The aesthetics of play-spaces part 1

how do they make you feel

I have noticed an increasing trend to design playgrounds in a way that is more theme park like - and I think this is an interesting take on play.

Because what a play-space looks like does have an impact - not just on the children, but also their play, and the adults.

I live next to the fruit park (well almost - a 3 minute walk)

here you can see it in the background (I took along the paints etc )
I have always been fascinated by how excited the children I have worked with were about coming to this space - it was often a playground that the children would choose - yet when I observed their play when they were there it was often less complex than it was at other play spaces we visited. So for me this feels like a dessert playground rather than a main course or staple food playground - because it didn’t offer up the play nutrition that children need in their lives, but at the same time life feels delicious with sweet treats, and I have nothing against dessert every now and again.

But as a parent, educator, and play activist I am concerned if the trend is to make more and more dessert playgrounds rather than designing spaces that take care of play desires and needs. Of course there are also playgrounds that are deserts rather than desserts - because little play can thrive there at all, and stuff has just been put into a space with little to no thought, or understanding, about the actual play and how children interact with spaces.

I am happy to see more and more designers thinking more carefully about play, and even more about inclusive play - so play beyond the normative - which I think for the most part is still tokenistic - but it is a step in the right direction.

I was in Norrköping last week, and it was obvious that the city is making some serious effort in investing in spaces for play - and for play for all ages - it’s noticeable and I applaud it.

I did notice that there is a leaning towards the theme park style. They do look amazing. They stir the imagination upon sight. But then they feel a little disappointing when you start interacting with them.

3 new parks in different parts of Norrköping

Now I have been visiting a LOT of play grounds in the last five years in different towns and countries with the intention of understanding them… and even more playgrounds together with children as a teacher. I have done multiple projects with young children where we evaluated the playability of playgrounds - which was absolutely fascinating - as a way to see how my observations were in tune with the children’s feel about the spaces, and also to ensure the children had the knowledge they needed to make decisions about where we should visit.
The middle three of the above photos is a small playground tucked between buildings in a central part of Norrköping. At first it took my breath away. I was so invited in - it felt secluded by the planting ( felt that was so well done) there was some good seating along the edges that was inviting for all ages. But once I moved inside the structures I realised the play was more limited - as it was mostly set up for climbing - which is great, don’t get me wrong, but other games would be more limited. i thought at first chase games, which has potential, but too much of the climbing was one way up and down and not enough variety. Also some of the areas were quite slippery because the sand on the wooden bridge/ramp and the rubber surfaces meant it was hard to get a good grip for tight corners (I even slipped down the bridge/ramp just walking on it - like the moment my foot went on the decline it was unable to grip enough to walk down I just glided - which is great for intentional sliding, less great for chase games that involve the bridge/ramp.

There were some elements of role play possibility though and I love how it connects to the history of industrial Norrköping

here you can see the building that inspired the playground design

I was here for about half an hour taking in the atmosphere of the space, walking around to try and grasp the playability - during the time there were no children that visited - it was the only play space devoid of children of the eight spaces I visited that day. I would be interested to see how children play there - I know they will, because children find play everywhere. My assumption is that people bring buckets and spades - that contribute towards the sand being transported beyond the area designated for sand play (which was my favourite area of the playground) The reason why it says tickets on the first image above is because it is inspired by the building that houses the Work Museum.

The only person I saw using this space was an older gentleman who was sitting on one of the chairs where he could put his legs up. I saw two other adults walk past it.

As the post is going into more detail than I first thought it would… this is now part one… and I will continue with play aesthetics in playgrounds in coming posts.

as always - if you have questions, comments or thoughts - please add them using the comment button