Phase II - Design in Public Space Group Decisions
RED TEAM - Hannah Battista, Lily Currin, Claire Jantzen, Benjamin Pham
Shared Conceptual Strategies:
-Interactive learning ecosystem themed playground
-Natural terrain for all ages to explore through various ecosystems
-Structures that represent a forest, cave, and marine environments + sky/sun based ground design
-Sparking immersive play while teaching children to have empathy with the overall natural world
Shared Formal Strategies:
-Each “terrain” or “ecosystem” has its own unique shape, color, and form mirrored after real environments, but all utilize...
- Natural colors and shapes that can almost be mistaken for creation by mother nature (see image below)
-Ground design loops each separate structure into a cohesive and connected system/play area.
Final Phase - Design in Public Space
RED TEAM - Hannah Battista, Lily Currin, Claire Jantzen, Benjamin Pham
FINAL DESIGN: WATER SYSTEMS - HANNAH
FINAL DESIGN: FOREST/PLANT LIFE - CLAIRE
VIEW 1: CUT VIEW
VIEW 2: UPPER VIEW
VIEW: INTERACTION INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
The concept of public playgrounds aims to establish physical as well as intellectual aspects of humans. Connected art and play are essential to broadening the opportunities of imaginative and sculptural playgrounds not just for children but also for adults. Playing, too, is a critical early-age learning activity
RESEARCH
CONCEPTS/FORM:
In order to satisfied the overall theme of my group about the eco system, the play structure I am aiming at is to create a system that functions like a cave and a tunnel. Through entering this setting, you open the door to a whole new dimension within this system, and you view the natural world from a different viewpoint. It would be effective to create patterns and shapes that reflect holes, valleys, or tunnels in order to demonstrate the process of learning and exploration. In addition, I decide to use the earthy colors of nature, such as dark brown or ash, to illustrate the concept of the environment. The design is a part of learning about the nature and the preservation of it.
INTERACTION/FUNCTION:
In order to satisfy the overall theme of my group about the ecosystem, the play structure I am aiming at is to create a system that functions like a cave and a tunnel. The overall design appears like a fort with 2 platforms. In addition, I decide to use the earthy neutral colors of nature, such as dark brown or ash, to illustrate the concept of the environment. Looking at the structure from the uppers, the users can recognize the illusion of a snake crawling in a circle. On the other hand, the users can recognize this playground as a cave or a hollow stump. As a result, the shape of this design is not completely geometrical, defined, or only suggests the images of the caves or tunnels. It strives to promote the children to imagine and interpret their own “names” for this sculpture through their vision. On top of the structure, I placed a bumpy rough platform that filled with random small holes. The size of these holes may fit the hand of a young. Furthermore, this public space also conveys the idea of human destruction through tunnels and holes. By crawling through the little tunnel, the kid can access this area with an interior located in the middle representing the rosin inside the cave. The This detail appears to be the foundation of the caves to remind the young generation to preserve what they interact with during the exploration and play process.
The form of the design is a balanced mix of solid and fluid forms. Due to this difference, the capability allows users to stand, sit remain on for a long time. The layout also tends to be vertical and equipped with stairs on the side for children to the climbing motion. The structure of the design strives to encourage movement and exploration by limit the resting place. It can function in many different ways to sit, run, hide, and explore. The inside space is low and tiny since it is designed especially for children. By crawling through the little tunnel, the kid can access this area with an interior located in the middle representing the rosin inside the cave. This detail appears to be the foundation of the caves to remind the young generation to preserve what they interact with during the exploration and play process.
The outside of the design includes holes, tunnels, and stair to climb on the top. On top of the side, there is platform to relax and lean on. The adult can sit or lie around the top of the cave and have a sneak peak inside the world under them through holes and tunnels. These gaps also serves as a form of communication between the insiders and outsiders. Even though adults can still access the inside area, they cannot stand up or function normally because of the bigger figures. Therefore, they cannot interactive or climb on the interior design. This design decision establish a special envioronment for kids only so they can free enjoy the moment without interrupting by the outside elements such as adults.
SKETCHES:
FINAL DESIGN: GROUND - LILY
Dome Structure
-The dome is a structural sound structure to weather all climates because the curves and centers evenly distributes the weight.
-The dome will bear resemblance to ecosystem diagrams and call attention to Earth.
-Circles and half circles will be constantly incorporated into the ground design to have consistency in the visual design and to remind users unconsciously of the importance of the planet we live on.
Path-There will be an initial pathway to invite the user towards the hub and through the dome, but the path will not be enforced in any way other than the change in greenery.
-Users will be encouraged to explore “off-road” by not attaching the path to any of the structures.
-This will play with risk and freedom of the user.
Interaction with Structures
-The cave structure will be attached to the interior of the dome as the structure deems necessary. Parts of the cave will be seen through the glass.
-The water system structure will travel below the dome, suggesting the “ground” of the park is actually just the center.
-The forest structure will reach through the side of the dome, allowing users to climb out the side onto a platform. Since the window where the forest structure will be penetrating the dome is an appropriate height, the user will also be able to use the side of the dome as a slide, if they brave enough to reinvent the structure.
Lighting During the Day
-The greater part of the ground design consists of clear plastic to give the feeling the user is in a freed space, even if they are contained from the majority of weather elements that may otherwise prevent playing, therefore the lighting will primarily be sun driven.
-Colored panels will periodically replace the clear plastic to be reflected on the structures and provide some shading for the park.
Elevator Hub and Observation Deck
-The elevator is located in the center of the dome in a hexagonal fashion. The user will be encouraged to enter the clear elevator that will take them to the elevator hub located at the top of the interior of the dome.
-Once the user arrives at the elevator hub they will have the option of viewing the park from the elevator hub which is a room consisting of glass walls, floor, and ceiling, or they can continue to the top of the dome where they are able to explore the exterior.
-The user will climb the stairs to a platform larger than the elevator hub allowing them to see into the park and above the structures.
-A glass fence will be restraining the user from sliding down the dome.
If light pollution allows it, the user will also be welcome to stargaze once the sun has set as to experience suspension from being able to view below and above themselves.
After Dark Lighting
-Warm light orbs will be surrounding the interior of the dome to provide lighting after dark.
-Orbs will also be suspended below the elevator hub to provide artificial stars to account for light pollution in certain areas that the park may be placed.
-All lighting will be supported by solar power and will only turn on once it feels the absence of light.
Plants/Natural Atmosphere
-The flooring and edges of the dome will be surrounded by habitual plants to the area to ensure there are minimal lasting impacts on the environment by the park.
-Native vines will be encouraged to grow both inside and out of the dome to inspire natural cooling within the structure.
