Playing Our Way Forward
Designing a Child-Friendly, Playful, and Inclusive Utrecht Overvecht
S.M.L. Wolfert (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Rients Dijkstra (TU Delft - Urban Design)
Saskia de Wit (TU Delft - Landscape Architecture)
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Abstract
Outdoor play is declining, with negative consequences for children’s development, physical health, mental well being and social relations. More action is needed than the presence of a singular playground in a neighborhood to make outdoor play popular again in this digital and urbanized century.
This thesis studies how an urban environment can be transformed into a child-friendly and playful environment that ensures a liveable future. By finding spatial solutions for not only a playground, but different interventions through different scales. The necessity for a variety of design solutions arises from the differing needs of children from different age groups, varying play personalities and orientations towards either biophilia or videophilia. A range of eyes on the streets, accessibility, mix of nature and variety of play are all essential elements in the design of outdoor play spaces. Connecting different play areas enhances accessibility and encourages exploration, enriching the overall experience for users.
Incorporating comfort-focused play structures and nature-inspired play structures is essential to meet the needs for the range of target groups. The integration of these structures into one spatial design represents an effective step towards successful play areas in this digital and urbanized century.