Ph.D. arch. Iris Popescu

Playfinding

As part of the Mahmudia Waterfront design project, the playfind sculpture is the centerpiece of the playground area. This feature was created based on input from focus groups with children of various disabilities and their parents. It is a sculptural element that allows kids to freely create their own play scenarios, encouraging imaginative and inclusive play.

The goal was to design an inclusive, non-hierarchical playscape that is both safe and challenging, appealing to users with a wide range of abilities. The space was designed to attract not only children but also adults. Instead of a traditional, clearly defined playground, the design draws inspiration from Mahmudia’s key geographical feature: a series of five hills aligned with the river. These simulated hills offer flexible play options, with varying heights and slopes that provide a challenge while remaining accessible to mobility aids like wheelchairs and strollers. The hills also serve as a natural foundation for accessible playground equipment. The playscape extends into a sandy area centered around a custom-designed structure made of sculptural metal and reinforced concrete. This versatile structure has no fixed function, allowing it to be used as an accessible sand table, a climbing feature, a hiding spot, or anything else that children’s imaginations can create, enabling the entire space to be enjoyed without predefined rules.

Status: completed

Authors: PhD arch. Iris, Popescu, urb. Iulian Canov

Client: Local Council of Mahmudia

Production: Tukuma

Project: Inclusive Promenade on the Danube at Mahmudia

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