In 2008, the government launched the first-ever national play strategy, pledging £225 million to build and renovate play areas and create more child-friendly public spaces. Between 2008 and 2011, 3,500 play areas and 30 staffed adventure playgrounds or play spaces will evolve.
ClayStation tent in Centenary Square at the Climate Change Festival 2008 © John James
Children and young people need space away from their homes to play or spend time with their peers. Playgrounds and public spaces provide children and young people with opportunities to develop their social, physical and cognitive abilities.
However, the role children have in the development of public spaces is often as passive users rather than active players. With the right support and opportunities, children and young people are capable of playing a major role in creating inspirational and thriving public spaces.
Evergreen Adventure Playground
The Evergreen Adventure Playground in Hackney is an excellent example of how architects can work with young people to create an exciting space for imaginative play. When the local estate was redeveloped, part of the existing playground was required for a new access route and compensation was awarded for the loss of the playground.
This funding was used to commission architects to work with children in the local area to redesign their playground. The aim was to create an innovative and imaginative play area with unique features that would be accessible to all.
Since its completion in 2004, the play workers at Evergreen have always tried to involve the children in decisions about the playground, whether planning activities or buying new equipment.
The American School in London playground © Dave Morris
Building the playground
Models of the play equipment were created, which the children were able to pick up and move around the site. This allowed them to consider potential layouts and discuss the effect each piece of equipment might have on the space.
With support from the Big Lottery Fund, bespoke play structures were constructed, including two sky dens, totem poles and a tree-level walk. Young people also helped volunteers at various stages throughout the construction process.
Since its completion, the play workers have continued to encourage children to help repaint the structures so that the same sense of ownership is passed on to each generation of children coming to the playground.
Freemantle Pavilion
Freemantle Pavilion in Southampton provides an interesting example of engaging teenagers in design. The project began when a group of young people asked a youth worker if they could have a place of their own because the former youth shelter had burnt down. The Freemantle Youth Forum was established to follow up this idea.
A project team, which included a public arts officer, a play services officer, a youth worker and a member of the local police, worked with the youth forum to engage local residents and gain support for the project. Before developing designs, the youth forum looked at examples of good design and architecture and visited a local archive. With the help of a local artist, the youth forum made a series of models to illustrate their design ideas.
Junior schoolchildren playing in the playground of Caroline Chisholm school, Northampton © Michele Turriani
After a design had been agreed, the project was submitted for planning permission and three members of the forum presented their ideas to the planning committee. When the plans for the pavilion were approved, the young people were praised for the quality of their presentation.
The completed pavilion is of exceptional quality and has a striking sculptural design. Although large, its almost holographic finish helps it blend with the surroundings.
The pavilion has been a valuable addition to the community and is respected by the people who use it. There has been a significant reduction in maintenance problems and the project also led to wider improvements in the park, making it a safer and friendlier place for the whole community to use and enjoy.
Young people and urban space design
In 2004, CABE Space gathered together case studies of 16 projects where young people were involved in the design of urban spaces. Four years later, the project leaders were contacted to find out how the projects had developed. Visit the CABE website to read more.
Further information
Play England
Creative Partnerships examples of developing outdoor spaces for learning and creative play.
