Fortlandia
Prompt: Create a playground design fit for families in the Austin area.
The Octopus Hideaway is inspired by Fortlandia, Austin's iconic pop-up playground exhibit, where vibrant forts and unique pathways draw young adventurers to explore.
Embracing the whimsical spirit of Austin, my design promises a world of endless fun and discovery, making the ocean less daunting and more inviting, sparking curiosity and appreciation for ocean wildlife in young minds.
Tools Used: Rhino3D, Procreate, Photoshop
Timeline: 3 weeks
Project type: Solo project
Building An Educational Experience
To begin my design process, I asked fellow students what areas they wished they learned more about in k-12. The two most popular responses were ocean life and space. After iterating different sketches, I decided to go with ocean life, as water is a major part of Austin whether it be the Colorado River, Barton Springs, or various creeks.
Feedback: This first sketch looked too scary for children, and it was also impossible for parents to watch their children inside the fish. This was also not based on a real fish, making the educational aspect useless.
Feedback: This second sketch is better, but it needs more elements for children to interact with. There also needs to be benches for parents.
Design With Children In Mind
A key advantage to designing a playground is that it is made to be interactive.
I focused on showcasing various marine animals in highly playable areas. This setup sparks curiosity and encourages hands-on exploration of marine life. In the center is an octopus, schools of fish surround climbing ropes, and shark fins are by the xylophone inside.
Materials: When crafting a playground safety is a key consideration, ensuring every element is tailored to children's needs and abilities. The playground itself is made with materials that ensure a sturdy and safe experience.
Reflection
Overall, I think I did an excellent job of creating an educational and impactful product.
Opportunities remain to:
add more marine life to the playground
design signs that describe each animal featured in the playground
Project pitch poster with playground features