location: Zalog, Ljubljana, Slovenia
client: Vrtec Pedenjped |Pedenjped Kindergarten
area: 1800m²
design period: 2007
construction period: 2007 – 2008
project team: Ana Kučan, Luka Javornik, Gaja Trbižan, Miha Slekovec, Nena Gabrovec
contractors: Varstal, Pro Horto, Coston, MDM
photographer: Miran Kambič

The redesign of the kindergarten playground from 1980 is organised in phases. The first phase clears the area in front of the playrooms and extends the space for play to the outdoors. Together with the asphalt-covered area, wooden terraces constitute the main outdoor play surface. This formally organised area integrates the building with a more complex playscape in the back, which is set to happen in the next phase. The terraces stretch towards the planted edges of the area (Lonicera henryi, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Weigela sp.) with the repetition of wooden benches that define sub-spaces and invite children to engage in various activities – climbing, jumping, sitting, working with their teachers, and many others. Old trees provide ample shade and conceal views of the surroundings. Beds of evergreen plants (Lonicera nitida ‘Maigrun’) lead to the two main entrances to the building, which are used by parents and other visitors. A new sand pit is set off the main activity area in half-shade. The next phase will involve a more complex planting plan so that the children will have an opportunity to expand their cognition of the world through their individual experiences.