Forgotten 1960s toys are remembered at this London exhibition

In the 1960s and '70s a number of designers began to re-think the kind of objects that children required to play (and thus learn) with. As Jean Piaget said, "play is the serious business of children".


Above, Four-Way Blocks, Fredun Shapur 1972, Creative Playthings

'Play: Toys, Sets, Rules' is brought about by London Studio Systems  and brings together toys from the personal archives of their designers - a loosely associated group that emerged in London in the 1960s.

Above left, Zic-Zag, Fredun Shapur 1980, produced by Kurt Naef; Right, Serpentino, Fredun Shapur 1980, produced by Kurt Naef

The exhibition, which is part of the 2015 London Festival of Architecture offers a unique survey of late modernist approaches to child development and design, and provokes a discussion around play as formulative and speculative activity.

Above, Cube tray, designer unknown c. 1970, producer unknown

The play objects are indeed beautiful and finely crafted and could stand proudly displayed on a mantel piece in addition to offering curious interactment.


Above left, Sechseck Legespeil by Viereck Legespeil and Fünfeck Legespiel, designer unknown c.-1960 ;Right, Polyroly, Roger Limbrick 1968, produced by Polypops Products Ltd

The various toys on exhibit include themes of modularity (with blocks and interslotting components) to build any imaginable structure, furniture, or machine; geometric puzzles - such as the cube tray and the Sechseck Legespeil and marbles.

Above, Polidoblocs, Dr Margaret Lowenfeld c. 1950, produced by ESA

All featuring bold colours and natural materials. The toys are reminiscent of Froebels 'gifts' inducing both an appreciation of form and of creative thought in the curious child.


Above left, Plytek Stool, Ken Garland + Associates c.1965, unrealised prototype; Right, Interslot, Roger Limbrick c.1964, produced by Roger Limbrick Associates

If you're in London, go check it out!

Details:

THE PLAY:TOYS, SETS, RULES

WHEN: 05 JUNE - 03 JULY

WORKSHOPS: Accompanying the exhibition is a series of free workshops for children aged 7-12 years in craft activity, allowing their creative imaginations to run wild. To book a place, email info@systemsproject.co.uk

WHERE: WALTER KNOLL, 42 CHARTERHOUSE SQUARE, EC1M 6EA

ORGANIZED BY: SYSTEMS

Via Dezeen and London Architecture Diary.

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Work and play being introduced into the workplace (I want to work here!)

 
It's not only schools that are slowly adopting the early childhood idea of zones catering for a range of types of work, play and leisure (with "break-out" areas, flexible and individual learning zones). Now work places are beginning to see the benefit in offering employees a variety of type of space for increased productivity and employee satisfaction.



An example of such a work place, which is in fact reminiscent of a number of contemporary EC designs where spaces are placed within spaces (here, here and here), is Airbnb's new "CX" Customer Experience office in Portland, USA.

Designed in-house by trained architects Aaron Harvey and Rachael Yu, the concept was developed with extensive research into the working habits and requirements of CX employees.



The designers collaborated with the (some 200) Airbnb employees, and found their requirements to be that of which would allow them to work in array of styles - to move around and make use of an array of spaces and choose the environment that suits their needs.



Complementing their flexible work practices, the office design provides 'landing/standing' spaces for impromptu team meetings. There are lounges, shared tables, private nooks and a mezzanine called "the bluff", which is an elevated work space made from plywood and lined with cushions, where you can survey the office space below.



This idea of flexibility and that of choice (of how to work, and how to interact with others) works to create an enjoyable environment in where let's face it, where we all spend most of our days.

Via Yellow Trace.

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Here are large "studio" spaces and many connections to the outdoors

 

Youji No Shiro (designers of the DS Nursery) know how an early childhood centre should be and their latest Hanazono Kindergarten is no exception.

The kindergarten's design mediates the necessity for large, open and flexible space (for the centres' varying and changing needs) with attention to functionality, materiality and detail. A feat Japanese architects appear to be very good at.

Above, a grouped indoor and outdoor dining space.

Semi-enclosed decks, courtyards and terraces are employed along with large bi-folding doors to ensure maximum connection at all times with the natural outdoors for healthy learning.

Above, upstairs rooms offer playful bright bold colouring on its walls and varying sized openings between spaces - with even one on the floor!

The structure is constructed of steel and concrete, while other materials include both stained and natural timber, stacked hollow concrete blockwork, chalkboard walls and red brick. Materials which speak of timelessness.

Outside, a grassy mound and timber play structures encourage adventurous physical play.

The centres' design language of a system of grid-like squares lends itself to a variety of expressions. Seen above, the hollow concrete block creating a lovely pattern of light.

Via DesignBoom.

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This new centre clusters individual buildings around a common "piazza"

 
The Familienzentrum im Steinpark Kindergarten in Germany and designed by nbundm utilises simple forms that when clustered seemingly randomly create a number of various spaces and the notion of a village.



This arrangement meant each building could cater to one of the 8 groups, whilst all spilling out onto a central courtyard (or "piazza") space for shared learning and play.





A shared hall, dining and staff areas are also included.



The centre cleverly uses a minimal palette of materials meant to last. Prepatinated larch for the exterior cladding, and varnished spruce for the inside spaces.



A carefully selected colour palette is chosen, which combined with low hanging lights and and an abundance of large windows creates a homely feel.



Continuing with the timber theme, tree stumps are used both internally and externally. Adding both a natural and fun element to the otherwise minimalist design.



Playful and functional elements have been incorporated, with ample built-in storage as well as custom-designed furniture and cushions.



The green floors combined with the natural and textural timber qualities creating the feeling of being among the trees.

Via ArchDaily.

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A stepped centre in Japan with tree-like columns

 

Hakusui Nursery in Chiba, Japan designed by Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop makes use of it's gently sloping site by creating large terraces or steps providing both physical fun and different zones for different activity.

Interspersed with these "steps" are custom-designed platforms (stages), cubbies, railings and enclosed "pods" for more quiet or private activity.

All sides of the steeped centre are characterised with floor to ceiling glass and large sliding windows and doors enabling fresh air, sun and access to the outdoors for play.



Natural ply is used for the floors and "steps" while pine is used for the many and varied structural columns - creating an effect like being in a forest. Appropriate for it's location next to a large wooded mountainous park nearby.



Colour is used sparingly giving identity to the various enclosed "pods" or rooms.

A unique feature of the nursery is the way the sloping roof collects rainwater and lets it gush over the edge of the roof as a waterfall - providing a fun water play area for the children.



On the top most side a large deck is also provided further encouraging the use of the outdoors for healthy play.



Via ArchDaily.

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A new centre in Belgium is elevated off the street with 6 "living areas" housed around a central sunny atrium

 
Designed by ZAmpone Architectuur, the Pluchke (or "fluffy" in English) Daycare Centre is thoughtfully designed in considering the views of the building's young users.



Situated in Belgium's Brussels, the now 75 child-capacity centre was to replace an older and tired centre catering to 35 children.



The small site situated in front of a primary school was fully utilised by placing the daycare on the level above ground. Thus maintaining the street level for the public and the centres' administration spaces.



Six "living rooms" (group rooms or classrooms) each with their own outdoor terrace surround a central sunlit atrium and circulation space.



Thus connecting all of the spaces visually and physically.



The stairs also exhibiting a slide and playground - making the journey from up to down fun!



The architects cleverly considered the scale of the child in all instances. Offering a multitude of spatial experiences as well as furniture and hooks that can easily be used by the child.



Furniture and cabinetry is all custom designed - maximising the available space.



A minimal yet considered material and colour palette is chosen to convey a sense of calm and warmth...



Light timber, concrete, steel and muted paint colours are combined to create coherency and visual interest.



Nooks are provided for children to hide away in for rest or play.



While hanging light fittings give a homely feel.




Above, a view to one of the outdoor terraces is provided with a window nook.

A longitudinal section through the building shows the use of light wells offering an abundance of natural sunlight into the internal spaces.

Ground floor plan (above) - 1. Entrance, 2. Coaches, 3. Reception, 4. Director, 5. Staff Room, 6. Dressing Area, 7. Storage, 8. Kitchen, 9. Ironing Area, 10. Toilets,  14. Elevator,



Level 1 (above - 11. Living Area, 12. Washing Area, 13. Sleeping Area, 15. Terrace

Via Dezeen.

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