Playgrounds should request interaction, both physical and sensual, from its multiple users of a range of ages. The types of play involved in these spaces become a catalyst for an individual’s imagination and encourage exploration, through way finding activities and an element of risk. In order to navigate through these spaces, people are encouraged to use conventional types of play such as climbing, running, jumping and crawling. With this approach to play, a proposal for an interactive playground that comes alive when in use has been established

The idea of the sacred geometry of music illustrates each and every chord and its relationship. As can be seen in the diagram on the next slide, this forms an intricate but interesting pattern. The mathematical linear patterns, on the other hand, were based on the idea of connecting one point of a grid to every other point and observing the pattern it created in a 3D form

By choosing a quadruple heighted space, this enables greater potential for multiple viewing points for parents from different levels, as surveillance for parents is a vital element for the success of the playground.   In addition, the large, open space, allows for adequate ventilation and access to natural lighting, whilst avoiding any interference with existing exhibit. Further, the site’s openness encapsulates a sense of freedom, as kids are able to run around.

·   This pavilion model produced by ICD University of Stuttgart, informed our design through its experimentation of rulings of elastic strings, which modulated levels of transparency, exposure and enclosure. The intention was to blur the actor and the audience, similar to the way in which strings in a playground obscure the view of supervising parents to children, however they are still somewhat visible.

·   Landscape architecture firm ANNABAU’s playground entitled Schulberg inspired the structural method of our playground. Using two steel pipes as the framework, with the climbing net attached by welded hooks, this applied to the way our ropes were attached to our framework

Based off the ideas gathered from studying both the recently mentioned precedents, we began to explore methods of creating a simple framework through 3D printing and laser cutting, which encapsulated the idea of creating spaces through intersecting strings. It was essential that the framework was not random and followed a logical reasoning and approach.

·      Through approaching the form and design of the framework from several different techniques, we were able to narrow down on a design that we felt had the greatest potential. From here, through rapid prototyping, constant critiquing and development of each model, it became apparent that we could create a form that reflected our brief and concepts.

The final render of the playground within the boundaries of the site highlights the way it sits in relation to its context. It depicts the scale of the playground in comparison to its users, and reiterates the purpose of choosing such an open site.

Relating back to the idea of wayfinding, music and a playground that requires interaction for it to come alive, we have placed bells, attached to strings, in specific areas of the playground. Through playing with the density of ropes, the visibility of the bells are restricted, thus, forcing users to rely on sound to get from one point to the other

·      The strategic placement of these bells within the design requires its occupants to climb, crawl and walk through the interesting spaces created by the intersecting ropes in order to get to the source of the sound.

Due to the location of the site, we envisaged the museums occupants to view the playground from all levels, inviting them to the space and tempting them to interact with it. Whilst in the space, they are encouraged to run, climb, crawl, and pluck the strings to create a musical effect.

This is the base framework of our design without the weaved ropes. The green colour was chosen because It will be a contrast to the site that we chose, it will also give the area a pop of colour , attract attention and the colour green also represent energy.

It uses a metal frame tube that’s been cold rolled into the desired shape. The frameworks are separated into pieces to be easily transported and assemble. The frames would be connected to each other with slotting the frames to a ground-mounted base

The ropes are attached to the frame through weaving methods. To weave the ropes, hooks are welded on the frame. this would allow multiple ropes to be weaved through the same area and would allow the ropes to be tied in different angles. this would also be more secure than wrapping the ropes around the frames.  The bells are attached directly on the rope to its allocated places

 Material Choices

 1:1 Model