OPNIAKI - portable forest playground
bachelor thesis of Natalia Gajo and Zuzanna Walkiewicz
Opniaki are a set of multifunctional elements for playing in the forest. This portable playground is designed for children aged 7-12, with a thought of group of ten children and one educator in mind. The target users are participants in the summer camps. The set has the potential to be used also in schools, community centers, education centers, but also for private use.
Because it’s necessary to fix the elements to the tree trunks, it makes the set an excuse to go out to the forest. The set acquaints children with the forest and awakes curiosity towards nature. Opniaki are not so much a toy in themselves as an extension of the possibilities offered by spending time in the forest.
The elements of the set (Polana, Huby, Liana, Kłody) can perform various functions. It depends on the children and their ideas how they will be used in the space of forest. The idea of the project is play that is free, not limited by the imposed rules. Here the children are the architects of a shared play space.
The packaging of Opniaki also serves as instruction for children. After opening, the bag unfolds flat. Under each element, fixed with fastening tapes, a drawing is printed, illustrating the object and suggestions for use. The large format of the instruction allows several children to read it simultaneously.
When packing Opniaki, overprints help to keep order and check if anything was forgotten.
The bag is fastened with Velcro and has two types of handles. Two long straps allow it to be carried on one shoulder. On the other hand, three short handles on each side allow the package to be carried by more people at the same time, which encourages cooperation when carrying the set.
