Hawaii's Play Solution: Framework for Tackling Vandalism and Placelessness in Playground Design for Communities in Hawaii
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2020
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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The purpose of this study is to provide a framework for designing public playgrounds in communities of Hawaii that will help to create a sense of place and resist vandalism. Public playgrounds are a vital area within the urban fabric that is accessible for all and dedicated for child development and fun. The condition of public playgrounds within the state of Hawaii are inadequate in providing a safe, stimulating, and fun space for children of local communities. This public amenity has become typically modular, economic, and mass-produced, with similar designs reoccurring everywhere. Not only can these reoccurring aspects be seen through the playgrounds, but also through the development of the community itself. Because of this homogenization, identity is stripped, and sense of place starts to deteriorate (if there was one to begin with). The playground becomes a target for vandalism, leading to degradation of value, underutilization, and costly maintenance. Ultimately, the playground transforms into a blight on the community and is taken out altogether. It is a loss for the community and more so, a loss for the children. This study explores three key topics: Play and the Playground, Sense of Place, and Vandalism and Security. First, play is a way of learning. It is a crucial component for mental health/cognitive development, physical health/motor skill development, and social development. Playgrounds are a vessel for play and the various apparatus and forms help facilitate a variety of play types that stimulate that development and growth. Second, sense of place supports the quality of the space and leads to better utilization, attachment, and satisfaction. It is created from the image, form, and activity of the space. This creates an identity that is understood among locals as well as foreigners. Last, there is vandalism, which is the destruction of property. Previous research has shown that vandalism occurs out of carelessness and lack of emotional outlets, especially among young people. There are different ways that design can help to mitigate vandalism. These three key topics, when integrated together, create a playground design that not only the children will take pride in, but the community as well.
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Architecture
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Hawaii
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