Bradbury Park Playscape

Recognising the digital entanglement of the 10-15 age group, client research uncovered a shortage of playgrounds for these young digital natives. It introduces a spectrum of physical and cognitive challenges, blending elements that encourage risk-taking, problem-solving, agility, and social interaction. Designed to meet the needs of its young audience while also appealing to all ages, the space encourages families to actively play alongside their children, rather than merely observing, thus strengthening family bonds through shared playful experiences. Meticulous planning and communication during development ensured the project’s cost-effectiveness. Durable, low-maintenance materials offer long- term value, reducing costs and maximising community benefits.

Valuable community feedback was incorporated into a finalised competition brief released by the client. Following this an Architect, Landscape Architect, and Landscape Construction company formed a primary design team, despite limited prior collaboration, submitting their Expression of Interest concept for Bradbury Park Playscape. The response encapsulated ideas addressing the team’s vision for the site and community, design development, consultation, and construction methods. This new consortium quickly became one of four successful teams shortlisted (from a pool of 15) to develop their concept further. Regular fortnightly feedback sessions under client’s guidance, maximised the project team’s potential and alignment with community aspirations.

The playscape encourages more than inclusive play; it’s designed to inspire active, self-directed involvement, inviting everyone to participate, or simply enjoy the area as they walk, run, or cycle by; fostering a sense of community and belonging. This approach reflects a broader vision of urban design, enhancing public spaces for communal well-being, a space that transcends age and ability, offering varied activities that promote physical and social engagement. This Playscape highlights collaborative urban design, blending community, creativity, sustainability, and the arts to enrich urban life. It’s a transformative park for Brisbane, bringing suburban areas to life, reimagining & reinvigorating their potential.

Material selection was crucial; consciously moving away from the prevalent use of plastics and synthetics often synonymous in contemporary playgrounds, focusing instead on durable, easy-to-maintain materials that offer lasting value and reduced maintenance costs. Timber is the hero, utilising a ‘shou sugi ban’ technique, a process that naturally protects the wood, which was inspired by the surrounding Ironbark trees; inherent to the design’s narrative, like guardians gracefully occupying the site. This thoughtful choice of materials, along with the playscapes organic design, ensures the structure, despite its scale, integrates sensitively with its surroundings, minimising its impact on the residential neighbours along Batten Street. The result is a playscape that blends and connects softly into the existing urban and natural landscapes, enriching the park’s visual and functional appeal. The layout meticulously intertwines with the park’s biodiverse environment, conserving native trees and adapting to the terrain to counteract soil erosion. Hard- working pathways cleverly disguise and funnel the site’s overland water flow. This sensitive approach to site and context has not only preserved but enriched the local ecology, creating an exciting playscape that is both an urban landmark and a haven for biodiversity.