the playscape
The Playscape reinvents an existing playground at a co-operative child care centre, for children aged three months to seven years. The pedagogy of the centre informs the design with the principles of experiencebased learning and natural world as educator. Other primary goals were to solve the drainage problem which made the playground inaccessible for much of the winter, and to provide shade in the summer. Collaboration at all stages was a key element in achieving this project. The design process began with a series of site visits to observe current use of the playground and children’s play patterns. Charrettes with teachers, parents, and children were held to better understand the users’ needs, desires, and concerns. The constraints of budget, time, and administrative regulations presented challenges for both detail development and project management. In the construction phase continuous discussion with the client, faculty and industry advisors, and suppliers informed design and scheduling to ensure that the project was completed to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
designbridge, university of oregon with: g.burris, j.creighton, c.janke, l.jones, b.nguy, d.rosenthal, b.waldman, and v.walton