I have mixed feelings about brutalism. I like its solemnity, and how it manages to "look utopian and dystopian at the same time" (a definition I read some time ago). On the other hand, even when it's beautiful, it doesn't feel hospitable at all, and I can't help but think that playing in a brutalist playground would create some bittersweet memories for those children.
I took a landscape architecture class in college and we had a section on designing playgrounds. Most playgrounds are designed with equipment that mimics animals or pirate ships, stuff from children stories. However, abstract shapes and equipment are actually better for children as they allow the brain to create story's and imagine what the equipment could be. So the brutalist playgrounds you posted would actually be ideal.
- However, abstract shapes and equipment are actually better for children as they allow the brain to create story's and imagine what the equipment could be.
That's an interesting theory, but what do the children think about it? It sounds like something a psychologist might come up with, I can't imagine many parents would design a playground using abstract shapes and concrete.
Depends how old you are. In the 80s there was lots of this type of shit. Parks liked big conrete behemoths, because they don't really require any maintenance, and they kind of look sculptural by nature. Then parents got whiny and litigious about little Johnny breaking his teeth on the concrete and they disappeared quickly in favor of those plastic monstrosities.
It was 3 or 4 years ago so I dont remember the sources but it was based on research about the stimulating effects of different playground equipment . I do remember they talked about this "park" in Queens that was just an lot with dirt mounds and a hole with water in it and it was kids favorite playground.
Considering the majority of my former campuses architecture is brutalitist this is something interesting to me. It very much creates a sense of separation from your surroundings and at times a dis-ease in your own environment. I wonder if the children have any perception of it.