THE PLANE
PLAYING IN THE SKY
p la y ing d re a m s
THE PLANE
INTRODUCTION The world of children games, just like most other industries touched by current social development, is evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated and specialized. New technologies, particularly enticing to young players, who are keenly interested in them, have raised the bar for leisure amongst this demographic. Thus, the aim is to find a way to arouse the imagination of, and to motivate a generation which cohabitates with a rapid development of its surroundings and which requires a high level of complexity in its leisure activities.
The desire to fly has always been associated with the history of dreams and technical progress in Humanity. From Icaro’s failure, through Leonardo’s drawings, to the Wright brothers’ early prototypes, flying machines and their derivatives, space rockets, were a tool with which humans attempted to conquer a new physical frontier and to turn one their oldest desires into a reality.
Sketch phase , first ideas
For the youngest ones, even at a time characterized by new possibilities from virtual reality and video games, the trail from a plane in the sky or the first time travelling by air become evocative and unforgettable experiences. It is from this analysis that the idea of creating a play area integrated within the shell of an aeroplane has arisen. Playing in an area which replicates the surrounding of a machine that is usually handled by adults creates a sense of amazement in children. Even though there are many devices with can be considered a landmark in the road towards air conquering, the designers chose to get inspiration from the structure of a Sopwith Triplane, which was the first triplane aeroplane to enter service during World War I. The unmistakable silhouette and elevation of these planes makes them immediately recognizable even among those lacking an intense interest in the history of aviation.
THE PLANE
In addition, the combination of fuselage and several planes of wings increases the available space and the play options. From a cultural and historical point of view, the best known triplane is the Fokker Dr.I, which was flown thousands of times by Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the Red Baron. Apart from these war, film and even musical references, the Baron’s tiplane has an important role in comics and pop culture. Some parents will remember that Snoopy, Charlie’s famous dog, has the recurring fantasy of becoming a WWI pilot and, standing on top of its house, with aviator glasses and helmet, tirelessly chases the German ace in many episodes of the series.
Assembly phase , color tests
THE PLANE
At GalopĂn we want to avoid turning the experience of playing inside a plane into an indoor, one-time event. This is why we are presenting The Plane in two configurations. 1. Adapted for indoor installation. 2. Created to experience the adventure outdoors.
Of the wing where the ball park is
The plane seen from the second floor of the mall
THE PLANE
EL AVIĂ“N EN EL INTERIOR Technical Specifications For indoor use as a play area, the proposed plane is a triplane with a 12-metre wingspan and a 9.5-metre length. The wings have a width of 2.5 metres and the separation between them is 1.5 metres with a total height of 3 metres. The fuselage is a 9.5-metre long tubular piece with a variable section and a maximum diameter of 1.4 metres. We have differentiated four interconnected play areas consisting of the lower wing platform, the upper platform, the fuselage and the outside of the plane.
Adults can relax on the patios while keeping an eye on their children. For the child, however, this is an opportunity to socialize and establish roles under their parents’ control from the distance. Once we know that the installation area is the ideal socialization point for all ages, we must establish the purpose of installing the plane in this space. In our cities, we have established recognizable landmarks throughout the space, such as a monument, a square, etc., which then become recognizable and necessary references for navigation. But, most importantly, these spaceslandmarks- are needed to shape the character of a particular location.
The installation is usually done in the main lobby of a shopping centre, at the point where traffic from all floors meets. The surroundings imitate traditional streets in cities which are moved to a controlled area for shopping. Relevant background for these covered areas is the Muslim Souqs (areas to take shelter from the heat), as well as the old glass galleries in Paris, which extended the boulevard for a stroll into an indoor world. The need to humanize these shopping areas is essential, not only because it has been proven to create long term benefits, but also to bring the space closer to the citizens so that they feel more comfortable. By installing rest and leisure areas in the central lobby (such as patios and children’s play areas) the public is given well-deserved importance, who are able to spend their free time there as they go shopping. The area is elevated, which provides viewing from several angles at the upper floor, further turning the space into special place where one can meet, socialize and relax. The social area is cleverly resolved by integrating both children and adults into this space.
Latest details before opening to public .
THE PLANE
To locate a landmark, such as a plane for children to play in, is to provide a location with personality which instantly turns into a unique place, a stark contrast with the standardization typical of shopping centres. In other words, we ought to personalize standard areas in order to bring the citizens into the building. The plane is appropriately sized in the monumental space, providing magnificence and beauty while serving its users. The play area is divided into two in order to provide separation among two incompatible age groups or game types. The smaller area is composed of softer elements with a lower height, with moderate play focused on the nearby worlds more appropriate for younger children.
The plane, which is traditionally one of the preferred elements by children, is located in the main area, together with a piece inspired in the history of aviation, where the child can also learn about construction shapes from the past. The game inside the aircraft allows users to complete circuits with several difficulty levels and playing at a certain height in a safe manner. Children explore their own possibilities and others’ while they socialize and have fun.
PLANE PLAYGROUND Schematic views
0.6 m
2.3 m
5m
Overall blueprintsĂŠ
front view
lateral view
top view
by the
THE PLANE
THE PLANE OUTDOORS Customization and Adaptation of The Plane Game for a Public Space. Legislative Scope and Space Limitations The design, structural conditions, legislation, etc, of a playset designed to be installed in a public space requires the study of contexts which are very different from those related to an installation in a school playground or a shopping centre. A playset for private use or for use in specialized areas such as those catering to birthday parties or other celebrations fall under the domain of rules which are closer to those enforced in play stores, where structural calculations are more lenient compared with those of a public park.
Conceptual Definition of the Design A figurative design which ends up becoming an iconic figure. The project aims to be a plane where children can play, and not a play area resembling a plane. The ability to play in it is not as important as the effect of entering something that looks like a real aircraft, of climbing up to an iconic element which evokes adventures flying over exotic landscapes, and which creates thrilling feelings. If we then load this element with accessories such as slides, swings and firemen’s poles, the design will lose its real aircraft effect, and for that reason we want to enhance the image, while at the same time trying not to worsen the ability to play in it.
THE PLANE
Especificaciones técnicas Propeller cone.
Improvement of the engine and propeller cone. Our proposal is to improve the perception of the engine and the propeller cone increasing the latter’s size; the part will be painted reproducing a spiral, as it was done in some planes from that era, which resembled a screw or tornado as it rotated.
Exhaust
In order to provide a realistic perception, we propose installing an engine exhaust system in addition to using paint effects – as will be discussed below in detail- even simulating soot and oil leaks.
Cockpit.
For the indoor model, a cockpit made of rope was chose to allow proper ventilation due to the large number of children potentially using it at any given time. For the outdoor model, climatic conditions had to be taken into account, therefore we have produced several pieces made of thermoformed polycarbonate to prevent rain from entering the cockpit. Being in an open space, the side entrances will provide enough ventilation.
Rope Framework
Our proposal is to use ropes –avoiding an excessive use- on both sides of the wings, which will give the children a weightless feeling as they see themselves hanging over a space between the ropes, while at the same time seeking transparency.
El proyecto Prisma de cristal, puede ser el ejemplo que mejor ilustra el proyecto del interior de los planos de alas.
Entrances
In accordance with the principles for an element located in a public area, the surrounding perimeter will feature a material similar to that used in the fuselage area, which will prevent any potential accident involving children, while ensuring its durability.
Previous photo interior cockpit
THE PLANE
Paint effects.
At GalopĂn, we propose creating a moving-plane effect with the paint, as if it had just arrived from an adventure. An excessively perfect effect on the paint will take away from the image of a real element, which is why we use fading colours, even soot coming out of the exhaust, simulating faded out areas and avoiding very flat paint. We also insert metallic elements such as bronze, copper, etc.; which are placed near the pistons in the star engine, or any other mechanical elements. Because the plane is designed for outdoor installation, and in order to create a playset which resembles a real plane as much as possible, we will use printed solid pieces and avoid vinyl as much as possible.
The position of the plane
Our proposal is for the plane to be positioned leaning on a cloud. The reason for this position is to prevent an inappropriate use by children who could try to climb on the back part of the fuselage. The perception of the plane doing a dive movement is thrilling both for the children playing on it as well as for the observers.
The current position of the aircraft is lined and rising .
p la y ing d re a m s Pol. O Acevedo, Parcela A – 15185 Cerceda, Spain | +0034 981688070 | www.galopin.es