urban landscape projects - Gold Award
Commercial - Educational/Institutional/Play Space Design
Design Brief:
The site functions as the head office and operational centre for a Childcare Service provider. A striking Architectural building was to stand tall on the site with large glass panels overlooking the play space from every angle. The landscape had to let the building breathe while creating a striking and purposeful backdrop that reflected the building's strong architectural lines.
An extensive roof garden was included to further enhance the building’s connection with the landscape. The building pad sat well down below street level and an imposing retaining wall up to 4m high was intended along the extent of the Eastern boundary. A design solution was needed to soften this imposing structure.
The client wanted to create a variety of experiences and spaces in a manageable ‘natural play space’ setting that was safe, maintainable, easily navigated and provided opportunities for interaction and learning in nature. The owner wanted to strike the balance between overly natural play and operational maintenance realities.
The play space was to be dynamic and open, providing areas for boisterous play including running, challenge and risk, a musical and sensory zone, a large jumping pillow and C.O.L.A, while also providing areas for quiet play and social interaction. There were to be areas for learning about nature, food production and sustainability and a kitchen garden big enough to provide more than a token amount of food for their onsite kitchen.
Judges’ Comments:
An extraordinary, thoughtful design encompassing all that preschool children could benefit from during playtime. Both a stimulating and calming environment all at once. This playground design is dynamic, open and extensive, while also providing areas for social interaction and quiet play. The designer has utilised the tree canopy and introduced terracing and stepped edging to provide challenges for children which are creative and inviting.
Location: Rouse Hill, Sydney
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