AN INSTITUTION FOR FREE PLAY AT CRYSTAL PALACE PARK: USING THE THEORY OF PLAY WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE

by Chantal Barnes

Name

Chantal Barnes

Course

MArch Architecture

The project seeks to explore alternative means of treating mental health issues in young people by providing them with a safe environment in which they are able to engage with others and express themselves freely. The aim of the project is to connect young people with help and a support unit, reducing their use of social media and reducing the impact it has on their over-all mental health. The project seeks to explore play as a form of therapy as play allows people to experiment with different roles, learn and try new skills, and create or recreate events from life. Additionally, this project aims to use materials in-keeping with the site, therefore, as the site is populated by a number of trees of varying species, I wanted to draw on the “healing” qualities of timber which is believe to “provide clear physical and emotional benefits similar to the effect of spending time in nature” as it reduce stress levels and decreases blood pressure. The project proposes spaces that will blur the line between interior and exterior and bring the benefits of nature and landscape within by using predominantly organic materials on the interior of the buildings.