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themselves in a way that feels engaging and rewarding An instinctive response One of the most consistent observations when natural timber elements are introduced into a space is how quickly people engage with them. Children climb, jump and explore almost immediately. Adults, often without thinking, sit on logs, lean against trunks or run their hands across the surface. There is a level of tactile interaction that rarely occurs with manufactured equipment. This response is not accidental. Humans have a long evolutionary relationship with natural environments, and there is growing evidence that we are instinctively drawn to them. This is because one of the key
strengths of Play Trees is their versatility. A single element can serve multiple purposes at once. For one child, it might be a climbing challenge. For another, a place to sit and observe. For a group, it becomes a meeting point or a shared feature around which interaction happens naturally. This adaptability is what makes these
elements so effective in multi-functional spaces. Rather than designing separate zones for different activities, Play Trees allow the same space to be used in different ways at different times. There is also a clear aesthetic
advantage. Natural timber integrates far more easily into its surroundings than traditional play equipment. It does not dominate the space or compete with other design elements. Instead, it complements them. Over time, timber weathers and changes, developing character rather than deteriorating. This process adds to the visual quality of the space, making it feel established and connected to its environment. In contrast, many manufactured materials can quickly look dated or worn, requiring replacement or maintenance to retain their appearance Encouraging inclusive use Another important aspect of natural play is its inclusivity. Traditional playgrounds can unintentionally create barriers. Equipment is often designed with which can limit who feels comfortable using it. Play Trees, by contrast, do not
The picture on the front cover and here is a bespoke cast iron litter bin designed and manufactured for The London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. MD, Gary Young commented:
“We have been providing cast iron bollards, posts and rails and ornate cast seating to RBKC for the best part of 40 years. RBKC approached CIS to design a complimentary cast iron litter bin. I looked at the iconic
cast iron bollard and took elements from that, the acorn top, rose motifs and the distinctive RBKC crest to produce an elegant and distinctly different piece of street furniture.” “Our products are often seen in the background to ‘Made in Chelsea’ and I am sure it’s likely the litter bin will also end up being part of that particular production!” The company also produces a
wide range of other street furniture items and are well placed to produce standard or bespoke street furniture products.
www.cis-streetfurniture.co.uk
WF9
POSTS - HINGED & TELESCOPIC BOLLARDS - STEEL & STAINLESS HOOPED BARRIERS CYCLE STANDS & RACKS CYCLE SHELTERS HEIGHT RESTRICTORS SWING GATES ARM BARRIERS SMOKING SHELTERS SEATING
01788 550556
info@autopa.co.uk www.autopa.co.uk
AUTOPA Limited, Cottage Leap, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3XP WF10
present themselves as “for children only.” This makes them more approachable.
People of different ages and abilities can engage with them in their own way, whether that is active play, quiet rest or social interaction. The absence of obvious rules or expectations removes own level of involvement. We can see therefore, that by
focusing on how people naturally behave – how they move, interact and respond to their environment – it is possible to create spaces that feel intuitive and engaging without being over-designed. Ultimately, the success of any outdoor
space is measured by how people use it. If people are drawn to it, if they interact with it without prompting and if they return to it regularly, then it is doing its job. Play Trees achieve this in a way that feels effortless. They do not rely on bright colours, complex mechanisms or something more fundamental – human instinct – and that is why they continue to resonate.
UK MANUFACTURERS OF STREET FURNITURE
AUTOPA
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