Redesigning the Play Spaces in Fratton Community centre

On 6th December 2024,

My team of Four - Jonathan, Swaroop, Surya and myself set out to transform the outdoor space at the Fratton Community Centre. We wanted to create a lively inspiring area for children as well as people who comes to the centre so we thought to give full of creativity and imagination. My main goal was to reimagine two walls in the outdoor play area turning them into interactive and artistic spaces that inspire wonder and encourage play.

I was inspired by Bennett, talks about how objects can have power and influence on our lives even everyday things. In this project, the rocking horse and renovated walls become active parts of the space, shaping how children think, move, and interact with their surroundings.

This are active elements that create meaning. The rocking horse, with its bright Klee-inspired designs, becomes a "thing-power" object something that brings joy, creativity, and connection. It changes the community space by combining art, play, and community involvement.

Inspired by Paul Klee’s famous art with its bold colors, patterns, and abstract shapes, I designed a rocking horse to be both fun and artistic. It’s not just a toy but a playful sculpture that sparks imagination. By using Klee’s geometric shapes and bright colors, I turned a simple rocking horse into something creative and eye-catching blending art and play in a way that kids can enjoy and interact with it.

The Site: A Fun Outdoor Space for Kids

The Fratton Community Centre has the potential to be a great place for kids to connect, learn, and explore. I focused on a area of the outdoor space to create a fun and creative environment. This area are designed to meet the community’s needs while adding a touch of art and design to inspire play and imagination.

 

Concept 

My space clearly shows that children are the main users with every part designed to engage, inspire, and support their growth. The image shows children actively exploring painting, climbing, playing and working together in a natural and exciting environment. The use of wooden structures, interactive walls, and open green spaces shows a strong focus on encouraging creativity, physical activity, and social interaction. By combining nature, art, and play, the space supports a well-rounded approach to learning and well-being. Every detail shows that the design is focused on children’s growth, curiosity, and happiness.

Section 1: Interactive Wall & Play Zone

                                 

The first part of the project features an interactive vertical grid of movable blocks designed to engage children in fun and physical activity. This unique grid introduces elements of bounce and connection, allowing children to push, pull, and rotate individual blocks. Each block is thoughtfully designed with numbers, symbols, and patterns encouraging kids to explore and interact with the structure in creative ways.

The playful patterns on the blocks draw inspiration from Paul Klee’s abstract art bringing vibrant shapes and colors to life. This interactive design helps children develop their spatial awareness, problem solving skills, and a subconscious appreciation for art as they engage with the grid.

What makes this vertical grid truly special is its interaction with natural light. Throughout the day, sunlight filters through and around the grid, changing the appearance of the numbers, symbols, and patterns. This dynamic feature transforms the structure into a lively and ever-changing element of the play area, It sparks curiosity and excitement, while also promoting active movement and cooperation.

Section 2: Storytelling & Growth

The second section features a quieter play area with a giraffe-themed height chart as the main focus. Colorful low- storage shelf and seating are added to encourage children to sit, interact, and tell stories, creating a space that mixes fun with learning. The wall design uses playful, modular storage that is both useful and attractive.

Together, these sections transform the outdoor space into an exciting, sensory-rich environment that highlights the importance of art in helping children grow and learn.

Collaboration & Impact

This Work wouldn’t have happened without the teamwork of our group. Jonathan, Swaroop, Surya, and I brought our different ideas together to bring life to the outdoor space at the Fratton Community Centre. With careful planning and collaboration, we created a space that reflects the energy of the children and the people it serves a place where art and function meet, and leads to new possibilities.

By using the philosophy of Jane Bennett our project goes beyond traditional design. It shows how materials, colors, and objects can play an active role in shaping experiences, helping children grow, and improving the community space for the people.