Commercial/Institutional Landscape - Winner

ALLAN CORREY AWARD FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Commercial/Institutional
Winner: Lange Design (Leon Lange and Ric McConaghy)

Project: Wellington Point Reserve, Qld
Revitalising a children's play area brings with it many considerations of durability, providing fun-filled play experiences, ongoing maintenance and issues of safety and supervision. This wonderful collaboration between Leon and playground designer Ric McConaghy was inspired by a range of influences from local indigenous culture, the maritime environment and the area's history as an American servicemen's base during WWII and then as an unofficial waterfront campground, the new playground gives children a wide variety of play experiences. Climbing, throwing, balancing, exploring, swinging, jumping and hiding are some of the active play experiences, with lots of opportunities for imaginative games as well. Nearby mature fig trees create shade and are incorporated into the shapes and spaces for play, while seating areas and low sandstone block barriers protect their vulnerable root zones. A simple and durable planting scheme of dietes, dianella and lomandra is woven between timber poles. A giant, sinuous pavement serpent snakes its way through the site, formed from striped bands of porous paving, which allows water penetration and easy access for wheelchairs. Decorated by indigenous art, the fish maze is a real drawcard for children, with its tangle of circles and detailed focal points.

Judges Citation
The main aim of the client’s brief was to design and construct a play area that would be unique to the site, respect the existing trees, incorporate elements of Aboriginal culture, allow children to experience a variety of activities and meet the needs of all age groups.

The design, documentation, meticulous details and built works demonstrate an understanding of the needs to satisfy the brief and have delivered a creative and exciting play facility and safe environment for children of all cultures and ages.

The design of the play space is inviting and exciting and demonstrates creativity and skill to provide areas of discovery, surprise and adventure. The incorporation of varying materials, finishes, colours and a variety of textures provides stimulation for young children’s developing imaginations and inquiring minds.

The individual elements although connected are sufficiently spaced to avoid overcrowding during times of peak use. Adequate comfortable seating is provided and well located for parent or carer to enjoy summer shade or winter sunshine while supervising or just observing children at play.

A well deserved award that has achieved the design objectives to create explorative and imaginative play spaces, which respects the local indigenous culture and history.

Stuart Pittendrigh