes an architectural element and a visual marker. alive and invigorating, cooling and aesthetically appealing, aquatic features are an extension of the space, integrating and connecting with the broader fabric.


aDjaCent to the playground, a connection is made across the moat to the dragon’s lair – an environment that offers new play experiences and a world of experimental learning.

While promoting active play, interaction in the aquatic environment releases emotions, develops social skills and encourages imagination and cooperation.

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Creating SPaCeS that people love. enter a world of imaginative play – of stories and fables, of sensory journeys and exploration.

Design expertise delivers progressive and workable outcomes that invoke a sense of wonder, welcome and belonging.

individual nodes combine to form the overall vision, realising an original theme and incorporating a variety of materials and experiences.


the magiC of Water lies in its power to capture the imagination of all ages.

theming and customising capabilities allow the space to be as individual and unique as the project’s vision.

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DiSCoVery anD eXPloration throughout zones of wet and dry play takes the visitor on a journey through the unique character of the site. Play experiences that offer an integrated response delight, inform and connect with interactivity and unpredictability.


a transition leads to a new environment for older, more physically capable children – an active zone where a higher mental and physical challenge is sought.

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Heading or Title of the Project

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Every child should have ... mud pies, grasshoppers, water bugs, tadpoles, frogs, turtles, wild strawberries, trees to climb, creeks to wade in, waterlilies, bats, bugs, bees, butterflies, pinecones, rocks to roll, sand, snakes;

and any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of his education.adapted from Luther Burbank

nature-based play

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nature-based play

Look deeper into nature and you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein

We all Benefit from the opportunity to experience unstructured play in natural environments. By tapping into the restorative powers of nature we can boost mental acuity and creativity.

it is our responsibility to create engaging natural playspaces that activate public open space and connect local communities – both to their natural environment and to each other.

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a journey through the jungle to reach the clearing – and a lookout to the next world of discovery.

nature-based play

nature-based play | 27

reSearCh ShoWS that children who have opportunities to play in natural settings are typically healthier, happier and more likely to appreciate the natural world around them.

Similarly, adults who have access to green space are calmer and less stressed, with natural environments proving to have a restorative effect on human psychology. helping to alleviate anxiety disorders and depression, nature benefits the health of us all.

the perfect balance between the natural and the man-made creates the optimal play environment for children and their families, inspiring curiosity and supporting outdoor activity and learning.

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Heading or Title of the Project

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Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.

Joseph Chilton Pearce

sensory play

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Sensory play

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ChilDren eXPlore and learn at different rates and in many different ways – the more they play, the more they develop skills necessary to engage and impact the world around them.

Developing behaviours based on what they touch, see, hear, taste, smell and how they move and position their bodies, children integrate their senses through play.

Sensory rich recreational spaces allow for stimulating and exciting opportunities for adults and children alike, regardless of ability.

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Sensory play

a higher LeveL oF incLusive pLay

a truly inclusive design goes ‘beyond accessibility’ to create recreational spaces where children and their families can play and interact together.

appropriate play elements that consider the 7 senses and improve the accessibility and liveability of the space enhances the play experience for all. Viable and sustainable long term investments are ensured by increasing the community’s ability to more fully take part in all activities.

Proprioceptive When a child moves, receptors tell their brain about body position and how much force is needed for an activity. the playground should have a wide variety of experiences that allow children to use their muscles in different combinations to develop this muscle sense.

Vestibular input from receptors in the inner ear, helps to develop balance and posture, allowing the body to react against the pull of gravity. experiencing this in a variety of positions and speeds helps to develop this sense.

Tactiletouch is the most dependable sensory system and is the first to develop and the longest to stay in our lives. input helps the brain organise information for developing visual and auditory systems. a varied range of tactile opportunities are vital in the playground.

Visual Colours, visual patterns and light reflection need to be considered within the playground design to provide a variety of visual experiences for children of all abilities.

Auditory Children collect a broad range of sounds that can enhance or hinder their play experiences. Playgrounds should provide for a variety of auditory stimulating opportunities.

Taste and SmellWhile taste doesn’t play a big role in playground design, proximity to trees and flowers will stimulate the sense of smell, resulting in a more enjoyable and engaging experience for all.

sensory skiLLs

Motor Planning Planning where feet and hands go while climbing involves a process of cognitive thought and physical implementation – a process that a lot of us take for granted.

Cognitive learning by doing – cause and effect, educational topics, names, shapes, measurements and colours are all part of the cognitive influence in the playground.

Social playPlayful interaction integrates previous sensory knowledge with new experiences to expand a child’s understanding of the world. encouraging development in ways they couldn’t do alone, children of all abilities socialise freely, creating new worlds together.

sensory essentiaLs

Sliding provides children with a rich sensory experience as their visual and vestibular systems actively receive information about the speed and pull of gravity. tactile and proprioceptive systems collect information on the slide’s texture and the pressure needed to slow down to land on the ground. this sensory input helps children develop a better sense of balance and motor planning to accurately move in their world.

Climbing involves four key sensory systems: tactile, proprioception, vestibular and visual. each system actively collects information about textures and muscle activation integrating with what the child sees. this information helps create ‘sensory-motor intelligence’ and ‘visual spatial perception’, allowing children to effectively relate to objects and navigate their environment.

Spinning is one of the core movements that engage the vestibular system. When a child spins, they are providing their brain with valuable equilibrium information which connects with inputs from their muscles and joints to help them maintain their body posture and balance.

Swinging provides a child’s nervous system with a wealth of visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information. Children gain an understanding of how their body moves through space, the speed of movements they are comfortable with, and the motor planning necessary to resist or increase active movement.

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inclusive is not about meeting ‘special needs’. it’s about meeting all children’s needs in the same place and in a variety of ways. Douche, P. (2002)

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Sensory play

Design iDeas to support kiDs Like ava

• use pathways that exceed accessibility standards so that those with power mobility devices can move more freely in the play space

• use hand holds on play elements that can be operated with a closed fist or limited grip

• Provide her with lots of fun elements to play with so that she can use her creative mind while i play

• Be sure to provide shade and cooling areas so that she can get out of the heat and come back to play

i have muscular Dystrophy which means:

• often times i use a power wheelchair because my muscles get tired really fast

• Sometimes i can use my hands but using my fingers to grip things for a long time gets tiring

• i am often very bright and creative when i play

• Sometimes my medication limits how much i can be in the sun and heat

meet ava

Determining the needs of the community members who will utilise and play in the space requires an understanding of the most common needs of a particular diagnosis. this information helps to outline the ability demographic of the project, to work towards creating the right solutions.

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i have a sensory processing disorder which means:

• i may get overwhelmed easily in new places with lots of people i don’t know

• Sometimes i have a hard time coordinating movements that use my big muscles

• i may like to spin, swing, touch, see and hear different sounds while i play

• i often end up playing alone because i don’t know how to connect with groups of children who are playing

Design iDeas to support kiDs Like owen

• Create nooks and crannies within the main play structure and surrounding areas where he can get away and watch others play

• Provide different climbing elements of varying difficulty so that he can learn to master gravity and his body while he plays

• Provide a variety of sensory play opportunities in different locations throughout the playground so that he can explore these at his own rate

• Design play areas that allow him to play with one or two friends at a time so that he can build social skills during play

meet owen

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themed playCreative people are curious, flexible and independent,

with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play. Henri Matisse

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themed play

Children see magic because they look for it.

Christopher Moore

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themed play

great DeSignS respond to the many and varied social, developmental and intergenerational needs of a community.

Custom capabilities allow the design to take on whimsical themes driven by a collaboration between all stakeholders.

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With some imagination and age appropriate challenges, play stimulates and absorbs, forging friendships and boosting self confidence.

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themed play

ROLE PLAY and forest escapades ...

Simple or elaborate, theming additions become a launch pad for journeys and quests,

allowing children of all abilities to interact, inspiring limitless play and learning opportunities.

Role play helps in overcoming obstacles, fostering a sense of adventure

and mastery in us all.

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themed play

Imagination … is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. Albert Einstein

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Creating an important hub for the community – a space where residents, visitors, family and friends can gather, spend time and socialise.

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themed play

themed play | 45

SuCCeSSful PlaCemaking and urban planning cannot be achieved if a true understanding of the community’s goals and aspirations is not taken into account – their cultural values, economic development and the environment.

the public domain needs to be a connective social and economic space, but above all it must promote a community’s health, happiness and well being at its core.

Urban fabric

teen play requires risk taking,

maintenance of social status,

as well as opportunities to build

healthy relationships with peers.

AS CHILdREn venture towards adulthood, play conflicts with time pressures, the electronic age and social stresses. Quiet contemplation and imaginative play is replaced with high intensity, competitive and challenging play – an opportunity to unleash frustrations and energy with highly charged physical activity.

Play is the highest expression of human development.friedrich froebel

skatewave

teen areaS need to encourage positive social interaction, provide a hang out, a “cool” place to be – where youth can freely participate in community activity – not be separated from it.

it is important to consider how the design and location of youth facilities can integrate with access to transport, shops and amenities.

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urban fabric

AS vItAL AREAS in urban planning, youth zones need to be respected at all levels for their high social value.

‘Physical activity can reduce crime by providing accessible, appropriate activities in a supportive social context. ... physical activity must be connected positively within the social fabric of groups and communities.

Crime Prevention through Sport and Physical Activity Australian Institute of Criminology

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Physically and mentally progressive challenges, proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation, competition and interaction – and sometimes simply a chance to play.

We have a responsibility to provide recreational spaces that support the needs of our youth and foster their participation in community life.

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childcareWhat was wonderful about childhood is that anything in it was wonder. It was not merely

a world of miracles, it was a miraculous world. G K Chesterton

dEvELOPInG PHYSICAL SKILLS, learning cooperative play,

and growing their creativity, interactive and sensory experiences

are designed specifically to cater for the varying developmental stages

of the junior years.

Scaled just right, curious minds are invited to develop their skills in six key areas:

physical, cognitive, sensory/motor, emotional/social and language.

All with an imaginative sense of wonderment.

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Childcare

SkillS DeVeloPeD in physical education in the early years are just as important for success later in life as intellectual development. Body management, balance, coordination, strength, agility and confidence are all developed through exploration in play.

engaging in new experiences, children discover and learn how to do things for themselves – exploring and challenging their boundaries along the way.

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fun, stimulating, challenging, engaging, appealing – a recipe for successful child development.

Play BeComeS an integrating mechanism that allows children to apply their learning. equipment incorporated into early learning childcare environments should provide a stimulating diversity to nurture development in all key areas.

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imagination | 61

wherever imagination

leadsEvolving design concepts from the conventional

to the imaginative has led to designers embracing landform as part of the recreational space – allowing equipment

and signature pieces to complement the character of a space.

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Wherever imagination leads

innoVatiVe BeSPoke elements add to, and reflect, the character of a space, extending both aesthetic and play value.

inspiring recreational environments have the opportunity to captivate varied user groups, enticing them outdoors to play, communicate, socialise and ultimately to become happier, healthier communities.

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Wherever imagination leads

life is an opportunity, benefit from it ... life is a challenge, meet it ...life is a game, play it ...life is a promise, fulfil it ...life is an adventure, dare it ...

mother teresa

imagination | 65

aim high, explore and challenge.

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PlaySCaPe CreationS create designs that respond to the many and varied social, developmental and intergenerational needs of today’s society.

Diverse and inclusive environments provide for all ages, abilities and cultures while being adaptable to changing demands and expectations.

transform your inspirations into sensational spaces through the collaboration of expertise and partnering from the very early stages of your project.

www.playscapecreations.com.au

We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing. Charles Schaefer

Strong on values, Playscape Creations is needs, not product driven and offers a holistic understanding from consultancy and site investigation through to project handover.

Strategy | Trust | Collaboration

De

l iv e r i n g t o d a y ’ s r e c r e a t i o n a l s p a c e s

INS

PIR

AT

ION

S |

Pla

ys

ca

pe

Cre

atio

ns

2014 © Playscape Creations

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