play + nature + water
our vision
Roofmeadow and Studio Ludo are partnering to transform underutilized sites into inspired terrains for nature play. These veneer playscapes manage rainfall; build the local economy; balance the urban ecology, and provide a great place to play for all ages. This is the Ludomeadow model.
about us
Roofmeadow is an award-winning landscape architectural and civil engineering firm, specializing in inventive designs for green roofs and veneer landscapes. Studio Ludo is an award-winning 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is building better play through research, design and advocacy.
our work
Together, we craft community-centric playgrounds over concrete lots, brownfields, and shallow infrastructure. Ludomeadow play spaces satisfy Philadelphia’s stormwater regulations and comply with local and national playground safety requirements. Playgrounds need not cost a million dollars, and everyone should have access to a great place to play. We advocate for strategic investments in human and natural capital; creative use of salvaged and natural materials, and the formation of a local, shared economy of parktenders and play workers.
play adventure
Play spaces should encourage risk-taking and adventure, appearing novel and even dangerous, while still remaining safe. Bumps and scrapes are part of all play experiences and facilitate growth and development.
movement
The best play spaces foster physical activity and openended, spontaneous, non-prescriptive play. Moving your body facilitates learning, unleashes happiness and contributes to a lifetime of good health.
play for all
Play spaces should provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, to laugh out loud, push limits, and build relationships, all within walking distance of their front door. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw
nature habitat
Weaving local habitats throughout play spaces enhances the joy of discovery and reintroduces the regional ecology into the urban core. All creatures, including humans, crave balanced ecosystems of plants, water, and animal life.
biophilia
Our deep affiliation with nature is rooted in our biology; research suggests that just seeing a tree reduces stress. Exposure to seasonal cycles and sensory experiences of nature increases well-being and fosters deep connections to the natural world and to each other.
veneer greening
Shade trees, rain gardens, meadows, rolling lawns and mini-rivulets layered onto barren urban lots can create thin, vibrant nature-play spaces anywhere. Even over concrete, veneer greening can create natural refuges without the need to demolish and dispose of pavement.
water management
Healthy cities manage rainwater in their green spaces. Nature play spaces can be engineered to maximize the storage and evaporation of stormwater. Special soils, artificial terrains, native trees and perennials can work together to absorb and evaporate rainwater naturally.
conservation
Smart design and native, drought-tolerant plants suitable for the natural fall and flow of water on-site can help to reduce the need for irrigation from potable sources. Irrigation systems will rely mainly on rainwater stored in discrete onsite cisterns.
interaction
Rainwater is a resource that should be celebrated. With a simple treatment regimen, rainwater can and should be used for play. No child can resist jumping in a puddle or building stick boats to race in gutters. Swales, pumps and runnels and sluices can add to the fun.
play + natu waterloo rebosante This project was a winner in the 2015 International PlaySpace Competition and was featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine. The playground rebuild is scheduled for completion in late 2017.
RETAININ
OVERFLOW TO EXISITNG INLET
RETAI
SUBSURFACE RUBBER SURFACE LANDING PAD, AT GRADE
WATER CATCHMENT
WATER CATCHMENT
OVERFLOW TO SUBSURFACE IMPOUNDMENT
O T
ure + water
NG CURB SLUICE SUBSURFACE CONVEYANCE RIB BROOK
INING CURB
CURB INLET
SLUICE
E CONVEYANCE RIB SLUICE SUBSURFACE CONVEYANCE RIB BROOK
OVERFLOW TO EXISITNG INLET CISTERN HAND PUMP
BROOK
design strategy portable
The Play Parklet won the 2016 KaBOOM! Play Everwhere Challenge. The design creates a whimsical, blooming, portable “play cove� in University City that artfully weaves nature play with stormwater management. This project was featured in The Atlantic.
scalable
Our projects range from hyper-local neighborhood play spaces to large destination rec centers and playgrounds. No matter the size, they draw all ages to delight in the artful integration of the Ludomeadow kit of parts; cloud climbers, meadow-hammocks, repurposed tree trunks, rock rivulets and scrambles, rainwater sluices and more.
economical
Collaborations with local recycling resources allow us to repurpose salvaged pieces into play elements, dynamically evolving play experiences over time. Ludomeadows also bolster the local, shared economy by promoting trained playworkers and parktenders.
2 PA R
KS
AC
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12
16 SELECTED PLAYGROUNDS
45 VISITED PLAYGROUNDS
CHARING CROSS - CENTER OF LONDON
LONDON STUDY OF PLAYGROUNDS PRELIMINARY REPORT PA R
S
KS
AC
RR
PIC
1000 1000 1000 1000
10KM RADIUS
1000 1000
500 500
1
KIN G S SQ UA RE SP A PT FIE O LD N C S KIL O M BU M O RN N G W RA B EL N LIN UR G G E ES G TO S PA N RK BA KN JU RR IG BIL AC H EE TS KS BIR G AR D D G E E N BA S RR O AC LY KS VIC M B PIC TO RO PA RIA CK RK W AN EL L D PA AL M RK EX AR AN YL EB D RA O N E C G LIS R SO EEN LD TU PA M RK BL PR IN IN G C BA ES S Y D IA PO N O A LS M EM O RIA L
Teen
LA
1500 1500 1500 1500
C
BLACK
M
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KW
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MODERATE
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BA
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MIDDLE EASTERN FEMALE
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1500 1500
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White
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VIGOROUS
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2000 2000
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2500 2500
2000 2000
RG
3000 3000
2500 2500
RN
3000 3000
BU
3500 3500
BU
3500 3500
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WHITE
KIL
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Other
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500 500 LA
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1000 1000
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THE PLAYGROUNDS
FIE
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Child
N
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Under 5
PT O
1500 1500
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BLACK
SENIOR (65+)
SP A
ETHNICITY
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BA
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Senior
SQ
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Adult
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1500 1500
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CHILD (5-12)
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500 500
BU
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1000 1000
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SP A
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KIN
PT O
LA
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AGE KIN
ETHNICITY GENDER
Other M Muslim
Black F
White
4
0
13
7
Over a two month period from April-May 2015, we conducted 253 observations, took 1638 videos and 8 categorized 2 16 5 14,853 visitors by age, gender, ethnicity and activity levels
LONDON STUDY OF PLAYGROUNDS PRELIMINARY REPORT
5
G S
G S
N
500 500
0 00
WHITE
3500 3500 3500 3500 3500 3500
3500 3500
3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000
3000 3000
2500 2500 2500 2500 2500
2500 2500 2500
2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
500 500 500 500
500 500
00
0
15
KIL
PT O
KIN
N
SQ UA RE SP A FIE LD C S O M BU M O RN N G W RA B EL N LIN UR G G E ES G TO S PA N RK BA KN JU RR IG BIL AC H EE TS KS BIR G AR D D G E E N BA S RR O AC LY KS VIC M B PIC TO RO PA RIA CK RK W AN EL L D PA AL M RK EX AR AN YL EB D RA O N E C G LIS R SO EEN LD TU PA M RK BL PR IN IN G C BA ES S Y D IA PO N O A LS M EM O RIA L C LA
KIL
PT O
SQ UA RE SP A FIE LD C S O M BU M O RN N G W RA B EL N LIN UR G G E ES G TO S PA N RK BA KN JU RR IG BIL AC H EE TS KS BIR G AR D D G EN E BA S RR O AC LY K VIC M B S PIC TO RO PA RIA CK RK W AN EL L D PA AL M RK EX AR AN YL EB D RA O N E C LIS GRE EN SO LD TU P A M RK BL PR IN IN G C BA ES S Y D IA PO N O A LS M EM O RIA L C LA
500 500
Senior
ACTIVITY LEVELS VIGOROUS
Moderate
Sedentary
11
MODERATE
Vigorous
Over a two month period from April-May 2015, we conducted 253 observations, took 1638 videos and categorized 14,853 visitors by age, gender, ethnicity and activity levels LONDON STUDY OF PLAYGROUNDS PRELIMINARY REPORT
14 10
SEDENTARY
2000 2000
1500 1500
1000 1000 Vigo
Mod
Sed
ACTIVITY LEVELS SEDENTARY
3
orous
derate
dentary
5
research assessments/studies
Studio Ludo has built a knowledge base of play by conducting numerous studies, such as their London Study of Playgrounds, which documented play behaviors of over 15,000 people in a six month period. In addition, Studio Ludo conducts site assessments before and after every project is built, to understand the impacts of the design of the built environment on physical activity and social health in children and adults.
engineering/testing
Roofmeadow regularly refines its performance models, design details, specifications, and materials through pilot projects, testing, materials research, and long-term performance tracking of two decades of green roofs. Drawing from its field-tested plant list, horticultural choices are adapted to regional environments, client expectations, and site characteristics. Roofmeadow engineers the stabilization of play elements into veneer landscapes, allowing children to safely spring into nature-adventure play.
Copyright © 2016 by Roofmeadow and Studio Ludo