Master of Regional and Community Planning / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Hyung Jin Kim / Children’s play is partially satisfied through provision of public playgrounds with manufactured playground equipment in urban settings in the U.S., however, manufactured playground equipment is often criticized for its monotonous play equipment and is considered to be the primary cause of low playground utilization and dissatisfaction by many researchers (Hart, 2002; Beckwith, 2000; Cunningham & Jones, 1999; Davies, 1996; Masters, 2011). This study selected an urban park playground, a community playground, and a neighborhood park playground with manufactured equipment in the city of Manhattan as study sites. The purpose of this study is to examine utilization of the current playground areas and equipment—specifically by examining playground satisfaction levels and utilization frequency, and playground equipment satisfaction and utilization frequency to reveal playground utilization issues. A playground field audit and an on-site visitor survey were used to collect data. This study found (a) study playgrounds are underutilized among 6-to-10 and 11-to-15 age groups, (b) correlations exist between play equipment utilization frequencies and satisfaction ratings for most play equipment, and (c) no correlation exists between playground utilization frequency and playground satisfaction ratings. Results also revealed that (d) rare and occasional playground visitors are more likely to be attracted to play equipment with moving parts, higher physical challenges, and creative designs. Playground utilization rates are at current levels partially due to the rigid demand for playground use and play equipment. Although this study showed that 57% of survey participants were satisfied with the manufactured play equipment overall, play equipment should still be carefully selected and installed in consideration of different age groups, and visitors’ needs and characteristics; and more creative and cutting-edge play equipment should be considered for future playground improvements.

Bakgrund Idag spenderar barn mycket tid inomhus eller på schemalagda aktiviteter. I och med barns rättighet till ett hälsosamt liv har förskolan i uppgift att se till att barn får vara ute och där också få en positiv upplevelse av utomhusmiljön så att barnen som vuxna får en bra relation till naturen. Teori Studien utgår från teorier som åskådliggör positiva effekter av utomhusvistelse för barn. Lek i utomhusmiljö bidrar i hög grad till att utveckla motoriska och kognitiva färdigheter och väderväxlingar berikar barnens stimulans av olika sinnen. Teorier visar även att vatten är en stor källa till inspiration och experimentslust. Syfte Syftet är att undersöka hur tre förskolor i Stockholm använder sin förskolegård i nederbörd samt att studera hur redskap på gården är utformade för att kunna användas i nederbörd på hösten. Meningen är att studien ska ge inspiration till andra förskolor att se möjligheter i dagar med nederbörd. Metod Arbetet utgår från observationer på förskolor samt kvalitativa interjuver med en pedagog från varje förskola. Resultat Resultatet visar att redskap finns på alla gårdar men att de överlag inte är utformade speciellt för lek i nederbörd. Redskapen används alltid tillsammans med lösa föremål. Lösa föremål för att hälla och transportera används speciellt i lek med vatten, medan naturföremål används i rollekar under nederbörd. Pedagogernas förhållningssätt till utevistelse och barns lek påverkar hur och med vad barn leker. Ibland ordnas aktiviteter för barnen då det regnar eller snöar, men det anses vara lättare på sommarhalvåret då kombinationen väta och kyla på hösten bidrar till att barnen blir kalla och måste gå in. Terrängen ses inte som hinder vid nederbörd och avskilda platser används ofta av barnen för återhämtning. Markens möjlighet till vattenpölar uppskattas mycket av barnen. / Background Today, children spend much time indoors or on scheduled activities. On account of a child’s right to a healthy life the preschool is assigned to make sure that the children are allowed to be outdoors and to receive a positive experience of the outside environment, thus leading to a good relationship with nature as adults. Theoretical perspectives The study is based on theories that illustrate the positive effects children receive from being outdoors. Playing outdoors contributes greatly to a child’s physical development and the changes in weather enrich a child’s senses. Theories also show that water is a great source of inspiration. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how three preschools in  Stockholm use their playground and the equipment on it during wet weather in autumn. This study is supposed to inspire other preschools to discover the possibilities that wet weather offer. Methodology The study is based on observations and qualitative interviews with one  pedagogue from each participating preschool. Conclusion The study show that there are playground equipments on all playgrounds but that they generally are not specifically designed to be used during wet weather. The playground equipment is always used in conjunction with toys. The approach to play and to the outdoors by the pedagogue, affects with what the children play. On occasion, the preschools arrange activities during wet weather but it’s considered easier during the summer semester. The terrain is not considered as an obstacle during wet weather and secluded locations are often used by the children for recreation. The possibilities for puddles in the uneven terrain are very appreciated by the children.

Esta pesquisa de mestrado se situa nos estudos de inter-relação do design com a arquitetura, enfocando os equipamentos denominados Academia da Primeira Idade, entendidos como um mobiliário urbano para o público infantil presente e implantado no espaço livre público das áreas de playground, em locais levantados na atualidade na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram realizadas pesquisas de campo com abordagem qualitativa. Com o objetivo de levantar dados sobre como um mobiliário urbano é percebido e entendido por seu público alvo, procurou-se pela visão das crianças usuárias e seus acompanhantes a fim de obter entendimento e diretrizes sobre o espaço e equipamentos para brincar e se exercitar. Foram utilizadas várias ferramentas de pesquisa para captação de dados como: observação não participante, entrevista com acompanhantes no local de uso, storytelling com crianças, além de levantamentos nos órgãos públicos gestores e com especialistas, com enfoque no uso e apropriação pelos seus usuários, verificando aspectos formais, comportamentais e de interação social. Por meio da triangulação de dados foi possível levantar os pontos relevantes na opinião dos stakeholders, agentes envolvidos, gerando conhecimentos para aprimoramento dos espaços e equipamentos existentes, bem como para novos projetos afins. Como principais achados podem ser destacados pontos positivos e negativos citados sobre os equipamentos elencados além de aspectos como proporcionar diversão com segurança, conservação, interação com outras crianças, e outros relacionados às características físicas e de manutenção de espaços bem cuidados, com piso adequado, e dotados de mobiliário complementar, sempre presentes nas narrativas dos pesquisados quanto as suas necessidades e expectativas. Considerando a importância que o brincar tem na formação das crianças, e que experiências e vivências únicas o espaço público pode proporcionar, espera-se que estes dados, considerando a visão e opinião dos usuários, possam servir para melhorar a qualidade dos espaços e equipamentos públicos infantis. / This master\'s research is inserted in the studies of the inter-relation between design and architecture, focusing on what is called Kids Outdoor Fitness Equipment, understood as urban furniture aimed for children and implanted in the public space of playground areas, in places chosen presently in the city of São Paulo, where field research was undertaken with a qualitative approach. With the goal of raising data on how urban furniture is perceived and understood by its target audience, it has sought the point of view of child users and their escorts in order to obtain understanding and guidelines regarding the space and equipment to play and exercise in. Several research tools were used to gather the data, such as non-participant observation, interview with escorts at the site of usage, and storytelling with children, besides collecting data at public agencies and with specialists, with a focus on the use and appropriation by the users, verifying formal, behavioral and social interaction aspects. By means of triangulation of data, it was possible to raise the relevant aspects in the opinion of the stakeholders, the agents involved, generating knowledge for the improvement of the existing spaces and equipment, as well as for new related projects. As the main findings, we can highlight positive and negative features cited regarding the listed equipment, besides aspects such as affording entertainment with safety, conservation, and interaction with other children, as well as others related to the physical features and the maintenance of well cared-for spaces, with adequate flooring, and fitted with complementary furniture, always present in the narratives of the researched as far as their needs and expectations. Considering the importance of play in children\'s growth, and what unique experiences public space can provide, it is hoped that these data, considering the point of view and opinion of the users, may serve to improve the quality of spaces and public children\'s equipment.

Esta pesquisa de mestrado se situa nos estudos de inter-relação do design com a arquitetura, enfocando os equipamentos denominados Academia da Primeira Idade, entendidos como um mobiliário urbano para o público infantil presente e implantado no espaço livre público das áreas de playground, em locais levantados na atualidade na cidade de São Paulo, onde foram realizadas pesquisas de campo com abordagem qualitativa. Com o objetivo de levantar dados sobre como um mobiliário urbano é percebido e entendido por seu público alvo, procurou-se pela visão das crianças usuárias e seus acompanhantes a fim de obter entendimento e diretrizes sobre o espaço e equipamentos para brincar e se exercitar. Foram utilizadas várias ferramentas de pesquisa para captação de dados como: observação não participante, entrevista com acompanhantes no local de uso, storytelling com crianças, além de levantamentos nos órgãos públicos gestores e com especialistas, com enfoque no uso e apropriação pelos seus usuários, verificando aspectos formais, comportamentais e de interação social. Por meio da triangulação de dados foi possível levantar os pontos relevantes na opinião dos stakeholders, agentes envolvidos, gerando conhecimentos para aprimoramento dos espaços e equipamentos existentes, bem como para novos projetos afins. Como principais achados podem ser destacados pontos positivos e negativos citados sobre os equipamentos elencados além de aspectos como proporcionar diversão com segurança, conservação, interação com outras crianças, e outros relacionados às características físicas e de manutenção de espaços bem cuidados, com piso adequado, e dotados de mobiliário complementar, sempre presentes nas narrativas dos pesquisados quanto as suas necessidades e expectativas. Considerando a importância que o brincar tem na formação das crianças, e que experiências e vivências únicas o espaço público pode proporcionar, espera-se que estes dados, considerando a visão e opinião dos usuários, possam servir para melhorar a qualidade dos espaços e equipamentos públicos infantis. / This master\'s research is inserted in the studies of the inter-relation between design and architecture, focusing on what is called Kids Outdoor Fitness Equipment, understood as urban furniture aimed for children and implanted in the public space of playground areas, in places chosen presently in the city of São Paulo, where field research was undertaken with a qualitative approach. With the goal of raising data on how urban furniture is perceived and understood by its target audience, it has sought the point of view of child users and their escorts in order to obtain understanding and guidelines regarding the space and equipment to play and exercise in. Several research tools were used to gather the data, such as non-participant observation, interview with escorts at the site of usage, and storytelling with children, besides collecting data at public agencies and with specialists, with a focus on the use and appropriation by the users, verifying formal, behavioral and social interaction aspects. By means of triangulation of data, it was possible to raise the relevant aspects in the opinion of the stakeholders, the agents involved, generating knowledge for the improvement of the existing spaces and equipment, as well as for new related projects. As the main findings, we can highlight positive and negative features cited regarding the listed equipment, besides aspects such as affording entertainment with safety, conservation, and interaction with other children, as well as others related to the physical features and the maintenance of well cared-for spaces, with adequate flooring, and fitted with complementary furniture, always present in the narratives of the researched as far as their needs and expectations. Considering the importance of play in children\'s growth, and what unique experiences public space can provide, it is hoped that these data, considering the point of view and opinion of the users, may serve to improve the quality of spaces and public children\'s equipment.

Main subject of this work is design of childrens playgroung elements. In this work there is also presented analysis of existent theme. I have designed a few variations, from which I chose the best solution. This solution I worked out in technical, aesthetic and ergonomical aspects. Designed elements match current requirements of safety standards.

Under våren år 2013 har Emilia Andersson, en designingenjörsstudent på Högskolan i Skövde, utfört ett produktutvecklingsprojekt i samarbete med HAGS Aneby AB. Syftet med projektet var att utveckla en vippgunga vars storlek skulle vara anpassad för barn i åldrarna 1-3 år. Målet var att vippgungan ska kunna säljas över hela världen samt uppfylla den amerikanska standarden och europastandarden för lekredskap. Projektet inleddes med en förstudie och teori-fas, där bland annat litteraturstudie och konkurrentanalys genomfördes och annan information samlades in för att få djupare kunskaper inom ämnet. Därefter började idéer och koncept genereras, som sedan genomgick utvärderingar, så som användartester, vilket ledde till ett slutkoncept. Konceptet utvärderades med hjälp av bland annat hållfasthetsberäkningar och en antropometrisk analys. Den slutgiltiga vippgungan kan trots anpassningen för åldersgruppen, inte bara användas av 1-3-åringar utan också av äldre barn, tack vare att konstruktion och framförallt handtag ger extra lekvärden. / During the spring of 2013, Emilia Andersson, a student in product design engineering at University of Skövde, carried out a product development project in cooperation with HAGS Aneby AB. The aim of the project was to develop a seesaw adapted for children aged 1-3 years. The goal was to develop a seesaw that could be sold worldwide and meet the American standard and European standard for playground equipment. The project began with a pre study and a theory phase, which included literature review and competitor analysis and information were gathered to gain a deeper knowledge of the subject. Later on ideas and concepts were generated, which then through evaluations as user testing lead to a final concept. The concept was evaluated with for example strength calculations and an anthropometric analysis. The final seesaw can, despite adjustment for the age group, not only be use by 1-3-year-olds, but also by older children, this thanks to the design and the handles that provide extra play values.