Upper Ground
Play9 was tasked with designing two seperate playspaces featuring prominent oak tree installations.
The upper level playspace integrated within the food hall incorporates an existing structural column as part of the slide and tunnel system. A sensory nook was added to the corner with an LED floor for younger children. Drawing inspiration from Stratford’s abundant greenery, the large-scale leaf designs form protective overhead structures and decorative patterns across the boundary fencing.
Process
The spaces utilised a mixture of pre-existing products, some of which were altered to fit the specific requirements of each area. Fencing is always a unique challenge in playground design, requiring a balance between safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Two seperate Rhino Grasshopper scripts, top and bottom, achieving different perforated steel designs
I developed two seperate Grasshopper scripts to achieve the desired perforated steel designs, which was a first for the company. The upper node flow is the script that generates the edging pattern for the leaves. The lower flow is an interpolator for pre-made graphics to be punched with varying hole sizes.
Aluminium sheets were cut to shape, stamped with my Grasshopper pattern and finally the tips rolled to give a more natural effect prior to a 2 pack paint finish.
The interpolated leaf graphic in the upper playspace fencing panels
Lower Ground
The ground-level playspace accommodates children with varying abilities through specialized equipment including an interactive xylophone window, kaleidoscope masks and LED pixie stones. Central features like elevated stepping platforms, rainbow-lit tunnel, slide, and Talking Tree climbing net provide secure active recreation for children aged nine and below.
Lower ground playspace, Play9 were approached to design and build two seperate playspaces for this project.
Tech
A mixture of analog and electronic technologies were used to create an engaging and interactive playspace. It was important to us that the tech was not only screens, but interactive elements that encouraged physical engagement and exploration.
Outcome
The project was a success, with both playspaces receiving positive feedback from users and stakeholders. The integration of analog and electronic technologies created a unique and engaging environment that catered to children with varying abilities, and provided parents with a space of respite during their busy shopping sessions.