Schmalkalden is a small town in the Black Forest of Germany - a place where fairy tales were first written by the Brothers Grimm. As part of the new urban development for the town for implementation in 2015, a new playground is to be constructed alongside a school. The playground is to be located on a small site bordered by basketball courts and playing fields, and should appeal to children between the ages of 7-12.
I started by drawing small concept sketches on variations of a circle - the ultimate symbol of gathering and story-telling. With variations of structured play and climbing courses (including natural wood elements) and free-use landforms, each playground concept begins and ends with the experience of the child in mind, with places to overlook, places to hide away, places to take risks and experience nature.
Designed for Sinai Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, Berlin, 2012.
