Q&A with Michael Barnett – Principal, Arcadia

What was Arcadia’s original concept for the play space?

At the core of our concept was the vision to design a place that brought people together. Our concept responds to local demographics to directly inform our programming and design, acknowledging the importance of creating a place accessible for younger families.

We understand a successful retail precinct is no longer just about what people can buy, it’s about experience, service and programming. Flexible spaces with features like the playgrounds and the outdoor cinema, allow for family friendly events and gatherings.

Located in the Greater Western Sydney region, the site experiences some extreme temperatures. The importance of creating appropriate micro-climates was high on the agenda, as a place for people to escape the heat, with structures that provide protection against sun, wind and rain.

These elements are particularly important in the playspace where we wanted people of all ages to feel protected and comfortable, to encourage them dwell.

How did Tilt’s Industrial Design process help bring your design vision to life?

Tilt undertook a design study considering our key design criteria 

including the unconventional geometry of the Pod structures, sustainability benchmarks and the commercial factors for the site-specific design and provided guidance on materiality and manufacturing options.Their broad understanding of the different materials available and engineering capabilities helped us deliver the best result possible.

Tilt then managed the detailed design, construction and installation for us ensuring the final product stayed true to our design intent.

What were the benefits of not being tied to a single playground manufacturer?

We were not tied to a particular supplier or to proprietary products which enabled us to design and construct a truly unique and site-specific solution that was integrated with the natural surrounds as well as complementing the interior fitout of the retail centre.

We were looking for a material with good stability and sustainable credentials and resolved to bend Accoya wood as the best approach. We were able to ensure minimal environmental impact, while delivering a robust and playful playground that brings the concept from paper to life.  We were also able to work together to overcome key fabrication / structural issues, in which the Tilt team’s innovative approach was key to the solution.

Our strategy involved looking ahead to future stages to ensure the 

The architectural pod play space has design, functionality and neighbourhood at heart.

Located at Fraser property’s new Eastern Creek Quarter, with the Australian-first ‘revolving retail’ concept, the playground is part of their entertainment precinct ‘ECQ Social’.

The shopping destination calls for an environment where the community can socialise and engage whilst immersing themselves and reflecting on the natural landscaped surrounds.

The space offers entertainment, shopping, and alfresco dining areas and an activated outdoor space which includes the architectural pod play space, conceptualised by Arcadia Landscape Architecture.

The play space features rope climbers, a tunnel experience, slide, log steppers, a fireman’s pole and sandstone water play, providing the children with an overall play experience and sense of adventure to be explored.

Materials and the design character of the play space are influenced by the surrounding parklands, and emerging landscaped space for the community.

Read our Case study