Delivered through a collaborative, community-focused approach, our work at Ellen Brown Children’s Centre in the London Borough of Southwark was actively shaped by the empowerment of the local children and residents. The end result? A space that ensures their needs and preferences are reflected.
A series of interactive workshops brought children from the local area together to experience the latest outdoor interactive technologies available from Lappset. From mixing music on the Fono DJ booth to reaching a regional high score on the Sutu interactive ball wall, our workshops allowed residents to imagine a playground beyond the traditional swings and roundabouts. A playground which promotes an active community within the heart of Southwark.
Furthering our community consultation through visual presentations, expert guidance, surveys, and questionnaires, not only did our team gather invaluable feedback to help inform the final design of the project, the inclusive process promoted a sense of ownership within the community. By including the end users from the very beginning, we ensure a well-loved and meaningful play space for years to come.
At Jupiter Play, we believe that all good designs need a narrative. For our play space design for Ellen Brown Children Centre in Southwark, London, the narrative focused on the extraordinary comeback of an unassuming hero: the Whiteletter Hairstreak butterfly. Devestated by an outbreak of Dutch elm disease in the 1970s, populations of the White-letter Hairstreaks have blossomed in recent years in large part due to the Southwak Nature Action Plan.
We wanted to harken back to this incredible ecological story in our designs. We favoured warm, natural FHS Robinia timber throughout the park, painted in a kalediscope of vibrant oranges and browns inspired by the White-letter Hairstreak’s vibrant colouration. The design itself follows the flowing, fluttering movement you might recognise from a Hairstreak in flight. Ingrained in the surfacing, the distinctive orange zigzag offers a subtle nod to the wings of the species.
“We are so grateful to have a vibrant space where children can have fun, connect with others, and build lifelong memories. We are proud to have delivered this project on time and within budget, ensuring Bermondsey’s young people have access to the quality play facilities they deserve.”
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, and Young People
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9 Ainslie Place
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2 North Road
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