A Case Study in Outdoor Design: Berlin Playgrounds (3: Nature with a Capital N)

A Case Study in Outdoor Design: Berlin Playgrounds 3 : Nature with a Capital N

Project Information

The Schools Programme commissioned Grounds for Learning to create a series of nine case studies, which looks at and documents the widespread transformation of play spaces in schools, kindergartens and public parks in Berlin, Germany.

The nine case studies focus on different themes that were important factors in the spaces’ successes. The themes are; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Choice Risk and Challenge Nature with a Capital N Play Machines Sand Shade and Seating Topography Variety and Texture Water

Within each case study there are examples and images from a variety of settings – schools, nurseries and public play parks – to show the variation and scope of the design ideas. All areas shown began life as flat, dull tarmac grounds but they demonstrate that it is possible to transform schoolyards into playgrounds.

Introduction Nature is everywhere in every setting we visited. It is not seen as an additional extra, as something to be tamed or as something out of bounds. It is welcomed and embraced.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Exploring Nature Children are given time to simply be in and explore the world around them. Nothing is out of bounds. They can pick leaves, move rocks, collect flowers and hid in bushes – often for the whole break.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Untidy/Accepting it as it is Nature is not tidied away, kept out of bounds or sanitised. It is left and accepted. Grass is worn or left long and all plants – including nettles, brambles and berries - are allowed to grow.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Large Scale Nature is allowed to take over most surfaces - both horizontally and vertically. Planting is always directly into the ground or in loosely defined raised areas as opposed to individual pots on top of tarmac.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Natural Materials Hay, sand, grass, boulders, bark, pebbles and reclaimed materials form the pathways and cover the ground while bushes, mosaics, clay and wooden struts form a wide variety of vertical surfaces.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Food Trees, bushes and vines provide fruit while allotments supply vegetables and herbs. Some food is grown in organised plots but most is grown in the main grounds to encourage children to eat the produce.

Berlin Playgrounds : Nature with a Capital N

Practicalities Mainenance This type of landscape requires bespoke maintenance but often has reduced costs compared to typical UK grounds as the grass/bushes are cut on a less regular basis. The settings that had large scale fruit and vegetable planting areas however had a regular maintenance schedule – one school employed a janitor skilled in horticulture while another sectioned off their growing areas by class – with each class having an area to look after themselves with pictures of the children responsible situated around the ground.

Health and Safety Uneven surfaces, thorns, twigs at eye height, sticks used for play, rocks and boulders to fall from and inedible berries are just some of the increased ‘risks’ that a natural playground brings. However staff do not report an increase in major incidents and feel that by having nature as it would be encountered outside the school/nursery, inside the school/ nursery they were able to teach children important skills.

Supervision Staff and parents feel it is important for children’s mental health to allow children time to be on their own or with others away from the constant gaze of an adult. During play supervisors stay in designated areas should a child need their assistance but are happy to allow the children to play in the bushes and regulate their own games.

Project Information The Schools Programme commissioned Grounds for Learning to create a series of nine case studies, which looks at and documents the widespread transformation of play spaces in schools, kindergartens and public parks in Berlin, Germany.

The nine case studies focus on different themes that were important factors in the spaces’ successes. The themes are; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Choice Risk and Challenge Nature with a capital N Play Machines Sand Shade and Seating Topography Variety and Texture Water

For more information about what we do, and to view the other Case Studies, visit SmarterPlaces.org.

Architecture and Design Scotland Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8DD Level 2, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU T: +44 (0) 845 1 800 642 F: +44 (0) 845 1 800 643 E: info@ads.org.uk

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