PITSMOOR ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
1
WHAT IS PITSMOOR ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND?
GOOD CITIZENSHIP 2
3
LIFE SKILLS 4
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH 5
Table of Contents PITSMOOR ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND DISCLAIMER The information within this has been Produced by students of the Sheffield School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and strictly for educational and informative purposes only. Where possible, all pieces of work in this document have been appropriately acknowledged and referenced, this includes all photographs, diagrams, quotes, drawings, artworks and ideas. However, the author takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, either as a result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All installations have been designed for active play within the playground in accordance with the ethos and instructions given by the Playground Staff and committee. The Live Project Students do not take responsibility for maintenance or repairs and are not liable for any injuries that may occur during the period of it existence. To minimise the potential hazards, the Live project team have carried out initial Risk assessments for each installation which are to be reviewed and updated by the playground staff after handover. No part of this document should be reproduced without prior consent from the author.
6
AIM OF THE DOCUMENT 10 THE ROLE OF THE LIVE PROJECT TEAM 10 CONTEXT OF PLAYGROUND 12 CLIENT 12
TIMELINE 20 PLAYGROUND ETHOS
22
WORKSHOP ON SITE 36 PARTICIPATION & PUBLIC INTERACTION STRATEGIC ANALYSIS 42 SITE NEEDS AND ISSUE 44
38
ROOF GARDEN 50 PROJECT AREA PROJECT IDEA
50 50
HOW REALIZE IT? 51
what do you need? 51 MATERIALS 51 PALLETS 51 GARDEN WIRE 51 TOOLS 51 SAW 51 SCISSORS 51 FABRIC 51 BICYCLE INNER TUBE 51 DRILL 51 NAILS 51 BARREL 51 STAPLE GUN 51 A PIECE OF WOOD 51 HAMMER 51 SOIL 51 HANDS 51 TAPE MEASURE 51 PLASTIC BOTTLE 51 BENCH 52 what do you need to do? 52 1 step: 52 CUT THE PALLETS 52 2 step: 52 CUT THE PLANKS 52 MEASURE AND SAW PLANKS 52 STACK AND FIX PALLETS 52 NAIL PLANKS TO BENCH 52 GET LEGS FROM OTHER PALLETS SAW THE PLANKS 52 3 step: 53 KNOTS IN THE PIPES 53
52
7
1
INTRODUCTION
8
9
AIM OF THE DOCUMENT
THE ROLE OF THE LIVE PROJECT TEAM
The aim of this document is to provide the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground CIO with the tools they will need to continue their legacy. Their journey is ever changing as they move forward with each new wave of children and the playground needs to adapt and evolve with the times. This document will give guidance and initial steps on how to cope with this fast moving environment.
Over the 6 weeks the team have been working with the playground, we quickly overcame the fears of the playground’s board of directors and were welcomed as one of the family. As initial outsiders we offered a fresh perspective of ideas and observations that could be implemented to improve the overall experience of the Adventure Playground. Together we were able to devise a strategy of both short term and long term solutions that work with the existing layout of the playground using minimal expense to maximum effect. Through studying the surrounding context and interviewing members of the local community we were able to propose ideas that will enhance the role of the playground as a vital community asset.
In order to prepare for the future, you must first comprehend the past and the present. The first part of this document delivers research into the local environment, surrounding community and available resources. This knowledge and understanding can offer creative solutions for future plans and answers unexpected questions.
To initiate the process of improvement, the team chose to build four interventions that we felt addressed the most important and urgent issues on the site. The process of construction was recorded for future reference and maintenance. Other proposals from the strategic master plan have been outlined and costed with all important consultants and merchants briefed so that the process of construction is easier later in the year.
The second part of the document highlights design proposals, interventions and strategic moves for the playground. It is important that the proposed legacy is explained so that the they can continue to enhance the playground and approach potential sponsors with clear goals. The third part of the document details all the interventions the Live Project team have built on site. Step by step guides inform the playground staff on how to adapt and maintain and disassemble these interventions easily and environmentally years into the future. Design proposals outline larger installations that will be built on site after the Live Project team’s involvement is over, these can additionally be used for fundraising proposals and design consultations with playground engineers.
Through regular visits to the playground and carrying out workshops and we got to know the children and volunteers very well. We were able to involve them in various stages of the project and observe them on different days, under different conditions, thus developing a greater understanding for a more appropriate design solution. During this time we filmed their activity, creating a video that they can use to appeal to local companies for sponsorship securing the future of the playground for years to come.
10
11
CONTEXT OF PLAYGROUND
CLIENT
The land upon which the playground is found used to be a quarry giving way to a challenging but exciting sloped terrain that opens up the site to creative and adventurous installations. For over 40 years this land has been designated as community play space, granted by the Duke of Norfolk. Unfortunately it came under threat of closure in 2013 when Sheffield City Council cut its funding and could no longer manage or maintain the site. The local community rallied together and formed a charity, through extensive fundraising and supermarket bag packing they have been able to keep the playground gates open for children up to the age of 14.
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground CIO are a charitable incorporated organisation who work closely with a team of volunteers that dedicate their time and experience to improving the lives of the children in the local community. They are also one of the Lord Mayor’s Charities for 2015. Patrick Meleady is the Playground manager and the primary contact with the Live Project Team. His energy can be felt throughout the playground as he plays the ‘daddy’ role in the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Family. Yanina is the Chairman of the board and Fran organises fundraising and sponsorships. The rest of the ‘family’ are always in high spirits, even during the more challenging moments, with qualified staff onboard who can deal with any situation.
Due to the age and constant use of the playground, much of the playground equipment is becoming unsafe. Following a recent inspection the city council have removed the very popular and much loved swings. Other pieces of equipment of similar age and condition are now coming under threat of removal and the playground is in desperate need of creative solutions to revive its sense of adventure.
Another important stakeholder is Julia Sexton, a volunteer that is doing a research project on play in association with the playground. Her research and expertise has been valuable in both the understanding of the playground environment and providing guidance for our strategic master plan. Julia helped ensure we approached the designs appropriately and incorporated the capacity for multiple means of play. Steve Pool, a local artist and long time volunteer at the playground has designed and built installations for the playground in the past, his knowledge and insight was useful for the construction stages of the project.
There is historic precedence of student volunteers working with the playground to provide new equipment and it is a privilege that the Live Project Team can continue this tradition.
The most important of the Stakeholders on this project was, of course, the children! The team never lost sight that the work we were doing was with the playground, but for the children. They were involved where possible, but considered always.
12
13
INITIAL RESEARCH
14
15
STAKEHOLDERS This drawing represents all the important people involved with the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground in 2015 and has Pitsmoor Adventure Playground at its heart. The overriding theme is the importance of play, mostly for the children, but for the parents and carers too. The playground is surrounded by the local community with external organisations providing services, awareness and advice to support it from below. Four main groups branch out from the playground, these are significant lines of influence which have the power to effect the playground environment. The most immediate are The Team who are present on site regularly, this include, playground manager Patrick and the other volunteer playworkers. Next is the Local Partners, artists and researchers such as Julia Sexton and Steve Pool. Resources are the next line of influence as they impact the rate, size and quality of change. Finally are the Supporting groups who offer help and advice on matters of community, play and learning. There are also supporters offering technical & legal advice. Together, all these stakeholders form a comprehensive and symbiotic organisation working together and helping each other to create a better environment for the children and local community.
COMMUNITY MAPPING Involvement with the community and good citizenship are encouraged to all the parents & children that visit the Playground. We therefore walked around Pitsmoor and interviewed some of the local residents to greater understand their perceptions of both their neighbourhood area and their connection to the playground. The results of this research have been represented in the form of a diagrammatic map. This map shows all the main places that people visit day to day with the size correlating to its significance among the community. It is centred around Ellesmere Green, which after a renovation project in 2006, has become the heart of Pitsmoor. The map also shows quotes by residents from many different cultural backgrounds voicing their opinions about the positive benefits of the multicultural community, local amenities and opportunities to socialise in the public realm.
Black African 8%
Bangladeshi 0.6%
Black Carribean 4%
Indian 2%
Gypsy 0.2% British and others 55.7%
Pakistani 23%
Eastern European 3.3%
Somalian 3.2%
16
17 The population percentage of Burngreave Census 2011
#shops#community#differentfood#
#differentnationalities #goodmixofpeople #parentsactivity
#pray#neighbours #differentbackground #arrived2013
PI
TS
M
O
O
R
WHAT DOES
#engage#community#differentculture #childreen #playground
MEAN?
u)
yo (for
#parents#community#children#activity
#shops#2yearsago#fromallaroundtheworld#
#mosque#pray#interestingplayground #mosque#myfood#plaza#Shopping
#mosque#cafe#arrived2002#meetfriend INTERACTIVE INTERVIEW The public were asked to draw what comes to mind when thinking about Pitsmoor in order to greater understand the social and physical environment within the community.The main themes were: Multiple Cultures, Different Foods, Religious Opportunities, Community Interaction. 18
19
TIMELINE
W
W
II R
PIT
EF
SM
UG
EE
CR
19
OO
RA
70
ISE
S
DV
EN
TU
RE
PL
AY
The land the playground is built on was granted in perpetuity for use by children and the community for play by the Duke of Norfolk. And in the early (late 1970s?) local residents raised money to build the adventure playground there, helping to build the equipment themselves.
Sheffield has always been one of the anchor cities for refugees especially during world war two refugee crises.
The concept of Adventure Playgrounds had its beginnings in the early 1940’s. During and after WW II,children were often to be seen playing on bomb sites, lighting fires, building a variety of structures, mainly dens and the like, using the materials readily available there as well as whatever the surroundings offered.
BIR T AD H & VE DE NT VE UR LO E P PM LA EN YG T O RO F UN THE D
19
GR
OU
ND
This more imaginative and exciting approach to play opportunities was explored by a wide range of organisations including some local authorities as a consequence of realisation of the need for more clearly defined and dedicated spaces for children’s play where children could express themselves, explore, experiment, invent and extend their patterns of play.This thinking may have been the birth of the Adventure playground concept and was adopted in Sorenson’s “Junk Playground” as it was referred to, established in 1943 in a small urban area, Emdrup just outside Copenhagen with “a grown-up who can help, but won’t boss – and the rest is up to children”.
40
’s
20
21
PLAYGROUND ETHOS The idea of adventure playgrounds began in the 1940’s by landscape architect C.Th. Sørensen, envisaging a place for children to create and shape the nature of their own play. 60 years on and the Pitsmoor Adventure playground share a similar ethos, encouraging children to take safe risks and learn through active play. Managed and staffed by qualified playworkers, the playground is a place for children to explore and utilise as they see fit. The playground is filled with both fixed and loose play equipment that offer the children opportunity to change and adapt their environment repeatedly. Influenced by the philosophy of the ‘Junkyard Playground’ they push for the use of reclaimed & recycled materials. The temporary nature of these materials embodies the ideas of creative thinking and continuous evolution. Children work together using these materials to both enhance their playground experience and develop skills for life.
The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct - Carl Jung
The children come from a range of culturally diverse backgrounds and the volunteers work very hard to provide an inclusive environment where all children can play together. They aim to achieve a safe and welcoming environment for both the local children and their parents. Through small community outreach activities, the playground teaches good citizenship, so that the children can give back to the local community and have a wider impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Following the ethos of the playground we have contacted large number of companies in the local area who are able to donate useful materials for the construction of playground equipment. Materials such as Pallets, Rope, Tyres and Boulders have all been sources and details added to an active spreadsheet that can be updated as more materials are found in the future. These sources have then been added into an interactive map, which can also be updated, to offer a more visual representation of where these materials can be found. Once a material has been chosen, the challenge is to design an effective piece of play equipment. The inspirational boards show a wide selection of images that offer creative ideas for using different reclaimed & recycled materials in a playground environment. Informed by a workshop with the children, using gold stars to identify their favourite ideas, the most desired and useful images were chosen and included in this document.
22
23
Materials
Material Details
Short/Medium /Long Term
Price
Source Type
Company
What materials are there?
What more do we know about the materials
How long can they keep supplying materials for?
Is it free?
What type of company is it?
What is the Name of the Company?
Trade/DIY/Fitted
Long Term
Cardboard Tubes & Carpet
4m x 12 cm Diam
Long Term
Free
Carpet Shop
Glenmill Carpets
Cardboard Tubes & Carpet
4m x 12 cm Diam
Long Term
Free
Carpet Shop
Carpet Roll End Center
Cardboard Sheets & Boxes
Various Sizes
Long Term
Free
Packing Warehouse
Cardboard Sheets & Boxes
Various Sizes
Long Term
Free
Packing Warehouse
Address/Location
Distance Phone From Site Contact Number (Miles)
Email Address
Website
Notes
Is the a specific Where do we collect it person we need from to speak to?
How far is it What is the phone from the number? playground
What is their email address?
What is their Website?
What additional information do we need to know if we would like to get the materials from them?
jez@sheffieldkitchenoutlet.com
www.sheffieldkitchenoutlet.com
You will need to send email with drawings and details of what is wanted. He will then discuss with colleagues about what deals/discount they can do.
Get rid of them on a regular basis so call and check they have some in stock
Contact Name
Bathroom & Kitchen Kitchens
Discounded For Kitchen Outlet Charity
Unit 1b-1g, Carlisle House, 99 Carlisle St E, Sheffield S4 7QN
0.9
0114 275 5775
38-42 Spital Hill, Sheffield S4 7LG
0.5
0114 272 0200
www.glenmillcarpets.co.uk
4 Lady's Bridge, Sheffield S3 8GA
0.9
0114 272 3907
www.carpets-r-us.blogspot.co.uk
Call Day Before
West Pack Ltd
100 Cornish St, Sheffield S6 3AA
1.2
0114 276 0555
www.westpack.co.uk
Call Day Before
SAR Boxmakers
Neepsend Industrial Estate, 80 Parkwood Rd, Sheffield S3 8AG
1.5
0114 272 3477
www.sar-boxmakers.co.uk
Call Day Before
Eric Gilbert Carpets, 672 Abbeydale Rd, Sheffield S7 2BB
4.2
0114 258 1169
www.ericgilbertcarpets.co.uk
Available Weekdays Not Tuesday Afternoon
Surefit Carpets Ltd, 91 Sandringham Rd, Intake, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 5JA, United Kingdom
24
01143 217511
www.surefit-carpets.co.uk
Based in doncaster but have a constant supply of tubes
375 - 383 Attercliffe Road Washford Road Sheffield S9 3XW
1.5
0114 244 9006
www.doorsgalore.co.uk
Don't have much waste or returned stock, but might get lucky if called on the right day.
6 Ranskill Court Sheffield S9 5FZ
3.6
0114 256 1615
www.doorpac.co.uk
Need to email with requests for specific items and inform its for the charity and will consider the donation.
Martin
Doordeals Ltd. Unit 3 Soho Works Saxon Road Sheffield, S8 0XY
3.9
01142 557 800
www.doordeals.co.uk
Don't always have things but willing to check warehouse for items. Call in advance to find out
.................
Unit 1 Limestone Cottage Lane Sheffield S1 1Nj
3.6
0114 3482116
www.theexternaldoorcompany.co.uk
..........................
59 Spital Hill, Sheffield S4 7LD, UK
0.6
01142731067
Sheffield Kitchen Outlet
Jez (Branch Manager)
Brick Cardboard
Cardboard Tubes & Carpet
4m x 12 cm Diam
Long Term
Free
Carpet Shop
Erci Gilbert Carpets
Cardboard Tubes & Carpet
4m x 12 cm Diam
Long Term
Free
Carpet Shop
Surefit Carpets
Doors , Floors + Stairs
Returned/Damaged Doors Floor Boards
Long Term
Maybe Free Maybe Not
Door & Floor Dealership
Doors Galore
Doors & Skirtings
Offcuts, Doors, Skirtings
Long Term
Door Manufacture + Sales
Door Pac
Doors & Skirtings
Returned/Damaged Doors Skirting Boards
Long Term
Free
Door Dealership
Door Deals
Doors
Returned/Damaged Doors Skirting Boards
Long Term
.................
Long Term
Free
Steve
Helen
enquiries@ericgilbertcarpets.co.uk
Doors + WIndows
The External Door Dealership Door Company
Frank
enquiries@doorpac.co.uk
..........................
Construction Waste Products Random Tube = 200-800mm Diam Long Lengths
Pallets Plastic Tubes
Short
Free
Skip Hire
CarryLiam & Co
Midland Construction Site North Construction
Stuart Bell
www.carryliam.co.uk
Drop in and see what they have If we give him details about length of piping he can cut down to size and transport it to site for us
Workhouse Ln, Sheffield S3 8PH, UK
1
07717686660
1.7
0114 236 6222
www.mrrubble.co.uk
Have tried to contact, but no response yet. It might be worth contacting again in the future
www.valleyreclamation.co.uk
Have tried to contact, but no response yet. It might be worth contacting again in the future
Stuart.Bell@northmid.co.uk
Random
Skip Hire and waste removals
Long Term
Skip Hire
Mr Rubble Skip Hire
The Recycling Centre Stevenson Road, Sheffield, S9 3XG
Reclaimed Materials
Random Bits: Bricks, Sleepers, Iron Columns, Doors Etc
Long Term
Reclamation Yard
Valley Reclamation
Valley Reclamation, The Brick Centre, Pottery Lane East, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9BX, United Kingdom
14.3
01246 450366
Topsoil, Sand, Aggregates, Crushed Skip Hire and waste removals Concrete
Long Term
.................
Skip Hire
Dixons Waste & Skip Hire Ltd
.................
37 Washford Road, Sheffield S9 3XW,
......
0114 256 0398
..........................
www.dixons-skips.co.uk
..........................
Pallets, Timber, Boxes, Blocks, etc
.................
.................
Building Products
Ancon
.................
Ancon Building Products President Way President Park Sheffield, S4 7UR United Kingdom
......
0114 275 5224
..........................
www.ancon.co.uk
They don't want to get rid of anything, said they are not allowed to
Waterproof Fabric
Heavy Duty Lorry Curtain Fabric
Long Term
Free
Truck Haulage Company
C&D Express Transport
Boyland St, Sheffield, Morris Ducker South Yorkshire S3 8BA
0.8
0114 2737799
www.cdtransport.co.uk
They normally bin the old one, call and see if they have any they have not thrown away yet
Curtains
Fabric Offcuts
Long Term
ÂŁ5 for 5 bundles Curtain Company DFW Curtains of offcuts
Units 2 & 3 St Marys House Sheffield S2 4LA
2.8
0114 275 6130
www.dfwcurtains.com
They sell their off cuts but can visit them to see what they have
Curtains
Fabric Offcuts
Long Term
Made to Measure Curtains
Moonlight Textiles Ltd
76 - 88 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1FF
3.3
0114 258 8555
www.moonlight-textiles.co.uk
Have tried to contact, but no response yet. It might be worth contacting again in the future
Vinyl Banners
Offcuts Wrong prints
Long Term
Free
Sign Manufacturers
Image Sign Studio
Image Sign Studio, 219a Handsworth Road, Sheffield S13 9BH, United Kingdom
4.5
0114 261 7617
www.imagesignstudio.com
Call In advance to see what they have and if they are available for you to come and collect
Waterproof Fabric
Heavy Duty Lorry Curtain Fabric
Long Term
.................
Truck Haulage Company
H. Askey Transport Ltd
Livesey St, Sheffield S6 2BL, UK
2.3
0114 234 3444
www.askeytransport.co.uk
..........................
All Sorts
Tools, fixtures & fittings, rope, tarpaulin all to be found in container
Long Term
Already Owned Existing Supplies
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Storage Container
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Burngreave Street, Pitsmoor Sheffield S3
0
Screws, Bolts, Nuts Washer + tools
Cheapest in town
Long Term
Cheap Not Free Hardware Store
Toolstation
2, Parkwood Industrial Estate, Welland Cl, Sheffield S3 9QY
0.8
0808 100 7211 or 0330 333 3303
www.toolstation.com
Can purchase online and get delivered for free on orders over ÂŁ10
Foam + Fabric
Offcuts
Long Term
Upholsters
Eco Sofas
Eco Sofas 161 Rutland Road Sheffield S3 9PP
0.5
0114 246 8477
http://keithsimpsonsofas.co.uk
Have tried to contact, but no response yet. It might be worth contacting again in the future
Foam + Fabric
Offcuts
Long Term
Free
Upholsters
Norwood Upholstery
Unit 8 Regent Works Burton Road Sheffield S3 8BX
1
0114 273 0771
www.norwoodupholsterysheffield.co.uk
Call in advance to see what they have, generally have random off cuts of different lengths, possibly foam
Foam + Fabric
Offcuts
Long Term
Free
Upholsters
Star Upholstery
Star Upholstery 92-94 Bradfield Road Hillsborough Sheffield S6 2BZ
2.2
0114 23 40 682
www.starupholstery-sheffield.co.uk
Can't Store much on property so gets it removed every few days. Call in advance and tell him what you want (consider regulations on what foam is safe) he can put some aside for collection
Building Products
Fabric + Textiles
.................
..........................
Fixtures and FIttings Always check your existing supplies before going to buy new items as it is likely that you already have some.
Foam
24
Ivan
25
what to make with timber planks
what to make with timber pallets
Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards:
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
2 Rain and humidity Shrinkage and Swelling Deterioration due to moisture Fungi and insects
2 Rain and humidity Shrinkage and Swelling Deterioration due to moisture Fungi and insects 3 Only use heat treated pallets
PARENTS FACILITES
WALL SYSTEM
GAMES 26
PARENTS FACILITES
GARDEN SYSTEMS
GAMES 27
what to make with wood chipping
what to make with ropes and nets
Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards:
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
2 Cleaning
2 Deterioration due to rain 3 Recylced rope can nor be used for climbing
GARDEN SYSTEMS
PARENTS FACILITES
what to make with doors and windows Potential Risks & Hazards: 1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control 2 Rain and Humidity
WALL SYSTEMS
GAMES 28
GAMES 29
what to make with tyres
what to make with carboard tubes
Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards:
1 Fire - toxic smoke - requires vigilant quality control
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control 2 Deterioration due to rain
PARENTS FACILITES
GARDEN SYSTEMS
GAMES 30
PARENTS FACILITES
WALL SYSTEMS
GAMES 31
what to make with cardboard box
what to make with cable reel Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards: 1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
1 Fire - requires vigilant quality control
2 Deterioration due to rain
2 Hard to fix
3 Does not take much load
GAMES
PARENTS FACILITES
what to make with cardboard box
what to make with metal drums Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards: 1 Fire - requires vigilant control
1 Sharp edges
2 Gets dirty easily
2 Heavy - hard to move around
GAMES 32
GARDEN SYSTEMS 33
what to make with plastic pipes
what to make with plastic bottles
Potential Risks & Hazards:
Potential Risks & Hazards:
1 Sharp edges
1 Hard to clean 2 Rain increased weight
PARENTS FACILITES
PARENTS FACILITES
GARDEN SYSTEMS
GARDEN SYSTEMS
GAMES 34
GAMES 35
WORKSHOP ON SITE Among the many times the Live Project Team engaged with the children, the most informative event was a ‘Loose Parts Play’ activity that made use of reclaimed materials to make temporary installations. A selection of, cardboard tubes & boxes, rope, netting, fabric, tape, cable reels and more were laid on the floor for the children to design, build and experiment with. A single sign which read: “Make Something, Change Something, Make Something Better!” was the only instructions they were given. The aim was to identify what types of installations the children would build revealing ideas on what the playground might benefit from in the future. The most common themes were: A place to hideaway Something on which to swing Something on which to climb Overall the event was a great success and the children truly engaged with the activity. Among these three themes, we learnt that the children (and staff) enjoyed the process of making. They felt proud of their achievements, knowing that they have possibly enhanced their surroundings.
36
37
PARTICIPATION & PUBLIC INTERACTION The Pitsmoor Adventure Playground is a charity, their limited funds meant that they were not able to provide a specific budget for the project but were willing to discuss it with us after our initial proposals. As a Team we decided that we would try to fundraise what we could through a bake sale minimising/eliminating our need to use their valuable resources. After baking late into the night, we made a large selection of cakes and treats that were sold outside the University Students Union during lunch. Through positive attitude, teamwork, and beautiful cello music by Juliette Sung, we managed to sell all the stock and fundraise raise a total of ÂŁ271. To further show our support, we made appearances at public events organised by the Playground explaining to others what we were doing to help the playground. This resulted in us meeting the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councellor Talib Hussain, at the winter gardens, talking to him about the Live Projects Scheme from the University of Sheffield School of Architecture and more specifically what our team is doing for Pitsmoor Adventure Playground. Members of the team have been photographed & published in the local newspaper on two separate occasions, we were also repeatedly posted on their twitter & instagram feeds. The Playground shows appreciation for our work and wanted to include us in the memory of their legacy.
38
39
DESIGN PROCESS
40
41
STRATEGIC ANALYSIS
The three images featured on this page (and again overleaf) show how children, staff and parents use the site. Firstly, we used Julia’s research that had been undertaken prior to our involvemnt in the project. We then visited the site twice at different times of the day to see how the site was being used. We found that there were similarities between the research studies, namely: Underused roof space Underused area to the south-east and south-west of the site Parents generally stayed in one place and didn’t venture into the site frequently The slide is very popular There are not many opportunities for natural play, despite the nature of the site Younger childfen tend to play close to the indoor area, while older children tend to play further away This information will help inform our strategies for interventions
movement & activity throughout the site
Julia Sexton’s research
live project team’s first visit research 42
live project team’s second visit research 43
44
45
46
47
Strategic masterplan
UTILISE ROOF SPACE
AREA FOR PARENTS OR PLAY Den Making Natural Play Connect equipment to trees
TEEPEE / DEN BUILDING
KEY STRATEGIES: SAFE ‘HIGH RISK’ PLAY
Connect Areas
Use materials not already found in the playground NATURAL PLAY & SENSORY OPPORTUNITIES UTILISE DIP & HILL
VEGETATION INFORMING CIRCULATION DANGEROUS SLIDE ACCESS
IMPROVED CIRCULATION ROUTES
MAZE STRUCTURE UNDERUSED PLAY EQUIPMENT
SWINGS
Make connections between areas exciting and part of the play Large piece to encourage exploration to the south of the site Focus activities on experiences not currently founxd within the site
CLIMB DIG ENTANGE GROW DANGLE SCRAMBLE CRAWL JUMP SWING
Shelter
of the site
SHELTER / CANOPY
VANDALISM & THEFT
Grow
Visual connection
LIMITED STORAGE
Utilise the unused areas in the site
Encourage parents/ children to explore this part
EXTRA PROVISIONS FOR PARENTS
Visual connection to new large intervention Connection required Poorly defined area Implement natural play Start of new ‘route’
ISSUES
NEEDS
Swings around here to encourage use Large ‘hub’ feature required
PROPOSALS
Site needs and issues
48
49
Engage with nature Minibeasts area Solitary
End of new route. Improve safety near slide
Proposed masterplan
existing & proposed activities
1
Forest dens and rope maze
5
4
3
2
Rope web (tied between trees)
Roof garden
Shipping container storage
8
7
6
2 18 6 6
Canopy over well-used play area
16
17
Tyre climbing area
Crawling tunnels/ seating
Climbing nets with added play equipment
10
11
12
Monkey bars
Tyre swings
Log jamb
‘Make-your-own-play’ area
13
14
15
16
Shallow pond/ nature area
Use ropes to pull yourself up the steep hill
Tyre balancing area
Bug hotels
17
18
9
11
7 3 5
8 9
10
15
12
13 4
14
Some areas to be implemented over time
Black
Logs (with nets)
50
Large rocks and timber posts for children to climb on
51
text indicates interventions
future
Red text indicates interventions already built by the live project team
BUILT INTERVENTIONS
52
53
ROOF GARDEN
HOW REALIZE IT? what do you need?
PROJECT AREA MATERIALS
PALLETS
FABRIC
BARREL
A PIECE OF WOOD
5 U.
GARDEN WIRE 5 U.
PROJECT IDEA
SOIL
PLASTIC BOTTLE
BICYCLE INNER TUBE
visual image
TOOLS
SAW
SCISSORS 54
DRILL
NAILS
HAMMER
STAPLE GUN 55
HANDS
TAPE MEASURE
BENCH what do you need to do?
3 step:
1 step:
prepare the connection ropes between pipes & main ropes
CUT THE PALLETS
CUT THE PLANKS
STACK AND FIX PALLETS
you need to cut one big pallet into two same pallets. pallets.
you need to use saw to cut off some plankts for the room of plants.You just need to cut one pallet.
Stack two pallets and put the cutted one in the top. Then use hammer and nails fix them together.
+
+
+
GET LEGS FROM OTHER PALLETS You need to dismantle other pallets and get their legs.
+
KNOTS IN THE PIPES
KNOTS WHIT THE DIFFERENT ROPES
CUT THE ROPES
slipknot follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) slipknot
for healt and safety the ropes need to be cutted , in this way the follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) devil childreen can’t destroy the knots
+
+
+
2 step:
FIX THE LEG INTO PALLETS
MEASURE AND SAW PLANKS NAIL PLANKS TO BENCH
You need to nail 6 legs in 4 corners You need to measure and 2 appropriate size of middles with the pallet and you plankts from other pallets and can get the use saw cut them off. main body of bench chair.
+
+
You need to nail planks around the mainbody of bench.
+
+ 56
SAW THE PLANKS You need to saw planks and keep them in same length
+ 57
BARREL PLANTS what do you need to do?
PLASTIC BOTTLE PLANT what do you need to do?
1 step:
1 step:
COVER OPENING OF BARREL
USE STRAP TO TRAP THE FAB- PUT SOIL ON FABRIC RIC
You need to put soil on fabric.
PLATNT
CUT ON BOTTLE SURFACE
MAKE FOUR HOLES ON BOTTLE
CUT THE GREEN WIRE
Plant into the soil.
You need to cut a square shape on the bottle surface.
You need to drill two groups of parallel holes on the surface of bottle
You need to cut appropriate length to tie bottles.
You need to cut appropriate size You need to use the strap to trap of fabric and use it cover the the fabric,in order to make room opening of barrel. for plants.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
CUT THE WOOD
TIE THE SUPPORTER
PLANT
You need to cut the wood into small pieces as the supporter. pallets.
You need use the green wire tie the supporter to bottles, in order to prevent bottles from falling.
You need to put soil and plant appropriate plants to bottles. pallets.
+ 58
+
+
+ 59
+
A FRAME what do you need to do? 1 step:
REMOVE THE ADDITIONAL PLANKTS You need to remove the additional parts from two same pallets. Then,you keep the plankts.
+
REMOVE THE NAILS
REASSEMBLE PALLETS
You need to remove all nails which You need to use pieces of wood to reassemble the frame. left in the pallets.
+
+
MEASURE AND CUT BRCAING You need to measure and cut a new structural bracing.
+
2 step:
ASSEMBLE THE FRAME You need to make two same pallets and use the bracing to assemble the A frame.
+ 60
CUT PLASTIC FABRICATION
STAPLE FABRICATION TO FRAME
PUT THE SOIL INTO THE FRAME
You need to cut the fabrication into appropriate size for the frame.
You need to staple fabrication into the inner space of the frame.
You need to put the soil in the space which created by the fabrication.
+
+ 61
+
MUD KITCHEN
MUDKITCHEN
HOW REALIZE IT? what do you need?
PROJECT AREA MATERIALS
PALLETS
FAKE GRASS
SINK
HOOKS
5 U.
PROJECT IDEA visual image
TOOLS
SAW
SCISSORS 62
DRILL
NAILS
HAMMER
SCREWS 63
TAPE MEASURE
HANDS
MUDKITCHEN
MUDKITCHEN what do you need to do? 1 step:
CUT HALF PALLET You need to cut a big pallet and keep the half shape. Then you need remove the nails.
ASSEMBLE STRUCTURAL FRAME You need to make the structural frame and assemble it with the half pallet.
MAKE THE SINK FRAME You need to make a sink frame and fix it into the mainframe.
+
+
+
PUT THE SINK INTO THE MAINFRAME You need to put the sink into the space of main frame.
+
2 step:
ASSEMBLE THE BRACING
MEASRE AND CUT SHELF
You need use screw to fix bracing You need to measure to the legs of mainframe. appropriate size of shelf and cut it off with fake grass.
+
+
FIX SHELF TO MAINFRAME
ASSEMBLE HOOKS
You need to nail the shelf to mainframe.
+
+ 64
+ 65
PIPES FOREST
HOW REALIZE IT? what do you need?
PROJECT AREA
MATERIALS
ROPES
PLASTIC PIPES
PALLETS
TARPAULIN
sisal rope 12 mm 100m 6 mm 80m
pvc grey pipes 20 u. 12 mm 8 mm pvc blue pipes 30 u. 5 mm
5 U.
blue 4m X 1,80m 3 u. white 4m X 1,80m 1 u.
SAW
DRILL
HAMMER
HANDS
SISSORS
NAILS
SAND PAPER
TAPE MEASURE
PROJECT IDEA visual image
TOOLS
66
67
DANGLIN PIPES what do you need to do?
3 step:
1 step:
prepare the connection ropes between pipes & main ropes
prepare the pipes
CHOOSE THE LENGTH
CUT THE PIPES
SANDING THE END
you need a different pipe misure
use a saw for cutting the pipes where you’ve already decided. Be carefull!
after the cut probably the end ofthe hole is necessary for let the the pipes could need to be sand ropes pass trought the pipes . ‘cause can be jagged edge
+
+
+
DRILL A HOLE INSIDE THE PIPES
+
KNOTS IN THE PIPES
KNOTS WHIT THE DIFFERENT ROPES
CUT THE ROPES
slipknot follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) slipknot
for healt and safety the ropes need to be cutted , in this way the follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) devil childreen can’t destroy the knots
+
+
+
2 step:
prepare the ropes connection between trees
STUDY THE KNOTS
FIRST KNOT
TIGHTEN THE ROPE
SECOND KNOT
we use two different type of knot: slipknot for healt and safety the knots needslipknot the first one_ for a strong follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) to strong and the rope very tight . follow the picture for do it. (1,2,3,4) connection around the tree. Use all your the second one_helpfull for tighten the rope between the trees.
+
+
+ 68
+ 69
DENS what do you need to do?
3 step:
floor and carpet
1 step:
pallets and tarpaulin connection
MOVE THE TARPAULIN OVER FIX THE TARPAULIN THE MAIN ROPES
use a the hammer and nails for connect the tarpaulin within the pallet , so you have a strong connection!
choose the length
+
TIGHTEN THE TARPAULIN
+
+
FIX THE TARPAULIN after be sure that the tarpaulin is tigh, use a the hammer and nails for connect the tarpaulin within the pallet
+
+
+
+
+
PUT THE CARDBOARD AND THE GRASS CARPET choose the position and length to cover all the pallets surface floor.
+
+
FIX THE CARPET
CUT THE CARPET
use a the hammer and nails for connect the carpet within the pallet , so you have a strong connection!
cut the carpet in excess.
+
+
2 step:
adjust the tarpaulin
ADJUST THE TARPAULIN
+
CUT THE TARPAULIN
FIX THE TARPAULIN
choose the length and cut the tarpauling in excess
use the staple gun for fix the tarpaulin edge
+
+
+ 70
+ 71
+
PIPES FOREST
MAINTIENENCE
REALIZED PROJECT
DANGLIN PIPES FAQ
HOW CHANGE THE ROPES? during the installation life could be the need to change the ropes , so every connection ropes between trees can be removed and changed. exacly the 2 knot (fig.1 ) could be untied .
how?
4
FIRST KNOT
3 2
SECOND KNOT
THE FIRST KNOT TO UNTIE IT’S THE SECOND ONE _start to get out the rope ( n 1) from the loop. _ tight the rope (n 2) and ando the first knot _ untied the second knot (n 3) _ loose the rope around the tree (n 4)
3 2
_start to loose the knot ( n 1 ) _ push the rope (n 2) and ando the knot _ loose the rope around the tree (n 3)
1
1 HOW TIGHT THE ROPES? during the installation life could be the need to tighten the ropes ,’cause the den pressure and the children play could be reason of loosening, so every connection ropes between trees can be tight . exactly the 2 knot (fig.1 ) could be untied .
how?
untied the first knot (follow the first image ) and tight again the rope HOW TO CHANGE THE PIPES ? during the installation life could be the need to change the pipes ,’cause the children play could be reason of broken , so every connection ropes between pipes and the main rope can be ando . exactly the knots used fot this connection its colled slipknot .
CHILDREN REACTION
how?
untied the second knot (follow the second image ) , change the pipe and do the knot again
DEN FAQ
HOW TO CHANGE THE TARPAULIN ? During the installation life could be the need to change or to tight the tarpaulin ,because the children play could be reason of broken
how?
It important remove the connection nails on the pallets base, untied the tarpaulin and tight again or change it .
HOW TO CHANGE THE CARPET? during the installation life could be the need to change the grass carpet or the cardboard sheet, because the children play , the rain , could be reason of broken
how?
Remove the nails and change the carpet
This forest was opened in October 2015. It was achieved with the help of Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Live Project team from Sheffield School of Architecture and the following material suppliers. We would like to acknowledge the kind support of:
Simons Group Ltd. Plastic pipe
Mudfords Rope
The Foundry Rope 72
73
ROOF GARDEN
HOW REALIZE IT? what do you need?
PROJECT AREA MATERIALS
TYRE
BOLT
WASHERS
TAPES
WIRE
ROCK
spanner
spade
SOIL
5 U.
NUTS
PROJECT IDEA visual image
5 U.
TOOLS
DRILL
piler
SCISSORS hammer 74
TAPE MEASURE 75
SLIDE ACCESS what do you need to do? 1 step:
DRILL HOLES
CONNECT THE BOLTS
Drill holes on tyres where bolts will Not over cut the holes that will go, make sure the steel belting weaken the tyre are not exposed
+
WRAP THE WIRE
FIX THE BOLTS
LOCKING BOTH SIDES
STRENGTHEN STRUCTURE
TIED WITH WIRE
Use a wrench to squeeze the bolts through the hole
Wrenches needed to placed on both sides to ensure the locking is strong enough
Put gravels around the timber piles before filling soil to the holes.
The first row of the tyres are tied to Tapes has played a protective effect to the sharp wire the slide to prevent slipping
+
+
+
+ +
2 step:
+
MAKIGN SEATS Ropes are stiched between the holes drilled on the double height tyre
+
+
+
+
2 step:
DUPLICATE THE STEPS
DOUBLE THE HEIGHTS
DIGGIGN HOLES
WOOD PILES
MAKING SEATS 2
DRAIN HOLES
FILLING SOILS
AFFOREST
Rows of tyres are connected to each other
Holes are drilled on the sides to connect another tyre
Dig holes until 500mm deep to lay the foundation
Wood pilings are laid on the gap between the tyres to hang the whole structure on the slope
Ropes interspersed have to be loose to provide a comfortable seat
Each tyre has to be punched at least a drain hole to prevent ponding
Rocks, gravels and soils are filled into the tyres on after another to give a consolidation
Small plants are grown.
+
+
+
+
+ 76
+
+ 77
+
THE OUTCOMES
78
79
DESIGN INTENT
80
81
DESIGN INTENT
Design Intent
As a Live Project Team, we endeavoured to provide the playground with as many new ideas and pieces of equipment as possible. Unfortunately, with limited time, it was impossible to build them all and we have therefore produced a collection of intended design proposals so the playground can build them at a later date. Each design proposal includes: • Visuals of the proposed design on the site • The materials needed to build it • The number of people needed for construction • Basic Construction steps • Difficulty level • An estimated cost • Contact information of who can provide materials, labour and expertise for construction
3. Rooftop Canopy 6. Tyre swing
1. Net forest 7. Playing poles
4. Shelter
Key Information for Construction Materials
Difficulty
Manpower
Estimate Cost 5. Climbing net
2. Shipping container Timber
Rope
Metal fixing
Chain
Tyre
Moderate
Easy Net
Plastic bottles
Plastic fabric
Hard
1 Person
Low
Medium
High
Barrel
82
83
1 Net forest Concept/ Design Approach One of the strongest responses from both children and Pitsmoor staff using the ‘Inspiration Boards’ was to have a netted area to play, climb or simply relax on. The design intent is to create a netted walkway which stretches across certain parts of the existing woodland area. The children can climb, walk and play across the walkway, while parents too can climb on and experience the fun or simply relax.
Materials needed
Manpower
Existing Area
Difficulty
Cost Estimate
• •
Netting kindly donated by South West Play Delivery cost of £37.50
Proposed Net Forest Basic Construction Steps
1 Get your net and high strength rope ready! 84
2 Tie the rope to the corners of the safety netting and and stretch it out to fix on a tree. 85
3 Repeat the previous step on the other trees.
2. Shipping Container Concept/ Design Approach One of the main concerns raised by the Pitsmoor staff was the lack of storage they currently have on site. The design intent is to provide the playground with an additional storage container which would be located beside the existing one.
Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The 20ft shipping container will be kindly donated by Ace Containers, minus a delivery cost of £180 from Leeds to Sheffield. The cost of crane hire for the day has been estimated at between £300-£750.
After
Construction
Existing access to the site is narrow and the topography is very steep, therefore the only way to get the container into the site would need to be by crane. The health and safety standards for such a task means that the staff at Pitsmoor would need to apply for short term road closure to Sheffield City Council and the operation would need to be supervised. The ground where the container is to be placed would also need to be levelled. The process is not easy and would need to be planned out well and require the involvement and cooperation of both professional and governmental bodies.
86
87
3. Rooftop Canopy Concept/Design Approach Following the ‘Community Mapping’ investigation, a common reason from several adults for why they didn’t visit the playground was a lack of things to do, seating and shelter from bad weather. The SSoA Live Project 2015 Team have proposed a rooftop canopy to complement the newly constructed rooftop garden, offering a place for parents to socialise. The canopy would be a temporary and easy-to-build structure, and offer the ability to be flexible and open up.
Before Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The truck tarpaulin will be kindly donated by Ace Containers and the posts can be sourced from Timberplay in Sheffield. The cost of the pulley system could cost upwards of £100.
After
Basic Construction Steps
88
Step1
Step 2
Step 3
Place the timber post into the tyres and fill it with concrete.
Ropes are tied to the timber posts.
The tarpaulin fabric would then be fixed to the top of the posted using a pulley system to create flexibility and be able to open up
89
4. Shelter Concept/Design Approach The design intent for the shelter was to construct a more permanent structure for the playground and for parents to social. The shelter would be made from recycled materials, have an interaction with nature and offer a place to rest. The proposed location would be directly in front of the Pitsmoor common building. With the shelter sited here, the activities in the playground are not disturbed and its position provides parents the views to watch their children play. Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The SSoA Live Project 2015 Team has sourced free steel barrels, welding wire and nonstructural timber. The structural timber or steel work would not be free and has not yet been sourced, but will potentially be in the region of over ÂŁ500. The structure would also require foundations and need to be designed by an engineer which could cost over ÂŁ100.
After
Basic Construction Steps
90
Step1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
The structure of the shelter would be constructed of load-bearing timber or steelwork, the choice would be with the Pitsmoor staff
One rear elevation of the shelter would be clad using wood from timber pallet or fences
Weld the two barrels into one tall one
One of the side elevations would consist of metal barrel filled with soil and stacked in an alternating sequence with the top-most row containing vegetation
91
5. Climbing net Concept/Design Approach The playground currently doesn’t have any climbing equipment and one of the main responses from the ‘Inspiration Boards’ was for some climbing apparatus. The location of where the previous swings were removed offers an ideal topography from an up and over climbing net.
Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The timber posts and nets will be kindly donated by Timber Play, the bolts and connections will be part of a £200 cost to Timberplay.
After
Basic Construction Steps
92
Step1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Structural timber posts which would be need to be buried at least 1m deep into the ground
The posts would be secured and fixed by a timber beam
Timber beam supports the climbing nets.
he nets would be stretched to give tension and bolted to the ground or fixed to a ground beam
93
6. Tyre swing Concept/Design Approach The playground’s previous swings were unfortunately taken down by the city council and its presence has been missed by the children.
Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The tractor tyre swing has been generously donated by Timberplay, the bolts and connections will be part of a ÂŁ200 cost to Timberplay.
After
Basic Construction Steps
Timberplay have kindly offered to help transport the equipment and help install it on site. The difficulty of the construction is moderate in difficulty and requires some construction guidance from Timberplay.
94
95
7. Playing poles Concept/Design Approach One of the early large scale play interventions put forward to the Pitsmoor staff was design intent of a flexible ‘Playing Poles’ zone. The idea was to place and space out a series of long timber posts which could be connected together using ropes, chains and nets and hang various equipment from to create a flexible, ever-changing play zone for the children. The location for the poles was to be placed to the far end of the site, which is widely underused. Before
Materials
Manpower
Difficulty
Cost
Cost and Resourcing The existing balance beams which are not used often can be reused to create the playing poles, along with several large poles which are being donated by Timberplay. Several pieces of netting and ropes have been donated by Timberplay and South West Play, while other materials can mostly be sourced locally for free. The bolts and connections will be part of a £200 cost to Timberplay.
After
Basic Construction Steps
96
Step1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Structural timber posts which would be need to be buried at least 1m deep into the ground
Tie the rope with the net and put on a tight knot on the tree
Tie the hanging items with tight knot
Attach a clip onto the rope so that it can be hanged on/ off of the rope
97
98
99
CONCLUSION
100
101
102
103
GROUP BIOGRAPHY
The Live Project Team is made up of 13 students from a wide range of backgrounds. Like Pitsmoor, we have connected and collaborated in a multicultural way, benefiting from knowledge and experience from all over the world. The variety of skills available from each student resulted in quick and creative solutions to unforeseen problems while insight from these many perspectives has helped to deliver a highly appropriate outcome for the playground. The Live Project Team members are:
104
105
THE PITSMOOR ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND LEGACY
This document has been created to act as a tool for the client in their ongoing endeavors to improve and enhance the playground for the local community of Pitsmoor. It has been our goal, from the beginning, to work with the playground to produce a physical outcome of great value. In addition to the built interventions, we have provided them with the means and knowledge to continue this process on their own. An overall masterplan gives them a strategy to follow, information on design & resources means they can consult builders or raise funds through sponsorships and charity events. To further aid in fundraising appeals, we have created a video that tells ‘The Story’ of Pitsmoor Adventure Playground.This can be sent to potential sponsor so that they can better understand the way the playground works and who their donations will be benefiting. A link to the video can be found here: Insert Link
106
107
Throught this live project, the team have felt welcomed and inspired. The connections we have developed with both the children and the staff have been incredibly rewarding which has kept us motivated and enthusiastic everyday. Constantly pushing to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Playground we feel privileged to have been given this opportunity to get involved with such a worthy cause. We hope that the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground will continue to evolve, thrive and develop, so that all children will be able to play together, learn together and give back to the community for many years to come.
108
109
Bibliography
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/1bomjlyscm6y1kt/material-board/ Blog: https://pitsmoorlp.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1660813070829333/?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/PitsmoorLP Youtube: Pitsmoor playground_SSOA_’live project’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZMe4D1rqTg Pitsmoor adventure playground Website: http://pitsmooradventure.org/
110
111