The children and teachers of Escolinha Tia Percília (in Morro da Babilônia) use the platforms around the main building for physical exercise, outdoor classes, for communal birthday parties and other celebrations. Imagining a wider engagement, the diverse uses of the platform could improve the quality of civic life in Morro da Babilônia for adults and children alike. Our design plays on double meaning of Balance^; in Portuguese balancê is swinging of the body and balance means stability in English. The intention is to combine these two ideas in one object. The project further explore how multi-functionality and playfulness can inform a simple structure. Ambiguous and intriguing, it invites users to exercise their imagination. With playfulness in mind, the cut-out patterns also stimulate tactile and visual senses, casting pretty shadows. At first glance, this object is a seat with a curved base, which allows a fun rocking motion that is irresistible
unit
to both children and adults. The seat is small and light enough to be carried, and large enough for a child to crawl underneath. The ingenious multiple usage opens up because the seat also works when placed on its side, and because it may be used alone as a single element, or in various grouped configurations. Notches in the thick plywood structure enable two units to be stacked vertically, while placing several seats together on their side also allows for organic configurations, such as arcs, ‘snakes’ or seating circles. Local residents can relax, alone or together; children can play horse, climb or even hide in the unit, and move them around easily. Grouped together, the seats can be used as educational or communal spaces, a tunnel or arch to crawl through, table and chairs or a jungle gym. The possibilities are as infinite as a child’s imagination!
Beatriz Mello Camila Rodrigues Manuela Müller Nathalia Percio Nozomi Koseki Papawee Sathawarawong 1