Facilitating modes of play for a reader.
The Commons is public park located in Boston, MA. For Exercise 3.3, we were tasked with designing a playground for a 50’x50’ site at the Commons to facilitate ‘play.’ What are different modes of play for a reader, and how can play manifest through deliberate design?.
The inherent form of circles and arcs offer two distinct spatial experiences. The exterior, facing outward, evokes a sense of isolation, while the interior, facing inward, invite gathering. Drawing inspiration from the Saarinen Chapel, an undulating pattern carved into the curved walls introduces another layer of variation. Together, four levels of 'play' emerge: (1) smooth exterior, (2) smooth interior, (3) undulating exterior, and (4) undulating interior, each shaping the reader’s experience in a unique way.
For example, sitting within the cusp of an undulation creates a sheltered nook that offers privacy for individual reading, whereas a smooth surface invites companionship. Scale further supports different forms of gathering. Smaller arcs foster intimate one-on-one interactions, such as between a teacher and student, while larger arcs accommodate group discussions or spoken word performances. Finally, the joints where the arcs meet create additional pockets of solitude, expanding the range of spatial experiences.
Interior Drawings.
Rendering. Made in Revit and Enscape.
