OZA Spain
OZA Spain
OZA PARK – A CORUÑA LOCATION – THE PLOT The surface of the project area is 551.50 m2; the plot is located on terraced land, featuring a slope that is also usable as a play area. In the area, we can see a background comprised of natural materials and an upper platform where a viewpoint is located, all surrounded by a large forested green space. A nearby area has also been developed with the placement of games for small children (aged between 0.5 and 5 years) with a surface of 204.60 m2. This is important because it enables easy communication between the two areas, and to the main entrances of the park. The area is characterized by being a peaceful green space inside the city, and it has become a real place for outdoor relaxation and leisure in the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. The development was carried out with care, taking into account these special characteristics.
OZA Spain
2. BASES AND PRINCIPLES FOR THE DESIGN We have proposed structures that are very “transparent� and subtle, which encourage both fun and participation for children and adults; also providing multiple options for play. It is an abstract design seeking both efficiency and integration with its surroundings. All of the proposed elements feature discrete colours and high durability. The elements seek to attain chromatic consistency and a high quality of material. We have further reduced the amount of materials used, producing elements that are less exposed to vandalism, since they do not feature large surfaces.
OZA Spain
Against other options, Galopín has chosen cleaner, more transparent structures where, nevertheless many children and adults can play. This play area is designed for users 5 years old and up, and it encourages participation and shared playing among them, regardless of their age. Since these are light elements, they free up space in the park, allowing children to run freely from one game to the other, without obstacles, which maximises they park’s dynamism and the children’s physical exercise.
All the elements are dynamic, and they’re based on movement. The slides, the tubes, the swings, the merry-go-rounds, the cable-stayed game and even Prometeo itself take advantage of the slope, nothing is static. Even the swings’ post seems to be moving, like Prometeo, which lets itself be moved by the wind besides its size and sturdiness. Furthermore, all these elements prevent children from crowding, enhance interaction and cooperation among one another and their surroundings. The generational interaction with adults has also been taken into account, since it is always a positive aspect, especially if it is channelled through play.
OZA Spain
From the moment that it was opened, this park has received great acceptance from the citizens of A CoruĂąa and general and the neighbourhood in particular. The area residents are for the most part couples with children and the park allows them to enjoy leisure and playing on a daily basis. Parents and the elderly also enjoy the green space where they can walk, play sports or sit down to talk and rest. The park thus becomes a place to enjoy leisure time, a meeting point for the residents of the area and coexistence among the different generations.
The entire park is the centre of attention, children have the possibility to know the elements that are provided in the surrounding area which is nature itself; it is not about limiting the children to an enclosed area, but to allow them to freely explore nature and to have fun and discover through learning. This way, the games never compete with the park, they must allow transparency to perceive the trees and the surroundings, with nature as the true centre of attention.
On the other hand, the location of the viewpoint above the play area has reasserted our idea to avoid installing elements with too much visual impact. In particular, Prometeo is characterised in that it doesn’t overpower the area where it is located, mimicking the natural surroundings and even becoming part of the context within the park.
OZA Spain
GROUPING OF THE GAMES IN THE PROJECT PROMETEO This is a live sculpture that can be touched and where children can play which becomes the central piece of the Prometeo Park, which apart from being the biggest seesaw in the world, it is an awarded piece that has been exhibited in museums such as the MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Vigo. The feedback from the users and the media has been extremely positive and the creator, who has been awarded for his designs, has said: “We are used to seeing artwork displayed in museums that we can see but never touch. Prometeo is a monumental piece that has been certified as a game, is fun and exciting, while at the same time it is safe and it can be used but a large number of users of all ages�.
Prometeo is not only a piece awarded by its design, but it has also proved the quality and reliability of its components, which avoids having to tighten it, as it is previously tightened through some patented tensors that are hydraulically loaded.
OZA Spain
THREE DIFFERENT WAYS OF HAVING FUN TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE GROUND In order to take advantage of the different characteristics of the ground to play, we have come up with three different ways of sliding and climbing: the inclined rock-climbing wall, the slide with parallel straight metal tubes and the sheet metal slide. From the beginning, we were seeking elements with low maintenance and different purposes. For example, the rock-climbing wall is inserted directly into the rubber ground and the slides (made of large stainless steel tubes) take advantage of the slope to enhance the fun experience. The sheet metal slide completes the set by adapting perfectly to the sloping ground.
OZA Spain
PROMETEO SWINGS Based on the posts of Prometeo, a space with three swings is created, two with a flat shape and one with the shape of a basket. The inclined posts give the feeling that the entire set is moving, while at the same time giving a fun touch to the element.
CABLE-STAYED GAMES These elements resemble ship masts or bows and are designed in metal. They look like real urban “trees� where children can reach heights to observe the city. They allow users to play and to observe the park from an elevated point of view. They coexist perfectly with Prometeo because they are part of the same range. It enables users to climb up a rope.
OZA Spain
MERRY-GO-ROUNDS These are fully dynamic elements that allow for immediate interaction between children. They are made of stainless steel in different diameters. We have installed three merry-go-rounds in different shapes to allow children to share the fun with their friends.
THE WAGON This is a game for two users. The movement takes place from interaction and cooperation among both users. They are made of stainless steel, providing them with an impeccable finish.
OZA Spain
TODDLER AREA We found it adequate to provide an area specifically for young children. They must be supervised by adults and if the children play together they are easier to watch. An area dedicated to the youngest children has also been placed in the upper part of the park.
p la y ing d re a m s Pol. O Acevedo, Parcela A – 15185 Cerceda, Spain | +0034 981688070 | www.galopin.es