Blog

20 Oct
Day 13: Snowflake
Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

20 SNOWFLAKE

The "Snowflake" is one of our newest designs in the library. It was inspired by another one of our favorites: the"Motorbike."

Brazil - Playground Ideas

Brazil – Playground Ideas

While the "Motorbike" is a great imaginary play feature it also makes for a surprisingly comfortable lounge chair.

Boda lounge

And we're not the only ones to have discovered the beauty of a good motorbike nap.

peter tsai photography

peter tsai photography

photo by calebhutchings.com

photo by flickr: kalabird

photo by flickr: kalabird

The "Snowflake" is like a spiral of intersecting motorbike elements. It's a lovely piece that it doesn't prescribe an intended use. Kids may choose to lounge on the tread loops, balance along the bridges, or hop from tire to tire. Its open-ended nature leaves room for endless interpretations.It would also make a fantastic public space installment that both adults and children could use for seating or play…or naps.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Snowflake."(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Day 13: Snowflake
18 Oct
Day 12: Crazy Caterpillar
Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

11  CRAZY CATERPILLAR

Just because a play space is made up of many elements doesn't mean it's a cookie-cutter free-for-all. Attention should be given to how pieces are arranged within a space. Particularly for high population schools, it is important to create a "flow" within the play area.

thailand 2

Designers must get in the mind-frame of children to consider how play is connected from one element to another; to create space between quite, retrospective play and active, loud areas for free expression.

thailand

This wonky caterpillar makes a fun, imaginative addition to a play space, particularly for young children. It works great in a narrow space, or as a pathway between elements or play areas, either to divide or connect.

crazy_caterpillar_coloured_playgroundideas.org

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Crazy Caterpillar."(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Day 12: Crazy Caterpillar
17 Oct
Day 11: Octopus Icosahedron
Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

14 OCTOPUS ICOSAHEDRON

Okay, technically speaking, the "Octopus Icosahedron" should really be called the "Octopus Pentagonal Dodecahedron." Whatever it is we love this thing.

Octopus Melbourne 3

Our octopus was recently featured in one of MelbourneParking Day's pop up parks.

Parking Day

Parking Day 2

And afterwards underwent some "product testing" by this guy.

Octopus Melbourne 2

Octopus Melbourne

Everywhere we build the "Octopus" it's a hit. Check it out:

 

Philippines
 

Play Philpinas Philippines
 

Philippines
 

Thailand
 

Thailand
 

Play Philipinas – Philippines
 

Thailand

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Octopus Icosahedron.”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Day 11: Octopus Icosahedron
16 Oct
Day 10: Stage
Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

12 STAGE

Playgrounds are often designed as spaces for active, gross motor play. But a well-rounded playground should also cater for different expressions of play: imaginative, dramatic, creative and sensory.

Incorporating a stage in a play site is a simple way to encourage performance forms of play. Children will develop confidence as they put on their own theatrics, practice story-telling, dance performances, give speeches, or classroom lectures. The stage can also be used for organized events like school performances, talent shows, or graduations, making the play space a part of the larger community. The stage could be supplemented with a music centre, a mural, props, or a blackboard backdrop. It can be an elaborate built structure or just a dirt clearing with stone seating.Take a look at a few examples:

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AMV Playground Equipment
 

Playground Ideas

Playground Imagineering
 

Photo by Flickr: veisto
 

Pendlewood
 

Playground Ideas
 

Grass Roots Play Clore Shalom School
 

Nelson Area Waldorf School
 

East African Playgrounds
 

Photo by Flickr: camknows
 

Pendlewood
 

Pendlewood
 

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own "Stage."(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Day 10: Stage