Date: September 2023
Location: Canòdrom – Athenaeum of Digital and Democratic Innovation, Barcelona.
Objective: Design and construction of a portable play area for the ‘Open Stands’ children’s activity space in the stands of the Canòdrom.
Receiver: Canòdrom. Ateneu d’Innovació Democràtica i Tecnològica, Barcelona.
Raw material: Birch plywood board, steel fittings, protective nut caps.
Technique: MIG welding, metal construction, timber construction, CNC machining, finishing.
Coordinated by: Makea
Prototyped by: Alberto Flores, Mireia Juan, Helbeth Trotta, Quico Viciano.
Photos: Makea
The Canòdrom – Ateneo de Innovación Digital y Democrática (Digital and Democratic Innovation Athenaeum) is a unique space dedicated to technology and democracy, located in the former dog track building in the El Congrés neighbourhood of Barcelona. Although the main objective is self-learning and the exchange of knowledge about emerging technologies, the aim was also to make the space a more inclusive and playable location for children, where they could feel like an active part of the urban environment. The challenge was to develop a portable play area for the children’s activity space ‘Gradas abiertas’ (Open Stands) in the stands of the Canòdrom in Barcelona.
For this children’s space, we proposed the creation of Tetradecahedron modules, a modular play system that facilitates the creation of open and flexible play situations. These modules allow for a wide variety of configurations and uses, promoting children’s creativity as they explore their environment. The design is inspired by the Tetrakaidecahedral geometric structure developed by Victor Papanek between 1973 and 1975, adapted and simplified to facilitate its assembly and disassembly in public spaces.
The design of Tetradecaedron modules focuses on geometric shapes that encourage active play and social interaction. Each module is composed of eight equilateral wooden hexagons, joined together to form a solid and versatile structure. The modules can be connected in different ways, allowing for a wide variety of configurations.
- Easy assembly and disassembly: The simplified connection system allows the modules to be assembled and disassembled quickly without the need for complex tools.
- Customisation: The hexagonal elements of each module are customisable, increasing the possibilities for play and facilitating adaptation to different uses.
- Encouraging independence and creativity: The modules encourage active participation and free play, giving children control over their play space and encouraging them to imagine and build new structures.
The Tetradecaedron modules have transformed the stands at the Canòdrom into an open play area for children where they can interact, explore and develop their creativity. The modules are now a key tool in the activities offered by the ‘Gradas abiertas’ children’s entertainment service, giving children the opportunity to experiment and learn through play.
The model