Configuration of a natural playground

Configuration of a natural playground

The neighborhood of Thiseio is in contact with the most important network of archeological sites of the city but also with areas where in recent years the leisure has developed strongly. While it is surrounded by extensive outdoor areas and green areas and despite the number of interventions in its perimeter, it lacks basic areas for safe play. It is more than obvious the urgent request for a playground that should be taken into account: the lack of relevant infrastructure, the supra-local character due to its increased traffic, the proposal to create a playground in the park area adjacent to the station fence, as it was during the study of E.A.X.A., and of course the specifications of law 3731/2008, which clearly define the framework for the creation and operation of a playground. The parents, residents of Thiseio and the surrounding areas, invited the Municipality of Athens to carry out any planned procedure for the implementation of a playground in the park of Thiseio. Following this challenge, the preliminary design for the creation of a natural playground in the park of Thiseio was submitted. The proposed playground is located in the northern part of the park, along the wall of the station. It includes the free plateau and the space intended for refreshment and alley. The space occupied by the proposed playground has an area of ​​approximately 3,300sqm. The purpose is to build a model natural playground that will address the entire wider area of ​​the municipality, which will integrate the ages from 1 to 16 years, providing them with a variety of opportunities to develop skills and activities. The playground will be guarded with a single entrance about halfway through the current axis along Eptachalkou Street. Inside the playground are four basic toy sections. The first area is aimed at children up to four years old, has cots, sand dunes, houses and animals. The second area is aimed at older children aged 4-12, the games are more mobile, group and develop their skills. In this area there is a spin game that is also addressed to the disabled. The third and fourth areas are aimed at children aged 6-16 years with toys that develop teamwork and risk perception. The games enable climbing, sliding, speed, balance and role-playing. Play areas have pebbles for falling floors and are shaped with irregularly curved lips. Grass is planted in all other areas. Various sitting areas are located near the play areas. In the part of the park outside the play area, benches are placed in order to enhance the activity in this area as well.

Client : Municipality of Athens
Location : Thissio Park
Design : 2014
Design team : Manolis Votsis
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