Playscape Design Challenge
This design challenge is taken directly from the Chicago Architecture Centre. I've re-written it to make expectations clear but you can find the original with resources HERE.
You can work alone or with a partner but keep in mind if your partner is absent you cannot use the excuse that they have your supplies. You must both have access to everything. Share your Google Docs.
This challenge seeks to transform neglected parts of HRM into interactive landscapes, encouraging public engagement, community involvement. Your design must show creativity and promote outside activity, increasing socialization, and interaction. Your playscape should be in an abandoned or forgotten urban site, and you must develop a new era playground or playscape that creates opportunity for interaction and play for citizens of all ages all year round.
This challenge seeks to transform neglected parts of HRM into interactive landscapes, encouraging public engagement, community involvement. Your design must show creativity and promote outside activity, increasing socialization, and interaction. Your playscape should be in an abandoned or forgotten urban site, and you must develop a new era playground or playscape that creates opportunity for interaction and play for citizens of all ages all year round.
Gather as much information as possible about your chosen location’s topography, climate and primary audiences. Site selection is critical and must be fully explained. Show a before photo. Google Maps is great for this. Use arial and map views.
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Design is For People (and dogs)
The space needs to suit children, adults, seniors, pets, etc. Keep safety in mind but also know that there is a move away from bubble wrapping kids now and designers are recognizing that kids need a bit of risk in their lives. Check out this article here:
"Why do architects dictate children's play so stringently?"
Note: Every part of the playscape does not have to suit everyone.
Here is a design company that focuses on inclusive play:
'Landscape Structures'
Document your ideas throughout the process and site your sources. Research, Research, Research! I expect at least 6 sources besides Google in your research. (explain exactly how you used those sources to come up with your design)
As ideas come together, upload sketches, floor plans, bubble diagrams, aerial maps, material studies or prototype models of your initial ideas. Brainstorm materials, building techniques, structural elements and approaches that emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and recyclable eco-friendly products.
As ideas come together, upload sketches, floor plans, bubble diagrams, aerial maps, material studies or prototype models of your initial ideas. Brainstorm materials, building techniques, structural elements and approaches that emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and recyclable eco-friendly products.
Take your preliminary ideas and form multiple small-scale design solutions. Create digital or physical models that help articulate your more developed ideas. If you know how to use Google Sketchup or other design software use it! There is some free 3-D modelling software out there but it can be frustrating to use so know that paper models, or drawings are totally acceptable.
Explain the dimensions, size, materials, etc. determined by the team. All decisions should be explained and warranted based on the real world resources likely to be used for such a proposal.
Explain the dimensions, size, materials, etc. determined by the team. All decisions should be explained and warranted based on the real world resources likely to be used for such a proposal.
Explain how your design approach is an appropriate, innovative solution that realistically responds to the precise design competition problem.
The following design should be explained where appropriate:
The following design should be explained where appropriate:
- site selection and its context
- constructability (structural challenges, materials, textures, colors, etc.)
- strategy for sustainability (consider weather and upkeep, lighting, etc.)
- surrounding landscape/external spaces
- How the space will be utilized by various age groups and those with varying abilities.
- Innovative materials and ideas