Playing in the garden

Location: Rome
Area: 330 Smq
Cliente: Condominum
Project time: 2013

Our cities are increasingly overwhelmed by traffic and pollution, and it is up to us to create, even in small spaces, areas free from smog and harmful substances. Many leftover spaces between buildings can be reclaimed— as in this project— restoring new life and quality. Green areas and play spaces thus become shared community environments capable of generating new dynamics of interaction among neighbourhood users or simply between residents of neighbouring buildings.

The project involved the creation of a new playground within a former Sara Assicurazioni residential complex located in the Tuscolano–Cinecittà district of Rome.

The complex covers a total area of 20,000 sqm and includes six large residential buildings of eight storeys above ground, arranged in a linear typology. Floors one to seven are designated for residential use, while the ground floor houses commercial premises, access halls and pilotis. The separation areas between the buildings are currently used as un-equipped green spaces, pedestrian pathways providing access to the various blocks, and private car parks with manoeuvring spaces.

Within one of these un-equipped areas, located near Viale Palmiro Togliatti, the property owners decided to create a furnished green space with play equipment for children (ages 0–8) and young people (ages 8–14), covering a total surface of 330 sqm.

Starting from the four access points located at the edges of the intervention area, several pedestrian paths were created, intersecting to form a “Y” shape and dividing the space into four zones: three play areas organised by age group and equipped with swings, slides, spring riders and a football goal; and a green area designed for parents and adults.

To minimise environmental impact, permeable paving was used for the pedestrian paths so as not to alter soil drainage, and the perimeter fencing of the different areas was made with water-based painted wooden enclosures free from solvents.

In the play areas, a new lawn equipped with an automatic irrigation system was installed. Existing trees were preserved, with particular attention to the three large lime trees around which the three new play zones revolve, and new perimeter hedges were planted to separate the play areas from the adjacent public roadway.