Recreation and Delight

Getting children to play in public space is one thing, but successfully inviting adults to interact with their surroundings is another story altogether. I was very impressed with the all-ages inclusiveness of many of the interactive elements we saw in squares and parks around Copenhagen and Malmo. I think that the key is that many of these elements are not straightforward "playgrounds." They do not prescribe a standard method of "acceptable" play/use -- they are widely open to interpretation -- and that quality makes them very welcoming. The playful use of color, material choices, placement and proportion of objects  contributes a sense of whimsy to the landscape that may help lower inhibitions to interaction.

A few of my favorites:

1. Carlsberg Industrial Playground

The spring-mounted platforms in the Carlsberg development were a totally unexpected surprise! Few of us could resist testing them out. We jumped solo and in pairs and leaped from platform to platform, seeing what interesting results we could get from different movement. 

The simple wooden benches offered a pop of color to the landscape and a comfortable view of the action.

2. Waterfront Park in Malmo

The oversized lawn furniture and abstract sculptures in the green park near Malmo's West Harbor was attractive both from afar and up-close. It offered great places to sit, climb, relax and enjoy the beautiful waterfront view.

The clumps of different furniture helped to break the wide-open space into defined areas that gave a sense of privacy without breaking up the beautiful, clear views of city, water and green space. The objects here are not childish, so adults didn't seem to feel too self-conscious to test them out.

3. West Harbour, Malmo

Sturdy plastic hammocks in one of the park areas in the center of the West Harbour residential development offered oases for napping in public! Although the hammocks were out in the open, they were separated from the nearby playground and other more active structures along the canal, making them useful as private vantage points to stretch out quietly and watch the scene unfold. The concrete stumps also offer seating for friends or a place for small children to play/climb, making this space inviting for groups of people as well.

*posted by Julia Levitt on 9/29/10