‘Playgrounds as neighborhood’s cohesive component and city’s comprehension asset via specific case studies’
Abstract
The present essay deals with the subject of experiencing and understanding the city through collective play, where playgrounds have a major role in reinforcing social interactions and sustainable issues. It introduces successful built projects abroad and sets design principles that compose the landscape architectural approach, along with educational and ecological characteristics. The playground design is viewed through five structural elements: softscape (plants), hardscape (materials), toys (structures), infrastructure and landmarks. The essay continues with three case studies that take place in Greece, two completed and one still in progress, challenging Greek planning law. Projects, ‘Play on the Green hill’ and ‘Adventure castle’ are presented, where the existing topography led to the creation of interesting places, separating age-groups by using slopping landforms, in order to create resting niches and play areas. Finally, the project ‘Low-budget courtyard’ is a nursery courtyard that encourages imagination and creativity, in harmony with existing natural environment.
Article Details
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- THEMATIC FIELD ΙΙ & ΙΙΙ The multimodal intersection of urban and educational spaces & The city as a learning environment
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