Art and play in a single form
This article is from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through parks and recreation. This article was chosen as it shows a park organization’s view on interactive sculptures in parks and the benefits they have on people. The play sculptures can inspire designers to incorporate both visual and functional aspects into a design.
Here's an excerpt that discusses the use of play sculptures:
"PlayForm 7 is an example of a play sculpture, an interactive art piece designed to be played on from its inception. Play sculptures are safe and challenging. They are aesthetically pleasing with a balanced design and are made to interact with people of all ages. Play sculptures provide a strong visual impact and identity and have a clean, modern look and feel, commonly associated with commissioned public art pieces on display throughout the world, enhancing the public spaces around them" (Laris, M., 2015).
"PlayForm 7 is inspired by rolling landscapes with peaks and valleys that invite everyone to explore it. This play sculpture blurs the line between play and art, to create a play piece with appeal across generations, while maintaining an aesthetically enticing design. It was created with a simple goal in mind: play for all, any age, any ability" (Laris, M., 2015).
“Play sculptures combine play functions and aesthetic forms to transform any space — the ultimate play experience with the appeal of art. This truly unique play sculpture provides multiple play experiences that encourage cognitive and creative development, social and emotional interaction, and physical challenges with multisensory, tactile experiences” (Laris, M., 2015).
The article talks about the use of sculptures, specifically play structures, in parks. Even though sculptures have a strong visual impact on parks and enhances the space around them, they are not just for the eyes to see but to also be interacted with. It is a way to bring people together to encourage creative development and social interactions. These structures are designed to provide multiple play experiences to challenge the body and senses that improve mental and physical health.
This article is important as it brings another way to stay active both physically and with the community. A single sculpture that acts both as an aesthetic visual and an interactive form is a unique way to encourage play and creativity for everyone.
References.
Laris, M. (2015). Interactive Art Inspires Imaginative, Open-Ended Play. Nrpa.org. https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2015/august/interactive-art-inspires-imaginative-open-ended-play/
MoveART. (n.d.). Image depicting children interacting with playsculptures . https://www.timberplay.com/products-moveart
