RINGSCAPE
This project envisions how future playscapes in Singapore could be. The playground is supposedly an ideal territory for sensory discovery, but yet is it so nowadays?
How to play with nature in an urban environment? How to lead children to have a fulfilling interaction with nature? Can elements be a game component, a factor of creativity, learning and respect?
A ring can make playing with nature more inviting.
It is rich in meaning, symbolising marriage, life cycle and connection.
By installing rings around trees in various sizes and orientations, children are prompted to interact with trees in different ways or observe the leaves, branches and roots up close.
Each element promotes a child’s development in the physical, social or cognitive dimension.
The biggest ring is a window to the habitat in the ground with exposed soil and roots,
Being a physical demarcation of a territory, the ring helps in children’s social development, providing them with opportunities to interact, share and learn with their peers.
When tilted, a ring becomes a slide.
When rings are stacked, we get a rest stop amongst the trees.
The changing orientation of the rings helps diversify the climbing techniques, and encourage children to problem-solve and help one another, as they find ways up to the rest platform.
An even smaller ring hanging on the branch becomes the rest stop for the birds. Children can both enjoy the sounds of nature and learn about animal habitats in the outdoor space.
With a bouncy support base and some nets, a ring becomes a see-saw. The net collects fallen leaves which fly into the air when the children get up to bounce.
With rings embedded around tree roots, children get magical portals that they can crawl into while learning to balance themselves.
Interlocking and hanging high up amongst the branches, the mystery rings glow at night using stored solar energy from the day. They illuminate the foliage for nearby residents to enjoy.
As children discover the rings hanging in the branches by chance, they grow curious about how these rings came to be and start to pay attention to the tree foliage.
Although a ring is simple, it opens endless possibilities. As long as there’s a tree, a Ringscape can be created for the children.
By having rings of different sizes and inclinations, diverse playscapes can be created while remaining visually simple.
Using industrial standard dimensions, pipes can be bent and welded. The choice of pipes streamlines the manufacturing and assembly process, and also reduces cost by using existing materials.
Perhaps, the future of Ringscape is not too far off?
In collaboration with NTUC First Campus
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Heartfelt thanks to:
Professor Christophe Gaubert and the DIC Team,
Team:
Aya, Claire, I-Ling, and Kianne
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Cover Photo by Jan Huber
