Refurbishment of Mdina Playing Field
Basic information
Project Title
Refurbishment of Mdina Playing Field
Full project title
Total Refurbishment of Mdina Playing Field, in Mdina, Malta
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
The aim of this project was to refurbish an existing playing field into something that provides infants, toddlers, younger and older kids, teenagers, adults, elderly, persons with special needs, families, and work staff groups with opportunities to engage in play, gatherings, discussions, interactions, and relaxation while being a stepping stone towards closing the gap in age and life conditions currently experienced by todays’ life rhythm as well as providing a safe, secure, green environment a
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Locality Mdina but since it is central it forms part of the Centre Region consisting of Rabat, Mtarfa, Dingli, Mosta, Zebbug, Ta Qali. It is a very sought area not just by Maltese but by tourists all year round., Malta
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The aim of this project was to refurbish an existing playing field into something that provides infants, toddlers, younger and older kids, teenagers, adults, elderly, persons with special needs, families, and work staff groups with opportunities to engage in play, gatherings, discussions, interactions, and relaxation while being a stepping stone towards closing the gap in age and life conditions currently experienced by todays’ life rhythm as well as providing a safe, secure, green environment and accessible area.
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly.
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly.
Key objectives for sustainability
The playing field is lit up with LEDs throughout and the use of decorative lighting was kept to a minimum. The electrical system was divided into circuits so that the playing field can still be lit up throughout but can still be used without utilising the full capacity of illuminance. Full illuminance is used in peak hours. Furthermore, a timer system was included to control the light timings of the electrical circuits.
Two types of benches were installed within the playing field: 1. Smart benches having a battery that is powered through solar panel to provide the services of USB charging points, Wi-Fi access points and integrated lighting; 2. Custom-made designed benches which used planks made from reinforced recycled plastic planks having a timber finish with UV resistance.
Three different types of litterbins were installed having one type being Smart Litterbins. These are powered through solar panels which stores power to a battery system within the bin. These smart litterbins compact the waste collected and are incorporated with sensors to measure fill levels to inform when collection is needed. This optimises collection schedules and provides a larger capacity storage. In addition they also provide Wi-Fi access points.
The material of the play equipment used is resistant to UV rays to minimise damage and reduce the need of maintenance the surface while also providing a longer life span. Also, one of the see-saw’s installed is equipped with a mechanical system which when it charges electromechanically accumulating generating power, it can be lit up. Through squeezing and stretching, the strings release elastic energy that helps to push the see-saw.
The safety surface used throughout the playing field, which covers over 86% of the whole site, is made from recycled material and the top surface is UV resistant so as to retain the colour brightness and provide a longer life span.
Two types of benches were installed within the playing field: 1. Smart benches having a battery that is powered through solar panel to provide the services of USB charging points, Wi-Fi access points and integrated lighting; 2. Custom-made designed benches which used planks made from reinforced recycled plastic planks having a timber finish with UV resistance.
Three different types of litterbins were installed having one type being Smart Litterbins. These are powered through solar panels which stores power to a battery system within the bin. These smart litterbins compact the waste collected and are incorporated with sensors to measure fill levels to inform when collection is needed. This optimises collection schedules and provides a larger capacity storage. In addition they also provide Wi-Fi access points.
The material of the play equipment used is resistant to UV rays to minimise damage and reduce the need of maintenance the surface while also providing a longer life span. Also, one of the see-saw’s installed is equipped with a mechanical system which when it charges electromechanically accumulating generating power, it can be lit up. Through squeezing and stretching, the strings release elastic energy that helps to push the see-saw.
The safety surface used throughout the playing field, which covers over 86% of the whole site, is made from recycled material and the top surface is UV resistant so as to retain the colour brightness and provide a longer life span.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The playing field design provides accessibility and inclusiveness throughout, thus bringing members of the community together while providing a place for children and adults to be active and enjoy time outdoors. The variety of play equipment installed provide the children to develop important skills and get adequate physical exercise, while being a place for adults too, with opportunities for fitness (gym area) and socialisation (gathering areas mainly the circular central seated area and the architectural informal seating structures area). This aids adults to use the space actively enjoying time outdoors with their kids, friends and family.
The play equipment helps children to experience their senses through touch of the various different textures, the bright colours and patterns that stimulate the sense of sight, the musical instruments that stimulate their sense of hearing, stimulate balance and movement through vestibular and perceptive experiences that makes the kids aware of their body and where it is in space. A great majority of play equipment can be used by children with special needs and aid them in engaging with other kids through their use, thus making the playing field more welcoming and inclusive.
The playing field does serve the entire community regardless of ability due to the unitary surface, zones with different challenge levels, secure and safe perimeter which is helpful to both parents and children, an environment where kids can socialise with each other during play, multisensory experiences for kids of all abilities, range of challenges that the play equipment offers, wide pathways and safe areas where children can run and move without hindrance. The playing field features a variety of things thus making it engaging and exciting.
The play equipment helps children to experience their senses through touch of the various different textures, the bright colours and patterns that stimulate the sense of sight, the musical instruments that stimulate their sense of hearing, stimulate balance and movement through vestibular and perceptive experiences that makes the kids aware of their body and where it is in space. A great majority of play equipment can be used by children with special needs and aid them in engaging with other kids through their use, thus making the playing field more welcoming and inclusive.
The playing field does serve the entire community regardless of ability due to the unitary surface, zones with different challenge levels, secure and safe perimeter which is helpful to both parents and children, an environment where kids can socialise with each other during play, multisensory experiences for kids of all abilities, range of challenges that the play equipment offers, wide pathways and safe areas where children can run and move without hindrance. The playing field features a variety of things thus making it engaging and exciting.
Key objectives for inclusion
The aim of this project was to refurbish an existing playing field into something that provides infants, toddlers, younger and older kids, teenagers, adults, elderly, persons with special needs, families, and work staff groups with opportunities to engage in play, gatherings, discussions, interactions, and relaxation while being a stepping stone towards closing the gap in age and life conditions currently experienced by todays’ life rhythm as well as providing a safe, secure, green environment and accessible area.
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly.
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly.
Results in relation to category
The project has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly.
The playing field design provides accessibility and inclusiveness throughout, thus bringing members of the community together while providing a place for children and adults to be active and enjoy time outdoors. The variety of play equipment installed provide the children to develop important skills and get adequate physical exercise, while being a place for adults too, with opportunities for fitness (gym area) and socialisation (gathering areas mainly the circular central seated area and the architectural informal seating structures area). This aids adults to use the space actively enjoying time outdoors with their kids, friends and family.
The play equipment helps children to experience their senses through touch of the various different textures, the bright colours and patterns that stimulate the sense of sight, the musical instruments that stimulate their sense of hearing, stimulate balance and movement through vestibular and perceptive experiences that makes the kids aware of their body and where it is in space. A great majority of play equipment can be used by children with special needs and aid them in engaging with other kids through their use, thus making the playing field more welcoming and inclusive.
The playing field does serve the entire community regardless of ability due to the unitary surface, zones with different challenge levels, secure and safe perimeter which is helpful to both parents and children, an environment where kids can socialise with each other during play.
The playing field design provides accessibility and inclusiveness throughout, thus bringing members of the community together while providing a place for children and adults to be active and enjoy time outdoors. The variety of play equipment installed provide the children to develop important skills and get adequate physical exercise, while being a place for adults too, with opportunities for fitness (gym area) and socialisation (gathering areas mainly the circular central seated area and the architectural informal seating structures area). This aids adults to use the space actively enjoying time outdoors with their kids, friends and family.
The play equipment helps children to experience their senses through touch of the various different textures, the bright colours and patterns that stimulate the sense of sight, the musical instruments that stimulate their sense of hearing, stimulate balance and movement through vestibular and perceptive experiences that makes the kids aware of their body and where it is in space. A great majority of play equipment can be used by children with special needs and aid them in engaging with other kids through their use, thus making the playing field more welcoming and inclusive.
The playing field does serve the entire community regardless of ability due to the unitary surface, zones with different challenge levels, secure and safe perimeter which is helpful to both parents and children, an environment where kids can socialise with each other during play.
How Citizens benefit
Considering the location importance and the amount of persons using the playing field, it was concluded that a full refurbishment of the site should be made and the new proposal must give importance and incorporate safety, security, accessibility, variety, cater for various age groups (infants to elderly) and be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming to all.
The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible in the playing field design from the ideas acquire
The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible in the playing field design from the ideas acquire
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The Mdina Local Council put forward the necessity for this project after various complaints from its community that made use of the previous playing field. The Local Council’s initial request was to change the outdated, damaged and inadequate play equipment including their underlying safety surface carpets which deteriorated over time and were completely missing in some areas
Visual inspections and assessments on the condition of the playing field were carried out. These highlighted the inexistant safety measures and security issues. Considering the location importance and the amount of persons using the playing field, it was concluded that a full refurbishment of the site should be made and the new proposal must give importance and incorporate safety, security, accessibility, variety, cater for various age groups (infants to elderly) and be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming to all.
The design concept arose from the historical surroundings mainly the bastions and their significance in protecting the city’s people. These were replicated in a modern form within the design of the low boundary walls that control and provide a safe environment to the users. The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible.
Visual inspections and assessments on the condition of the playing field were carried out. These highlighted the inexistant safety measures and security issues. Considering the location importance and the amount of persons using the playing field, it was concluded that a full refurbishment of the site should be made and the new proposal must give importance and incorporate safety, security, accessibility, variety, cater for various age groups (infants to elderly) and be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming to all.
The design concept arose from the historical surroundings mainly the bastions and their significance in protecting the city’s people. These were replicated in a modern form within the design of the low boundary walls that control and provide a safe environment to the users. The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The site is lit up with LEDs throughout and the use of decorative lighting was kept to a minimum. The electrical system was divided into circuits so that the playing field can still be lit up throughout but can still be used without utilising the full capacity of illuminance. Full illuminance is used in peak hours. Furthermore, a timer system was included to control the light timings of the electrical circuits.
Two types of benches were installed within the playing field: 1. Smart benches having a battery that is powered through solar panel to provide the services of USB charging points, Wi-Fi access points and integrated lighting; 2. Custom-made designed benches which used planks made from reinforced recycled plastic planks having a timber finish with UV resistance.
Three different types of litterbins were installed having one type being Smart Litterbins. These are powered through solar panels which stores power to a battery system within the bin. These smart litterbins compact the waste collected and are incorporated with sensors to measure fill levels to inform when collection is needed. This optimises collection schedules and provides a larger capacity storage. In addition they also provide Wi-Fi access points.
The material of the play equipment used is resistant to UV rays to minimise damage and reduce the need of maintenance the surface while also providing a longer life span. Also, one of the see-saw’s installed is equipped with a mechanical system which when it charges electromechanically accumulating generating power, it can be lit up. Through squeezing and stretching, the strings release elastic energy that helps to push the see-saw.
The safety surface used throughout the playing field, which covers over 86% of the whole site, is made from recycled material and the top surface is UV resistant so as to retain the colour brightness and provide a longer life span.
Trees were retained to provide shade to the new underlying benches as well as the addit
Two types of benches were installed within the playing field: 1. Smart benches having a battery that is powered through solar panel to provide the services of USB charging points, Wi-Fi access points and integrated lighting; 2. Custom-made designed benches which used planks made from reinforced recycled plastic planks having a timber finish with UV resistance.
Three different types of litterbins were installed having one type being Smart Litterbins. These are powered through solar panels which stores power to a battery system within the bin. These smart litterbins compact the waste collected and are incorporated with sensors to measure fill levels to inform when collection is needed. This optimises collection schedules and provides a larger capacity storage. In addition they also provide Wi-Fi access points.
The material of the play equipment used is resistant to UV rays to minimise damage and reduce the need of maintenance the surface while also providing a longer life span. Also, one of the see-saw’s installed is equipped with a mechanical system which when it charges electromechanically accumulating generating power, it can be lit up. Through squeezing and stretching, the strings release elastic energy that helps to push the see-saw.
The safety surface used throughout the playing field, which covers over 86% of the whole site, is made from recycled material and the top surface is UV resistant so as to retain the colour brightness and provide a longer life span.
Trees were retained to provide shade to the new underlying benches as well as the addit
Methodology used
The aim of this project was to refurbish an existing playing field into something that provides infants, toddlers, younger and older kids, teenagers, adults, elderly, persons with special needs, families, and work staff groups with opportunities to engage in play, gatherings, discussions, interactions, and relaxation while being a stepping stone towards closing the gap in age and life conditions currently experienced by todays’ life rhythm as well as providing a safe, secure, green environment and accessible area.
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly
The new design actively stimulates the development of the children’s physical, social and creative skills, without forming game-specific rules upon them, by combining the open-endedness of traditional outdoor play and interactive play equipment. It also creates extensive safe areas between play equipment to provide free safe flows. In addition, the playing field layout, patterns, colours and design meet a child’s curiosity with age and developmentally appropriate challenges that encourages them to build comfortably on the skills and senses they already possess, thus encouraging them to challenge themselves in ways they can control and manage.
The design has been successfully amalgamated to its surroundings by replicating historical features and aspects of the surroundings in the new design, and design of certain play equipment’s, while making sure it is not visually intrusive due to extensive elements’ height and through the materials used. Innovative materials, recycled materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials and measures have been included to make it environmentally friendly
How stakeholders are engaged
The Mdina Local Council put forward the necessity for this project after various complaints from its community that made use of the previous playing field. The Local Council’s initial request was to change the outdated, damaged and inadequate play equipment including their underlying safety surface carpets which deteriorated over time and were completely missing in some areas
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible in the playing field design from the ideas acquire
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible in the playing field design from the ideas acquire
Global challenges
The design concept arose from the historical surroundings mainly the bastions and their significance in protecting the city’s people. These were replicated in a modern form within the design of the low boundary walls that control and provide a safe environment to the users. The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
Learning transferred to other parties
The Mdina Local Council put forward the necessity for this project after various complaints from its community that made use of the previous playing field. The Local Council’s initial request was to change the outdated, damaged and inadequate play equipment including their underlying safety surface carpets which deteriorated over time and were completely missing in some areas
Visual inspections and assessments on the condition of the playing field were carried out. These highlighted the inexistant safety measures and security issues. Considering the location importance and the amount of persons using the playing field, it was concluded that a full refurbishment of the site should be made and the new proposal must give importance and incorporate safety, security, accessibility, variety, cater for various age groups (infants to elderly) and be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming to all.
The design concept arose from the historical surroundings mainly the bastions and their significance in protecting the city’s people. These were replicated in a modern form within the design of the low boundary walls that control and provide a safe environment to the users. The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible.
Visual inspections and assessments on the condition of the playing field were carried out. These highlighted the inexistant safety measures and security issues. Considering the location importance and the amount of persons using the playing field, it was concluded that a full refurbishment of the site should be made and the new proposal must give importance and incorporate safety, security, accessibility, variety, cater for various age groups (infants to elderly) and be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming to all.
The design concept arose from the historical surroundings mainly the bastions and their significance in protecting the city’s people. These were replicated in a modern form within the design of the low boundary walls that control and provide a safe environment to the users. The use of local material for the boundary walls and the hard landscaping to amalgamate the traditional material to the new modern safety surface. The architectural informal seating structures were inspired from a hand rising from underneath the earth representing the “Rise from the Past to the Present”.
The Local Council and its representatives were continuously consulted throughout all the design process and even during the execution of the works. In addition, during the preliminary site visits and inspections, the undersigned took the initiative to speak to the persons present at the playing field on those particular days which included kids and their parents, teenagers, the elderly and the kiosk owner and did his utmost to incorporate as many ideas as possible.
Keywords
Modern design, materials and furniture
smart litterbins
smart benches
ecofriendly and energy saver lighting
pour in situ safety surface
