Designing Playgrounds for All

Abstract

Cities, streets, buildings and playgrounds transform and evolve in time. These places are public spaces and should be available for every user, being a place suited for everybody, not excluding the disabled. Cities, being immediate surroundings, have a huge effect on the residents' lives. The effect of environment on differently abled children, who not only has to survive through challenges of their disability but also in the process of a continuous development, is even greater. Being disabled as a child shouldn't mean to be excluded from the group of peers which have a great role in the physical and the psychological development of the child. This paper is describing several types of disabilities and the effect of environment on children with these disabilities. Problems of children with sight loss, reduced mobility, hearing problems and different intellectual abilities are described. It is indisputable, that these children need much attention. Being a part of the social group can help them in developing their communication and physical skills by playing or just spending time with others. In the paper, characteristic of a common playground which is a public space designed for children has been made. The equipment and the material of the a playground for all are described. Designing and material considerations are made and the ground, playground equipment, materials and colors and level differences are characterized. The aim of this paper is to lead a way for the designer to build a place for the children which will be fully accessible for every child.