Play Stations are embedded in empty plots, as constructions of natural landscapes – surprise spots, in between buildings which excite the imagination of the passer-by. They make the building blocks greener and offer a station for play. They become interior gardens of the city.
We design a different environment in each plot. The city is in need of green, and protected areas for children to play. The scarcity of public open space in the dense urban centre of Athens, calls for an alternative proposition. Unused or un-built plots can be offered by their owners for short or long term occupancy for the creation of green Stations for Play – Playstations. To investigate this concept, we have chosen the areas of Keramikos and Metaxourgeio -both characteristic mixed use downtown neighborhoods, which present exceptional dynamics for development. The building blocks constituting the areas mentioned, are outlined by Peiraios str. , Deligiorgi str., Achilleos avenue, Konstantinoupoleos av. and Iera Odos . In the 85 building blocks there are approximately 40 un-built plots. This means one Playstation in every two building blocks.
We create artificial and natural landscapes made of rocks and plants . Caves, hanging gardens small meadows and forests, green hills, with alternative scenarios for, exploration, climbing, and relaxation. Each Playstation offers a different experience to kids and grown ups. Each landscape provides a challenge to innovate and discover the game or play every time. A bit like the different environments alternate in video games as one changes levels to excite our attention and imagination.
For this project we will collaborate with botanists, planting experts, landscape architects, contractors, kindergarden teachers , and optionally with artists who could develop a proposal of an installation a site specific work for play especially for one or more of the sites.
The Playstation landscape adapts to each plot, according to its scale and dimensions, and the local circumstances that will affect its construction. Besides its intended use, this proposal will assist in keeping undeveloped plots, clean, and as sources of potential misuse, unauthorised occupation, which also presents problems for residents and the general view of the city.
It can function as a guarded area during the day, and at night inaccessible yet illuminated, visible green interior in the downtown areas of the centre of Athens.
Copyright 2010 – Eleni Kostika
Creating alternative spaces for play in the areas of Kerameikos-Metaxourgeio in downtown Athens.
Design by invitation 03/2010
Design & Original Concept: Eleni Kostika
Assistant architect: Yiannis Vogiatzis
Featured in:
HOME mag No. 16 free press / Spring 2010. p. 56-57