Landscapes for Play: Nature and Free Play
Alejandra Ortiz teaches us about Landscapes for Play: Nature and Free Play, an article that discusses the evolution of playgrounds, from their beginnings to their current relationship with art and nature.
Play is a fundamental activity in children’s lives. It plays a crucial role in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Through play, children explore the world around them, develop essential skills, and learn to interact with others.
Evolution of kids playgrounds
Outdoor play spaces, such as playgrounds, have evolved in response to social needs and advances in child psychology.
The concept of “kindergarten” was developed by the German psychologist Friedrich Froebel, who understood that a nurturing environment could positively influence child development. He therefore emphasized the importance of free play and contact with nature.
During the Industrial Revolution, the traditional playground model emerged. Thanks to the availability of steel, structured play furniture became popular, incorporating elements such as swings, seesaws, sandboxes, and slides.
Broadway, campo de juego, 1910 / Broadway, playground, 1910
Fotografía / Photography: Anónimo
In recent decades, molded plastic manufacturing has fostered the proliferation of modular play equipment, leading to the standardization of playground equipment.
A term that reflects a paradigm shift is “playscapes,” coined by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who, through his sculptural projects, emphasizes the creation of environments that evoke free play through art.
Playscapes emphasize the creation of environments that evoke free play through art.
In recent years, the “nature playground” has emerged, focusing on the use of natural materials to design equipment that blends into the landscape, making it an integral part of the game.
Parque infantil natural, Adelaide, Australia / Natural playground, Adelaide, Australia
Fotografía / Photography: WAX Design
Design Criteria
Whether as a landscaper, architect, or developer, when designing a playground, it is important to consider the following aspects:
- Zoning: Integrating areas for structured and free play allows for more options for all children.
- Vegetation: Use plants and trees that provide sensory interest, such as aromatic plants with colorful flowers and varied textures that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Elementos naturales en el juego / Natural elements in a playground
Fotografía / Photography: LUC
- Materials: Covering walls with natural stone, wood, bamboo, or paint in soft tones helps create a more harmonious environment. For the floor, loose materials such as gravel or natural mulch are good options. It’s key to consider the level of cushioning; rubber, for example, is a safe option for falls from a height.
- Furniture: Should be selected according to age. Young children enjoy games with controlled risks, and educational furniture with numbers, colors, or musical notes can be included.
For children over 5 years old, structures that encourage motor skills and a sense of challenge are recommended: climbing, swinging, or moving between platforms. To achieve a natural look, logs, large rocks, or fountains can be integrated as play elements.
Caucho colado en sitio, Shenzhen / Cast-in-place rubber, Shenzhen.
Fotografía / Photography: VMPDE Design
- Accessibility: Every space must be inclusive and meet the play needs of all children, including children with disabilities. The principles of universal accessibility should be applied from the design stage. It is recommended to follow Chapter 10 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-play-areas/)
Playground design goes far beyond simply arranging games in an open space. It’s about creating environments where children can fully develop, play freely, experience nature, and socialize.
Caucho colado en sitio, Shenzhen / Cast-in-place rubber, Shenzhen.
Fotografía / Photography: HochC Landscape Architects
In this sense, Froebel’s ideas are more relevant than ever. His vision of free play in contact with nature is relevant in an urban context increasingly disconnected from the natural environment.
Designing with sensitivity, knowledge, and purpose allows us to contribute to the construction of environments where play becomes a tool for human development and connection with the world.
Juego y naturaleza / Play and nature
Fotografía / Photography: Lappset
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. “La Importancia del juego en el desarrollo infantil” Entrada de blog NB Psicología, (2025) /https://nbpsicologia.es/desarrollo-infantil-importancia-juego/
2. Heller, Naomi. “A Brief History of Playground Design, Part 1” The Field, (2020)/https://thefield.asla.org/2020/03/12/a-brief-history-of-playground-design-part-1/
3. Heller, “A Brief History of Playground Design, Part 1”.
4. Heller, Naomi. “A Brief History of Playground Design, Part 2” The Field, (2020)/https://thefield.asla.org/2020/03/19/a-brief-history-of-playground-design-part-2/
5. Hart, Dakin. “Noguchi’s Playscapes” Grimshaw Foundation, (2022) https://www.grimshaw.foundation/stories/noguchi-s-playscapes
6. Heller, “A Brief History of Playground Design, Part 2”.
