이 놀이터는 슈루즈베리 국제학교의 새 유치원 운동장으로 제안한 것이다. 기존에 있던 운동장은 놀이 방법들이 제한적이고 아이들의 두뇌 발전을 자극하지 못하는 전통적인 일체형 놀이 기구로 이뤄져 있었다. 이 정형성을 돌파하기 위해 건축가들은 아이들에게 좀 더 적합한 놀이공간을 제안하기로 했다.
새 놀이터는 아이들의 성장을 위해 그들의 모험심과 사회성을 향상시켜야 한다. 그래서 디자인은 야외 수업 활동 영역까지 포괄할 수 있는 일반적이고 유연한 놀이터를 제안했다.
연한 초록색조의 고무바닥(EPDM)은 잔디구장 느낌을 연출하기 위해 적용한 것으로, 기존의 강한 기초색 바닥에 비해서 아이들의 민감한 눈을 좀 더 즐겁게 하고 전체적인 환경을 향상시켜주는 역할을 한다. 기존에 있던 모든 나무들은 그늘을 위해 유지되었고, 키가 작은 관목들은 바람을 따라 부드럽게 움직이는 붓꽃과 학생들의 키를 능가하는 꽂꽂하고 커다란 잎이 특징인 코끼리 귀 넝쿨식물을 강조하여 각양각색의 느낌으로 선정되었다. 이곳은 최상의 놀이 정원인 것이다.
아이들은 놀이터를 탐사하면서 안과 밖, 보이는 것과 보이지 않는 것, 사적인 것과 공적인 것 등 끊임없는 가능성으로 변화무쌍한 공간에 직면하게 된다. 놀이터는 그들의 미래를 위해 필수적인 탐험심을 제공하고, 사회 소통 기술을 발전시킬 것이다.
자료제공 : Shma Company Limited(www.shmadesigns.com)
번역·정리 : 박광윤 기자 pky@imwood.co.kr
This ‘Play Field’ was proposed for a new kindergarten playground for Shrewsbury International School. The existing playground was ‘defined’ with traditional all-in-one play equipment, which ways of play is limited and does not much encourage child brain development. Aiming to break through this typicality, the architect introduces a more appropriate play space for young.
The new playground should enhance their exploration senses and social interaction which would assists child development. The design offers a generous and flexible ‘Play Field' that can accommodate a range of outdoor class activities. Various 'Play Pods' are placed randomly on the field creating a more intimate space with different character defined by the shape of 1.2 m. high wooden partitions. These comprises of ‘Swirl Pod’ that mimics the experience of moving though snail shell, ‘Island Pod’ which encircled with water plant, ‘Herb Pod’ to develop smell sense with Thai Herbs, ‘Classroom Pod’ with roof for gathering of the whole class, and ‘Sand Pod’ for their all-time favorite sand play. The partitions are high enough for children to create their own world yet allowing teacher to see inside for safety. Circular hole at intervals reinforce another layer of space interaction. The third element of the playground is the ‘Bicycle Track’ which meanders between these pods and sometimes cut through the pods to provide fun rides for their bike class.
Green colour tint of the rubber floor(EPDM) is chosen to simulate the feeling of playing on a lawn. This also improves the overall environment which is more pleasant to children’s sensitive eyes than typical strong primary colour flooring. All existing trees are kept for their shade and shrubs are selected for their variety of texture quality highlighted with ‘Iris’ which move softly along with the wind and ‘Elephant Ear’ which feature an upright giant leaf that is easily surpass the height of the pupil. It’s an ultimate play garden experience.
By exploring the playground, children are facing with constantly changing spaces from inside to outside, from not being seen to being seen, and from private to public with endless possibility. The Playground will perhaps prepare them the exploring sense and develop their social interaction skill which is vital for their future.
Landscape Architecture : Shma
Location : Bangkok
Use : Playground
Site Area : 900 sq.m.
Design : 2007
Construction: 2007
