Article published on 18 July 2024
Proludic’s updated Inclusive Play Areas Guide makes it easier to design playspaces for all. A great opportunity to be talking about inclusion.
The launch of the new edition of Proludic’s Inclusive Play Areas Guide underscores the company’s commitment to inclusive design in playspaces and outdoor fitness areas. We were talking about inclusion to Madeleine Walding, Landscape Architect and Proludic Australia’s Commercial Manager, about the new guide and how the company is helping their clients create more inclusive playspaces.
Proludic released the first edition of its Inclusive Play Areas Thematic Guide in 2015. What’s different about this latest edition?
When we first launched our inclusive play guide, it was groundbreaking. There really wasn’t a lot of information available on designing truly inclusive playgrounds.
When the guide won the Australian Good Design Award Gold under the Social Impact category, we were thrilled. Not only did the award recognise our design expertise, but it also acknowledged our efforts to meet a pressing social need for inclusion in playspaces and a genuine desire to improve people’s lives.
The award raised people’s awareness of the issues around inclusion and gave people confidence to work with us.
Like the earlier edition, the 2024 guide includes information about the different challenges children with disability face during play. We’ve included examples of Proludic playgrounds from around the world, showing how different solutions cater to different needs and communities.
We recognise that inclusion and inclusive design are complicated topics. In the new edition, we’ve presented our guidelines in a way that’s even easier to understand.
We’ve also made the process of equipment selection simpler, showing how different pieces of equipment work within a playground to support play for everyone.
Going back to basics, what defines an inclusive playspace?
An inclusive playspace creates a feeling of belonging by providing social opportunities and play activities that are accessible to all.
Many people with disability still encounter barriers when accessing and enjoying public spaces. This includes children with disability as well as parents who may have a disability and want to play with their children.
Inclusion is fundamental to our philosophy. We believe all children should have equal access to play. Regardless of their disability, they should be given opportunities to have fun, experience new things, to take on challenges, to connect with others, and to enjoy solitary play if that’s what they need.
Our play equipment is tailored to help with the development of mobility, fine motor skills, and cognitive faculties, and provide sensory stimulation. It’s also designed to stimulate imagination and creativity, creating a fun environment where children can socialise with others.
Tell me about the Proludic Observatory. How does it help Proludic design more inclusive play equipment?
The Proludic Observatory brings together specialists recognised for their work in creating inclusive play areas worldwide. Essentially, it’s a committee of inclusion experts – specialists in child development and inclusion, as well as playspace design. They convene regularly to share ideas, best practices, and innovate inclusive play equipment solutions.
This expert committee played an important role in revising this guide and contributed substantially to its content.
Our designers also engage with people with disability and visit playgrounds to understand their needs and preferences. This helps us to create tailored products that ensure accessibility for all.
We also engage with many associations to gather feedback and insights. This enables us to design suitable equipment and stay informed about the latest advancements in inclusion.
Continuous improvement is important to us. Having resources like the Proludic Observatory means we continue to learn and develop our ideas in consultation with experts, users, and carers.
As a landscape architect deeply committed to inclusion, it has been an honour to contribute to this International Committee over the last two years, bringing perspectives and experiences from Australia to enrich our discussions. Throughout this journey, I have also had the privilege of learning from respected experts across Europe and Australia whose insights have greatly shaped our approach. Together, I believe we have created a guide that serves as an inspiration of inclusivity for generations to come.
Nadia Stojan, our Inclusive Play and Fitness Consultant and member of the Proludic Observatory International Inclusive Committee, about her experience of working with the Committee.
I understand Proludic has developed a diagnostic tool to help assess the inclusiveness of a playspace. How does that work?
Following universal design principles for play areas, we’ve developed a simple diagnostic tool. This tool helps us assess a play area and make recommendations about how our clients can improve the inclusiveness of their playground.
Some of these design aspects include ensuring easy access to a playground, fostering social interaction, and including play elements that stimulate the senses and support a child’s development.
How else has Proludic included diversity in its own design and production processes?
Having a diversity of viewpoints is critical to improving and innovating in any endeavour. Considering accessibility from the initial idea through to maintenance and management, is crucial to our products’ success.
We recently had the opportunity to visit the Proludic factory and the ESAT Social Enterprise in France, where people with disabilities assemble some of our products and take part in numerous educational and experiential activities.
How can people find out more about designing and building inclusive play areas?
The new edition of the Inclusive Play Areas Guide is a good place to start. It’s an ideal resource for local councils, landscape architects, playspace designers, and community members interested in designing better playgrounds for their community.
The guide includes some great examples of our inclusive playspaces in Australia and worldwide. Projects like the Variety Livvi’s Place Lieutenant Cantello Reserve in Hammondville, NSW, and Port Macquarie Public School, NSW. Even more inclusive playspaces are illustrated on our website.
We also encourage people to draw on our extensive expertise in inclusion. With years of experience, Proludic provides customised solutions aligned with the specific aspects and objectives of each project.
Our expert team loves talking about inclusion. They offer personalised support, including analysis of current spaces, on-site feasibility studies, and the development of inclusive playground concepts. It’s a collaborative process where we support you through every phase of the project, from design and manufacture to installation and maintenance.
We look forward to talking about inclusion with you!
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