We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Cemer Playground Equipments about their original and creative Play Unit design work. Cemer Playground Equipments is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original play unit works.
Cemer Playground Equipments ("CPE") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work World Cup Play Unit . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CPE : The main principle behind our design, "World Cup," was to capture the joy and excitement of football (soccer) in a playground setting. The inspiration came from the global phenomenon of the World Cup, aiming to translate the spirit of competition and achievement into a challenging and engaging play experience for children.
CPE : Our main focus in designing this work was to create a dynamic and safe play environment that stimulates children's motor skills, coordination, and sense of adventure. We aimed to achieve a design that not only resembles a football but also offers interactive elements like climbing nets and slides to encourage physical activity and imaginative play.
CPE : Our future plans for this award-winning design include exploring opportunities to introduce it to more playgrounds globally, potentially partnering with municipalities, schools, and private developments interested in enhancing their recreational offerings with innovative play structures.
CPE : The design process for this concept spanned approximately 18 months, from initial ideation and conceptualization to final detailing and prototype testing.
CPE : This design was born out of our own inspiration to blend sports enthusiasm with playground innovation. It was not specifically commissioned but rather a passion project to create a unique play experience inspired by the World Cup.
CPE : This design is being produced by Cemer Playground Equipments at the moment.
CPE : We chose to design this particular type of play structure to merge the excitement of football with the physical challenges that promote children's development. The goal was to offer a thematic and engaging play option that stands out in the market.
CPE : While the initial concept was internally driven, we did consult with playground safety experts and child development specialists to ensure the design's suitability and safety standards.
CPE : The target customers for this design are municipalities, schools, parks, and recreational facilities looking to provide a distinctive and engaging play experience for children aged 5 and above.
CPE : What sets "World Cup" apart is its thematic integration of football elements into a playground structure. The use of climbing nets resembling a football's stitching, along with a viewing platform shaped like a football dome, creates a unique play environment that ties directly to the excitement of the sport.
CPE : The name "World Cup" was chosen to directly evoke the global appeal and competitive spirit of the FIFA World Cup, aligning with the design's thematic inspiration.
CPE : We used a variety of design tools including CAD software for 3D modeling, prototyping tools for physical mock-ups, and simulation software to test structural integrity and safety features.
CPE : The most unique aspect of our design is the integration of three-dimensional climbing nets that mimic the stitching of a football, combined with a themed viewing platform and slide structures that enhance both play value and aesthetic appeal.
CPE : We collaborated closely with our in-house design team, which includes engineers specializing in structural design and materials, as well as playground safety experts to ensure compliance with international standards.
CPE : Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of our design. We utilized advanced materials like galvanized wires with patented tensioning systems, polycarbonate panels for transparency and durability, and stainless steel components for longevity and corrosion resistance.
CPE : Our design was influenced by research into playground safety standards, child development principles, and trends in recreational equipment. We conducted extensive research to ensure that our design not only met but exceeded safety and quality expectations.
CPE : Some challenges we faced included integrating the complex three-dimensional climbing nets within the structure while maintaining safety standards, as well as ensuring that the thematic elements (like the football-inspired dome) were both functional and visually appealing.
CPE : We decided to submit our design to an international design competition like the A' Design Awards to gain recognition on a global scale, showcase our innovative approach to playground design, and potentially attract partnerships or investment opportunities.
CPE : Through the process of designing "World Cup," we learned valuable lessons in material science, structural engineering, and the importance of thematic integration in recreational design. This project also allowed us to refine our manufacturing processes and expand our capabilities in creating bespoke play structures.
CPE : One additional point worth mentioning is our commitment to sustainability. We aim to incorporate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient production processes in future iterations of this design, aligning with global trends towards environmental responsibility in manufacturing.
