Circular and sustainable playground equipment

Abstract

This project is focused on the development of circular and sustainable playground equipment (PE), as the Netherlands and its municipalities have set targets to become a Circular Economy in 2050. Furthermore, the PE should also encourage children to play outside more and engage in physical exercise. The reason for this being that children in the Netherlands do not play outside enough, which is often due to uninteresting playground designs.

The project started off with a theoretical framework, in which the 10R design strategies, such as reuse, repair and recycling, for the CE were examined on their effectiveness in playground design. Both academic literature and stakeholder & expert interviews enriched the knowledge needed to answer the research question. This resulted in the following design considerations which were the basis for developing the PE as described in this thesis:

Create an interchangeable and customizable system with components that are easy to (dis-)assemble (product-service system with modular play modules)

Design with a mono-material

Design with a material which comes from a waste stream

Design with a material which allows for form freedom

Design with a material which is resistant to wear and tear and external conditions (cold, heat, moist, UV radiation, etc.)

Eliminate redundant elements

Design PE modules which can fulfil multiple play functions

Design a connection system which allows for easy (dis-)assembly and consists of a minimal number of parts and different materials

Design for effective and minimal repairs and maintenance

Design with materials which can efficiently be recycled

I performed a study on an appropriate material and production method for the PE and from this I concluded on the use of 3D-printed Geopolymer with recycled aggregates, as it comes from a large Dutch waste stream, can be produced and efficiently recycled in the Netherlands, has a lifespan of several decades, allows for form freedom and colouring, and facilitates straightforward repairs and maintenance, making it an appropriate material for the Dutch CE. I was able to visit a 3D printing facility to get in contact with the material and production process, and even prototype my product here with 3D printing.

Based on conclusions derived from academic literature and a design session with 131 children aged 6-11, I concluded that the play functions climbing and swinging & swaying, among several others, could encourage children the most to play outside more and engage in more physical activity. These functions are translated into the following themes: Treetop Retreat, Rapid Rush, Acrobatic Adventure and Hideaway Hunt, which are the focus of the designed PE.