Playspace Montessori
For this playground we dove into the challenge of interpreting the indoor architectural guides of the Montessori School Guidelines into a vibrant outdoor space.
To achieve it, we created a series of pockets of play destined for 4 main pillars of development:
A. Physical Development
B. Mindfulness
C. Knowledge
D. Skills and Socializing.
The playground starts at a roofed space integrated to the indoor area and hosts a story telling area, a "tech nest" (a space for iPad and other screen time play), and an arts and craft area. As it flows to the outdoor, we find creative play such as blackboards on both floor and walls, an open play grass area, a "learn your math!" target wall, a herb garden to teach horticulture, a small playhouse, an outdoor reading/relaxing area under a fantastic bamboo canopy designed by Atelier Cole, and classics such as swings, slides, tunnels, and climbing mounds. The planting is based on fruit trees and "useful plants" that have either flowers, seeds, or sticks that the children can collect, exchange, or build with.
All the areas are connected by a meandering path and an open-end grass area which give the playground a depth and wonder while the use soft earth tones or the hardscape give it a calm and natural aesthetic.