play + ground

Kids learn and grow on multiple levels in the classroom but outside of it as well. They read and write but they also learn through motion and through the senses. They observe and interact with their environment on so many levels. They interact with one another and they use their imagination and creativity… Play is such an important aspect of learning and development that we wanted to dedicate some thought to how we allow for more play to happen both in an academic setting and beyond.

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learning and dreaming

To encourage play at its best we designed this Mondrian-esque court for a private school situated in a very compact urban campus in Los Angeles. In a very small footprint we incorporated a variety of spaces for both work and play! We used basic wooden and colored cubical components, divided and stacked into few zones, leaving enough open space for active and creative play. The cubes are set in multiple levels, creating platforms for social interaction, focused instruction, demonstrations, team huddles and reflective moments, like daydreaming!

 

landscape design

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#subtletransitions

How does one blur the boundary between nature and architecture especially when nature can be so challenging with its ruggedness, slopes and grades and architecture strives for its clean lines, order and organization? In negotiating this transition we often set clear limits for where one begins and the other end but what if these limits were less defined and more playful. What if this transitional landscape is both wild and structured?


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#naturesbest

This is something we explored in this residential project situated in the Santa Monica mountains.

In this project, it was all about connecting and adapting to the existing topography and landscape. By paying attention to the sloped underutilized areas, the surrounding natural materials and wide range of indigenous plants, our design team found it challenging to domesticate those parts into the unobtrusive patio. It all led to implementing simple sculptural elements, gradually fading into the nature, forming a perfect oasis.

How would you use this kind of space? Would it be for morning meditation? Or maybe for some afternoon reading? Let us know!