Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

During an inspection tour organized by the academic society I belong to, I visited a children's playground. The facility was designed as a playground open to all children, regardless of whether they had a disability, their nationality, or their family background. I have heard that in playgrounds such as children's play facilities, the building, the exterior, and the play area are often planned separately. However, at the place I visited, a plan that integrated everything was realized through initiatives such as providing opportunities for the relevant parties to share concepts.

The gymnasium, which is also used by adults, is gently connected to the playground and common areas, the steps and ramps for movement are designed to encourage play, and there is a cafe that can be accessed from both inside and outside. There are so many interesting designs to mention, but one word came to mind while I was strolling around the facility.

Open, share and mix it up.

This is a keyword that is sometimes used in the concept of facility management in the welfare field, which is my specialty. It would be good to have more places, not just welfare facilities, where people of diverse ages and characteristics can share time and space even if they are not doing the same things, and having such places here and there would increase the options for where each person can be. It would also be good to have them on campus.

I had this thought as I watched the people accompanying me on the tour (all grown adults, of course) awkwardly sliding down the slide at the playground, cheering with joy.

(C.O.)

No. 1166