A PLAYFUL VISION SASAKI INTERNSHIP CHARRETTE SUMMER 2016
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CONTENTS About the Internship
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Overview of Play
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Analysis: The Site
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Concept Development
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Introducing Groundswell
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Prototype 48 Presentation 54
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW The 2016 Sasaki Intern Charrette explored the future of play through research, site visits, design, and play itself. The intern team developed a vision to reactivate a portion of the Charles River park in Watertown with Groundswell, a series of interventions including an inventive playscape that promotes adventurous, intergenerational, and accessible play. In conjunction with site visioning, the group generated iterations of a full-scale prototype to test how the play structure could be adapted and replicated at other sites. We are proud to present this work alongside exhibitions that profile playscapes at Sasaki Associates and the Design Museum Boston and to participate in a growing discussion of how design professionals can take a leading role in fostering play.
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INTERNSHIP
STRUCTURE
WEEK 1 Analysis
WEEK 2 Concept Development
WEEK 3 Production
The sixteen interns were broken up into three groups, each serving a different role during the charrette. The groups were: The Researchers, The Builders, and The Storytellers. These interdisciplinary working groups collaborated to tackle site issues, design a prototype, and craft a narrative of the charrette’s ideas, development, and final design.
The Researchers analyzed existing site conditions at the Charles River Park in Watertown, conducted a survey of parkgoers, and researched the demography and geography of Watertown. Armed with this information, they then made recommendations for a site vision that reintegrated the park with the river and reactivated its central space, creating a lively and active public gathering space for Watertown.
The Builders generated several iterations of a prototype for a flexible playscape that encourages adventurous, energetic, and unscripted play for all ages. Working directly with the Researchers, they designed a playscape for the Watertown park site, which would also be adaptable to other locations. In the final week of the charrette, the builders, with help from other interns, constructed a scaled-down version of the playscape for the deck at the Sasaki office.
The Storytellers documented the charrette and the progression of thinking and designs throughout the three weeks, telling the story of the project through an Instagram account and other media. They also collaborated with the Researchers and Builders to produce exhibition components for the final presentation.
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Although play may seem elementary, it is a complex process that enables any person’s physical, emotional, and mental development. Today’s childhood is under incredible pressure. The demands and distractions of electronics, busy schedules, school testing regimes and safety concerns have all but sidelined our youth’s ability to engage in free play. A groundswell of parents, educators, healthcare providers, and researchers have begun an international conversation about why the seemingly simple act of playing is good for children, and how to re-inject childhood with opportunities to play.
BACKGROUND
PLAY ALONG THE CHARLES RIVER
The Charles River has held economic, cultural, and symbolic importance as the heart of Boston since the city’s beginnings. The underdeveloped banks of the river and strong city leadership cultivated a long tradition of public access to the Charles Throughout history, the people of Boston played on the Charles.
McKenna Playground Waltham, MA
WATERTOWN Pat and Gabriel Farren Playground Watertown, MA
Designated Charles River recreational space M ain
St .
urn
ub .A Mt
Auburndale Park Newton, MA
St.
WATERTOWN SQUARE
Arsenal
t. nS
rtow
te Wa
St.
THE SITE
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1875
1632
43 mills are located along the river from Waterdown Dam to Boston Harbor
of the Watertown Dam
1630
Watertown is founded
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1640 mills constructed
NEWTON
1900
Structure of the exists today was built
1929
1908
Boston Pops performs for
The lower Charles River is dammed
Shell
1910 Esplanade begins
the United States today. Based on prior studies, researchers agree there are FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF PLAY:
Functional Play
Repetitive actions that require the use of children’s senses and muscles
Dramatic Play
Imaginative or make-believe play
Constructive Play
Play that manipulates the environment to create things
Games with Rules
Play that follows explicit or formal rules
Riverside City Park Cambridge, MA
Charles Bank Playground Boston, MA
Artesani Playground & Wading Pool Brighton, MA
Lederman Park Boston, MA Magazine Beach Park Cambridge, MA Esplanade Playspace Boston, MA Exercise Course on the Esplanade Boston, MA
1960s
1972
reaches its height, due to years of dumping
1950s
Public swimming banned in the Charles due to declining water quality
2013
Charles River Conservancy
1986
Clean Water Act prompts broad river clean-up
municipal waste
Miriam and Sidney Stoneman Playground Boston, MA
Community Rowing, Inc. founded
Charles since the 1950s
1965
1974
1995
Charles race takes place
formal Fourth of July along the Esplanade, complete with the Boston
launched
Charles River Watershed advocate for cleaning up the river
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INTERNSHIP
BOSTON SITE TRIP
Before jumping into designing and building, interns and charrette leaders took a site trip into Downtown Boston to immerse the group in the theme of play. On an exciting day out of the office, the interns and charrette leaders visited multiple sites across the city. The group started with a visit to the exhibition of Extraordinary Playscapes, curated by the Design Museum Boston. Extraordinary Playscapes featured playable installations, videos, scale models, and hands-on elements for viewers to explore the art, history, and science behind the world of play. After the visit to the exhibition interns and charette leaders toured various playgrounds to get a hands on introduction to their designs by getting to hear from their architects and designers.
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A
EXTRAORDINARY PLAYSCAPES BSA Space 290 Congress St.
B
FOOD TRUCKS Greenway
C
PLAYCUBES Chinatown Park, Greenway
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PLAYFORM7 City Hall Plaza
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THOMAS M. MENINO PARK 1st Ave. & 16th St.
F
LAWN ON D D St.
E
D
B
A
C
F
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THE SITE: WATERTOWN, MA Interns were tasked with reactivating a portion of the Charles River path in Watertown, Massachusetts, and prototyping a new park feature that cultivates challenging and creative play.
Interns visit the Charles River Path in Watertown to analyze the park.
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Main St.
W H SALTONSTALL PARK WATERTOWN DAYCARE THE GODDARD SCHOOL
RUSSELL COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
WATERTOWN SQUARE
Arsena
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CASEY PARK
5m
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in.
ow tert
SENSORY GARDEN BASKETBALL/ PLAYGROUND
WHAT’S IN THE AREA? SCHOOLS EXISTING PLAYSPACES RECREATION ORGANIZATIONS 16
UNDERWOOD ELEMENTARY PARKSIDE PRESCHOOL
BOYD PARK
n. mi
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WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
t. rn S
u Aub . t M
HOSMER SCHOOL
ST. STEPHEN'S ARMENIAN ELEMENTARY
WATERTOWN lk
wa
. walk
15 min
PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
WATERTOWN YACHT CLUB
BRIGHT HORIZONS
ARSENAL SKATE PARK
COMMUNITY ROWING I-90
NEWTON
HOBART PARK
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The park is a great place to fish! I drive here a few times a week.
I walked here today. I love to come and read at the park.
ME ME 0 0 , 4 L A NLIAEN IE, 4
DON DON , 71 , 71 A L DA L D
I usually bike, but today I took my skateboard. Volleyball is one of my favorite ways to play. 8
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DON DON , 71 , 71 A L DA L D
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ME ME 0 0 , 4 L A NLIAEN IE, 4
8
We walked to the park for a picnic!
M I LM E SI L, E1 9S , 1 9
THE SITE
NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY
We conducted an informal survey to find out more about the park and its users. Based on our field study, we found the following information about travel methods to the park:
50%
WALKING
20%
BIKING
20%
DRIVING
10%
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Of those walking, the majority walked 5 minutes or less to get to the park. 19
PED
1
dock teaser play structure CH AR LE IV S R ER CH AR LE
primary play structure
IV S R
ER
boat dock
field 2
sensory garden
river overlook
enhanced river access CHA
RLE
S R IV
teaser play structure basketball
ER
W
W
3
CH
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AR
LE
S R IVE
R
THE SITE
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY
EXISTING PLAY NEAR WATER
Two distinct playspaces and few opportunities for functional or dramatic play throughout the park
EXISTING
WATER ACCESS FUNCTIONAL
PLAY AREAS DRAMATIC GAMES WITH RULES
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SENSORY GARDEN
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EXISTING PLAYGROUND
TODAY
TOMORROW
A diversity of playspaces that facilitate risky and adventurous play for all ages
GROUNDSWELL
WATER ACCESS MAIN STRUCTURES FUNCTIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTRUCTIVE CONSTRUCTIVE DRAMATIC DRAMATIC GAMES WITH RULES GAMES WITH RULES
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THE SITE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MOVEMENT
PATH FROM WATERTOWN SQUARE
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2
PATH ALONG CHARLES RIVER ROAD
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UNCONNECTED PATH FROM SENSORY GARDEN
TODAY
TOMORROW
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AR EA AY PL
IN SI FO GN + AG E
K W AL
W
AL K
+ BI KE
AC CE SS
PROPOSED ROUTES +PLAY
GA TH ER
EXISTING ROUTES + PACING JO G
Playspaces and meandering paths located to draw visitors into and through the park
AC CE SS
Fragmented spaces, limited entrances, and little signage or wayfinding
signs and views from Watertown Sq.
#71
rom us f
Ha
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Sq.
b
PED
#70 bus fro m MIT a
nd Central S
1 #59 bus from Needham
quare
wayfinding from bus
new path to river 2 CH AR LE IV S R ER CH AR LE IV S R ER
direct connection from road to sensory garden 3
expanded gateway with river views CHA
RLE
S R IVE
R
W
W
CH
potential connection across river
AR
LE
S R IVE
R
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PED
shaded paths 1 CH
opened river access
AR LE IV S R ER
2
CH
3
shaded play
AR LE IVE S R R
defined spaces
framed views river access CHA
RLE
S R IV
ER
W
W
CH
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AR
LE
S R IVE
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THE SITE
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTION
POOR WATER ACCESS
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LIMITED VIEWS OF RIVER
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PRIMARY WALKING PATH
TODAY
TOMORROW
Limited visibility and interaction with the Charles River
Enhanced access to water and play structures that gesture towards the river
EXISTING
PROPOSED
VIEWS
THICKET
VIEWS
TREES
CLEARING
TREES
TALL GRASSES C
CHARLE
H
A
R
LE
S
R
IV
E
S RIVER
CHARLES
RIVER
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R
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
EARLY PROTOTYPES
PROTOTYPE 01 A system of joinery that allows for a wide range of forms, dimensions, and program. all while being modular, easily transportable, and simply assembled.
PROTOTYPE 02 Enables users of various heights, sizes, and abilities to physically construct imaginative spaces that they can move through, play with, and climb over.
PROTOTYPE 03 Moveable canopies that create opportunities to climb, rest, and play. utilizing existing trees allows for a versatile system that is easily implemented in playgrounds and parks.
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CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
WORK SESSIONS + PIN UPS
THE SITE
INSPIRATION AND CONSIDERATION
Watertown’s portion of the Charles River Park offers residents and visitors a chance to interact with the river; however, portions of the park are underutilized and the river is relatively inaccessible. Our riverfront vision places particular emphasis on fostering sustained circulation and user engagement throughout the entirety of the park.
ACCESS
DIVERSIFY FRAME RIVER VIEW
DRAMATIC GAMES WITH RULES
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FUNCTIONAL
ACTIVATE
JOURNEY VEGETATION TOPOGRAPHY
CREATE JOURNEY THROUGH PARK
0’
4’
8’
16’
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INTRODUCING GROUNDSWELL 34
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GROUNDSWELL
DESIGNING A RIVERFRONT JOURNEY
Groundswell at the Charles creates a unifying language for the Watertown Riverfront. The flexible structure is incorporated throughout the park, improving a typical park journey and complementing existing features. Undulating forms mimic and sweep towards the river, inspiring meaningful and lively interactions with the Charles River.
RIVERSTONE BEACH
REN
TAL
ARE
A
DOCK
GAME COURSE
BANK STABILIZATION + RIVER ACCESS
A
SUPPORT
WATER ACTIVITIES
W
AT E
RT
O
W
B
ENGAGE
THE SHORELINE
N
SEATING NE W TO N
STRUCTURE SPANS RIVER
C
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CONNECT
LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS
D ENRICH
EXISTING PLAY
A
B
C
D
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GROUNDSWELL
USE IT
Groundswell can be adapted into diverse spaces for the four types of play (see page 9 for descriptions). It can be scaled large or small based on the context. Its generic form can be transformed into a playful space of any kind!
REST
A relaxing space for your family and friends
SPORT A flexible space for your favorite activities
EXERCISE
A novel space for your activity goals
IMAGINE
A stage for your wildest imagination
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SPORT A maze for your next adventure
TRAVERSE A structure for your new favorite route
CREATE A toolkit for your inspiration
SLIDE A dynamic playscape for your adventurous side
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“The beauty of this park is that it’s safe.” SCOTT, 45 MATTY, 11 KIMMY, 8
“This park is a great place to come and relax” MELANIE, 19
“Playing is the way to learn all different aspects of life.” DONALD, 71
“I love skating through on my way to work.” MILES, 40
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GROUNDSWELL
ADAPT IT
Groundswell’s flexible structure and materials are endlessly adaptable to different contexts. Customizing Groundswell to a new context is a simple process of design, production, assembly and selecting add-ons to enrich user experience.
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GROUNDSWELL
DESIGN
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CUSTOMIZABLE TO DIFFERENT SITES
PRODUCE
ASSEMBLE
ENRICH
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PROTOTYPE 49
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Scaled model of Groundswell. Produced in Sasaki’s Fabrication Lab. 51
PROTOTYPE
SASAKI DECK MODEL
Aside from designing a playscape to activate the Charles River path in Watertown, the interns were tasked with building a physical prototype to display on the deck at Sasaki’s office.
BEFORE
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AFTER
Using Sasaki’s CNC machine to cut the plywood boards for Groundswell.
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Final prototype on the deck of the Sasaki office in Watertown, Massachusetts.
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PRESENTATION
PANEL BOARDS
For the presentation of Groundswell, interns prepared 7 panel boards to display the groups’s work throughout the charrette. The boards included materials compiled in this report.
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PRESENTATION
CELEBRATION
On June 23, 2016 the Sasaki Interns presented their playscape and exhibition for a juried design critique. The presentation was followed by a playful celebration!
PARTY ITEMS
PRESENTATION
POSTCARDS
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MARKETING
@sasakisummerinterns 61
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SASAKI INTERNSHIP CHARRETTE SUMMER 2016 INTERNS
SUPPORT
Rachel Belanger Alexandra Donovan Neal Dos Santos Jia Qi Lisa He Melissa Isidor Ben Jacobs Tom Klein Ruichao Li Mengxuan Liu Helen Oyinlola Steven Peterson Sihui Ren Kira Sargent Jianwei Shi Kara Slocum Penny Snyder
F. Philip Barash Jill Allen Dixon Ali Eaton Jessica Harrington Chanwoo Kim Adde Morgan Jeanette Pastrana Matt Reese Einat Rosenkrantz Rhiannon Sinclair Kate Tooke Letitia Tormay Wendy Wang Christopher Winkler Isabel Zempel
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