The child is free to decide how to play.
How did you go about creating the park from there?
Matsuo:At first, we were thinking of installing a seesaw or swing set, but we discussed with the DDAA that we wanted to design and build it from scratch instead of using a ready-made product. However, in order to obtain a guarantee for the playground equipment, we had to design it in accordance with the "Safety Standards for Playground Equipment" (Japan Park Facilities Association), which would have cost a lot of money. We also decided to use a lot of flat space for multiple purposes, and gave up on the playground equipment.
I see. So you designed the ground to have a difference in elevation so that the place itself would become playground equipment?
Matsuo:That's right. To put it in a positive way, playground equipment such as swings are designed to be played in a certain way. However, if this kind of topographical structure becomes a playground, children can freely decide how to play.
Baba:The other side of the hill that becomes the slide I mentioned earlier could be used for ball guessing. It would be nice if the kids discover that on their own and play with it. It would be fun for the parents to see that. I tell Takashi that if he sees a kid playing in a clever way, he should call out to him. Then we can scout them out in the future (laughs).
I also thought it was fascinating to see the plants that add gentle color to the park and the participation of artists who have a connection with Maruhiro.
Baba:I wanted to see a variety of plants grow in each season, so I hired a local Saikai gardening company to do the job. We had ordered from the beginning that we wanted them to plant something edible. It's fun to see not only flowers blooming and then falling, but also various fruits and herbs growing in different seasons. I can also do the chairman's job (laughs).
Baba:The fact that we enlisted the help of artists is also what makes this park different from other parks. There is no park in Japan where Delta and Shuntaro's works can be seen. We plan to have other artists paint in the future.
Also, Takashi introduced me to GOO CHOKI PAR, the three artists who drew the "HIROPPA" logo. They have also done graphics for the Paralympics, and I am glad to have made new friends in this way.
