KOMPAN PLAY INSTITUTE

Play for All

The newest developments
in universal design, accessibility
and inclusion in playgrounds
 List of contents

3 Universal Design, Accessibility and Inclusion

Editorial and introduction

4 KOMPAN’s Universal Play Design Philosophy

On universal and accessibile design principles

6 Examples of Universal Play Designs

A selection of accessible and universal play equipment

10 KOMPAN’s Universal Playground Design Points

Creative solutions for everyone

12 Case: Paddington Gates, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

By Fiona Robbé, Arcadia Architects, Sydney, Australia

14 Case: A Regional Flagship Playground, England

King George V Park, Farnborough, England

18 About KOMPAN

19 About the KOMPAN Play Institute

Futher reading
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations 2007
http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/convention.shtml
International classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, World Health Organisation 2001
A Guide to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas, United States Access Board 2005,
http://www.access-board.gov/play/guide/intro.htm
Access in playgrounds: What does it mean? How does it work?
Why is it so important? Kate Bishop, Special Needs Design Consultant,
Parks and Leisure Australia, 2003 National Conference in: PlayRights, No.3 2003

www.odpm.gov.uk
www.ncb.org.uk
www.npfa.org.uk
www.cabe.org.uk
www.kompan.com

Acknowledgements
The editor wishes to thank the contributors of cases for this publication:
Rushmoor Borough Council, United Kingdom, and Fiona Robbé, Arcadia Architects, Australia.

Contributors from KOMPAN: Michael Laris, Joan Pedersen, Mads Dreyer, Birgitte Hausted, Jeanette
Fich Jespersen KOMPAN A/S. Tom Grover and Helle Burlingame, KOMPAN USA. Karena Scowen,
KOMPAN UK, Louise Ekmann, KOMPAN Nordic.

Copyright KOMPAN A/S

KOMPAN Play Institute 2010
Editor: Jeanette Fich Jespersen
Email: jeajes@kompan.com

2
 Universal Design,
Accessibility and Inclusion
Every child has the right to leisure and play. Re-
gardless of their age, nationality, gender, skin
colour, social and religious background, physical
and intellectual abilities children have the right
to play and to play with others. This is backed
by the United Nations’ Convention of the Right of
the Child – the most widely signed UN convention
ever.

Special needs and

existing guidelines

When it comes to children’s playgrounds, the ap-

proach to inclusion, accessibility and usability of
the playground and the equipment varies across
the world. Some countries have a clear definition
of good play areas for children with disabilities.
Others still consider accessibility for wheel chair
users the main issue. The Americans with Disa-
bilities’ Act Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas
specifies accessible routing as well as accessible “Recognising that children with disabilities should have full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental free-
products and is fundamental in KOMPAN’s ap- doms on an equal basis with other children, and recalling obligations to that end undertaken by States Parties to
proach to product design. the Convention on the Rights of the Child,” United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

UN convention of rights The dominant approach of universal play is that for all, for choosing relevant products and ensu-
of persons with disabilities rather than defining people as disabled, some ring accessibility to the playground and the play
environmental factors are to be defined as disa- equipment. KOMPAN has developed these prin-
The United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of bling. These factors should undergo a re-design ciples on the basis of a long history of designing
Persons with Disabilities recommends a univer- to make them universally usable and accessible for all. This approach made KOMPAN the primary
sal design approach. The convention has been for all. provider to the U.S. Architectural and Transpor-
signed by the majority of countries over the last tation Barriers Compliance Board in developing
two years. KOMPAN’s history The Americans with Disabilities’ Act Accessibi-
with universal design lity Guidelines for Play Areas. Read more about
Contrary to previous perceptions of accessibility universal play, inclusion and accessibility on
as the main issue, the universal design approach To KOMPAN, working with universal design is www.kompan.com on the KOMPAN Play Institute
has its emphasis on usability for all, on their indi- part of our philosophy and history: The KOMPAN pages.
vidual terms. The purpose of the Convention is “to Homo Ludens, the playful human being, expres-
promote, protect and ensure the full and equal ses our belief that every human being is unique It is the hope that the material will help and assist
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental and valuable. KOMPAN has always fostered in planning relevant and pleasing play areas for
freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to a philosophy of inclusion. The vast majority of everybody, universally.
promote respect for their inherent dignity”. KOMPAN designs are made so that all users can
benefit from the play equipment on their indivi- Enjoy!
The way for this approach was paved by among dual terms. KOMPAN also has a small range of
others the World Health Organisation’s ICF (Inter- special equipment to be used when needed. Jeanette Fich Jespersen,
national Classification of Functioning, Disability The KOMPAN Play Institute,
and Health) in 2001. This document clearly sta- A guideline to universal playgrounds International Manager
tes that no person is handicapped just lacking in
particular aids. The ICF discusses the inclusion of This material will provide an overview of useful
all users. principles for planning and designing play areas

"Universal design" means the design of products, environments,

programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the
greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or
specialised design. “Universal design” shall not exclude assistive
From the United Nations’ Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where
article 2, Definitions this is needed."

3
 Universal Design Philosophy accessible playground and equipment design
which took effect in 2001. Previous to that KOM-
KOMPAN has a well established tradition of uni-
versal and inclusive design. All children, including
PAN was chosen as play industry consultant for
the committee in Washington when the guideli-
6 Principles for Universal
children with disabilities, are considered when a nes were made. and Inclusive Design
KOMPAN product or play space is made. One of
the four main points in KOMPAN’s play philoso- The ADAAG does present some challenges
phy is “Play Together”, which encompasses the though: In some cases the ADAAG might accept Products are:
idea, that all children and adults should be inclu- structures as being accessible which KOMPAN
ded in play no matter what their ability. believe do not meet basic demands for usability. • Accessible
On the other hand, a selection of the play struc-
This philosophy is continually demonstrated in tures which KOMPAN find many children with • Multifunctional
our designs. KOMPAN designs have many ope- disabilities take joy in using, do not comply with
nings and details which support play exchange the ADAAG.
(when possible)
from the inside to the outside of a product. These
design assets create a play space both in and 6 Principles for Universal Design • 360º design:
around the product resulting in very open de- Play from all sides
signs, creating opportunities for play across all KOMPAN’s universal design is not solely accessi-
abilities. ble, it is meaningful and usable. The possibilities • Equipped with diverse
for usage represent a relevant play activity which
The Americans with Disabilities Act makes sense for all children. We work with the
play opportunities
following 6 main principles in the design of inclu-
KOMPAN’s design philosophy agrees with the sive and universal play equipment. • Clear in colour and
ideas of universal design and design for all, or, design signals
inclusive design. KOMPAN’s playground designs
take their starting point from The Americans with • Provided with special
Disabilities Act’s Accessibility Guidelines for Play
Areas (ADAAG). The ADAAG is a guideline for solutions for special needs
when relevant

KOMPAN’s design philosophy

agrees with the ideas of
universal design and design for all

4
 KOMPAN’s Universal
Play Design Philosophy

Examples of KOMPAN’s definition of universal design and inclusive playground activities:

KOMPAN divides universal designs and accessi- Activities are based on, but not limited to, The A main principle of KOMPAN Universal Design is
ble activities into three categories: Americans with Disabilities Act’s Accessibility multifunctionality; meaning combinations can be
Guidelines for Play Areas (ADAAG). If there are used in a variety of ways and offer diverse play
• Ground level activities an equal number of elevated and ground level oportunities.
• Elevated level activities activities, 50/50% within the below definitions,
• Multi level activities the play structure is to be defined as universal
design and play for all.

Ground level Elevated level Multi level

Activities that can be accessed from Activities that can only be entered from Activities that can be accessed and
ground level: rocking equipment, an elevated platform: a slide, a fire- used from ground level and an eleva-
seesaws, rotating equipment and car- man pole, a banister bar, manipulative ted level: net links, curly climbers and
rousels, a bench, a hammock, a play items on an upper level, a bridge, or access climbers. Provided the surfa-
counter, a role play scenario or a ma- overhead link. Access to the elevated cing is accessible, these KOMPAN acti-
nipulative item. Activities and designs platform can be created by a transfer vities are accessible as well as usable.
that encourage playful interaction platform, an accessible stairway or, Many activities can be used from both
between the inside and outside of a when relevant, by a ramp. levels and by all levels of abilities.
play item further the products usability.

5
 • Curly Climber
• Accessible stairway
• Ground level play

Tower
2-6 years

The accessible stairway and the combination of

a slide, a curly climber, the rock climb entrance
and access hand holds creates play possibilities
for all. The counter under the platform supports
social play and the transparency of the product
encourages interaction between both the inside
and outside of the product.

Tower • ELE400050

This symbol indicates universal

and accessible throughout the
KOMPAN catalogues

Ministudio
2-6 years

The two counters, the manipulative items and the sand sieves make the Mini-
studio the perfect accessible piece for sand play and other social interaction. As the
Ministudio has no fall height it can be placed on a hard surface bordering a sand area to
make the unit wheel chair accessible. Ministudio • ELE400104

See our extensive product

portfolio of universal designs
at www.kompan.com

Megaphone and Binoculars

2-6 years

These two posts are ideal to place along an accessible pathway in

the playground. They are universally usable and accessible for all and
provide social play along with sensory experiences.

Hammock
2-6 years

Swinging back and forth, lying on your stomach, your back or seated,
is universally appealing. This hammock is usable by most abilities and
a lovely retreat or an inspiring social play event, depending on where it
is placed in the playground.
Hammock • ELE400006 Binoculars Megaphone
ELE400045 ELE400046
6
 Examples of
Universal Play Designs
• Accessible stairway
• Ground level play
• Contact between
inside and outside
Palace/Fortress themes with accessible staircase
2-6 years

The transparency of the Palace/Fortress makes it usable by all abilities. The counter and
the wide openings under the platform provide good support for social play and interac-
tion between the inside and the outside of the product. In the cave under the platform
there is a seat. The elevated level and the slide can be accessed via the accessible stair-
case or by the curved climbing wall.

Palace/Fortress themes w. ADA Stair • MSC6416P

Creative Workshop
1-4 years

The Creative Workshop can be approached by all sides and the manifold
activities are usable and accessible for all. Two counters and a wide varie-
ty of manipulative items, some with sounds, support positive interplay and
creative thinking. The connection between each side of the workshop is
created by a climb through rectangular hole, covered by two nylon straps.

Creative Workshop • MSC5408P

Garden Seesaw
2-6 years

Adding the M147P foot, leg and back support to the Garden Seesaw supports the usability
for users of all abilities. The platform in the middle is a popular place to sit or lie when the
Garden Seesaw • M186P + M147P
seesaw is activated.

Crazy Gander
2-6 years

The foot and leg support of the Crazy Gander, combined with the soft rubber back support
and the extra wide seat with the side support makes this a very usable spring item for most
abilities. The low sides at the front ease the entering of the product, and the handles offer
support at varied heights.

Toddlers’ Castle
1-4 years

The imaginative slide and play framework of the Toddlers’ castle features an accessible stair-
way up to a low platform which interacts with the outside, the manipulative features, a nice,
Crazy Gander • M106P Toddlers Castle • MSC5403P
hollow window and a slide. The small table offers good support and social interaction with
the manipulative and sand play items.

7
 The KOMPAN GALAXY range is made for non-prescrip-
tive play and lives up to the ideals of universal play by
being usable by all. The transparency of the product
furthers interaction and every part of the product is cen-
tre of the play. In 2001, KOMPAN GALAXY was awarded
the prestigious Independent Living Design Award in the
UK due to its open design, allowing for all children to
play together.

Altair
6-12 years

Apart from offering an abundance of bouncing, turning and climb-

ing activities the Altair offers ground level attractions such as turn-
able triangular plates, a play shell seat and a vertical play net.

• Turnable triangular plates to turn by hand, sit on or stand on

• Play shell to rock in, lie in, sit in or climb on
• Horizontal net to lie on, sit on or stand on

Altair • GXY940

Giant Swing
6-15 years

This swing can be used lying, sitting or stand-

ing. By adding the 120 cm diameter seat more
children can use it together.

Giant swing ø 120 cm • SPME40430

8
 Examples of
Universal Play Designs
Crest
6-12 years

The accessible staircase of this multiple and layered play unit

supports users by having holes for hand support in the sides
of the staircase and additional holes in the floors. The remains
of the unit offer activities that can be entered in varied ways: by
steel ladder steps, climbing walls, play shell seats or overhead
ladders. The versatile character of the unit and the fact that it
can be climbed all around as well as on the inside and outside
makes this a universal design.

• Accessible stairway
• Playful seating
• Hand holes for better grip

Crest • ELE500116

Supernova
6-15 years

This item is designed to cater for all players and can be spun by
pushing. Children can lie on it, sit on it, stand on it or even run on
it. The Supernova has been described as a piece which makes the
difference in competencies invisible between players as it is fully
non-descriptive. The one green ring among the orange ones en-
courages the creation of games.

Supernova • GXY916

Wacky Spinner
6-15 years

This low spinning and rocking equipment can be

activated when seated, lying or standing. It suits
all abilities due to its versatile character and low
entry point.
Wacky spinner • ELE500007

9
 KOMPAN works with 7 main
points for universal playground design

1. Accessible routing

2. Relevant ground level

activities

3. Access to relevant
elevated level activities

4. Variation in play
opportunities

5. Supportive of
challenges in play

6. Supportive of social
interaction

7. Special solutions for

special needs if relevant

10
 KOMPAN’s Universal
Playground Design Points

A universal and accessible playground design is mandatory to cater for

users with disabilities in the first place. To KOMPAN, accessibility to the
playground is a minimum requirement. Universal design is the addition
that makes the playground usable.

1. The first step in making an inclusive play area pairments can master an inclined net access, for 6. The social aspect of the playground might
is to provide an accessible infrastructure and ac- instance. Again, by stressing relevant elevated be the most basic purpose served by a play-
cessible surfacing to and around the play area level activities it is our hope to see fewer pieces ground in the first place. Spaces where children
with relevant play activities. There are three kinds that lead a ramp up to a platform on which there can interact socially, through physical play, as
of accessible safety surfaces: is nothing to do. seen in friendly competition on swings, spinning
• wet pour surfacing equipment or ball courts, or more quiet spots for
• rubber tiles 4. Varied activities is a keyword in all user ori- a break are both relevant to make the atmos-
• accessible/engineered wood fibre ented playground planning. Offering versatile ac- phere of the play area friendly and appealing to
tivities might be a way of offering variation – mul- users. For users who cannot get around without
However, safety surfacing is only necessary un- tiple activity pieces are often very popular with the a wheelchair, transparency in products which
der and around play activities. The remaining users. Good examples of multiple activity pieces cannot be accessed is important to make it pos-
accessible routing could be made with gravel can be the themed role play structure which also sible to be part of the play, to be included.
pathways, tiles, wood tiles or similar. offers sliding and climbing. Or it could be the
spinning equipment, which can also be used 7. Users who cannot get around without a
2. The definition of relevant activities depends for sand play; or the sand play counter which wheelchair will need further assistance to get to
on the users intended on the playground. Users makes a great seat for the adult accompanying relevant activities. For these users, ground level
of the playground often include adults, carers pa- the child to the playground; the swing which is activities can be used. Elevated level activities re-
rents, and the elderly. A wide range of activities also a nice, rocking seat and meeting place. present a challenge if not accessible by a ramp.
which can be reached and handled from or on The wheelchair users who can not get out of the
ground level are recommended for the sake of all 5. Planning play areas for users with disabilities chair take joy in viewing the world from elevated
users. Different age groups are appealed to by also means to respect the innate need for play- level once in a while, and ramps can be built in
different activities and these should furthermore ful challenges, also for these users. Just like any for that purpose. These ramps should not lead
be ergonomically designed to cater for the user other child, children with disabilities should be of- to activities, that are not relevant for the users or
group intended. fered a range of relevant challenges: wheelchair which will have an egress or exit point that far
users with dystrophies can for instance hoist away from the point in which the wheel chair was
3. Access to elevated level activities, which can themselves by upper body power into a climbing left behind, that the journey back to the chair is
only be entered and used from elevated level, net; autistic children can cooperate and socially insurmountable to the user.
according to the Americans with Disabilities Act interact with other users on a seesaw. These are
guidelines is provided by adding a transfer plat- examples of challenges that can be supported
form or a ramp to the playground activity. That playfully in the well planned play area.
having been said, some users with walking im-

11
 “Playing is living – for the child
– for the future” Fiona Robbé

Centennial Park is one of Sydney’s oldest parks, Carers accompanying children may also have a Our masterplan
situated close to the city centre. It is a romantic disability; which adds another dimension.
park, cherished by the residents, and is a favou- The playground design addresses the
rite place for children of all ages. Paddington Ga- When we think of children with a disability, who following principles:
tes Playground lies close to the north side of the are we referring to? This is a complex topic, but in 1. Social Accessibility: ensure the playground is
park and provides a place where all children can short there are three main groupings in the po- close to supportive facilities for the community
come together with families and carers to play, pulation of children with a disability (although this (e.g. carpark, toilets, drinking fountains, bbqs,
socialise and to picnic together. is somewhat academic!): and public transport).
• physical disabilities 2. Spatial Arrangement: provide distinct “pods”
This playground represents a tangible project • intellectual disabilities of activity around a central, unambiguous path
in designing for children with and without disa- • sensory impairments system.
bilities – something we can all learn from. It is 3. Play Activities: provide as many play activities
what we call a Universal Design Playground, a Within each grouping, there are rankings from as the budget will allow, with no one activity do-
playground where all potential users are accom- mild to moderate to severe. 37% of children in minating the playground. All activities should be
modated in the one design solution. Australia with a disability are classed as mode- both physically and intellectually accessible to all
rate to severe. Intellectual disabilities are more groups of children. Provide graduated challen-
We need built examples to learn from because common than other disabilities. Naturally, there ges where possible. Strive for a balance of play
sometimes theory and research on one hand are overlaps between groups. Of interest too activities at ground level, as well as those which
and design practice on the other seem to lack an many people, is how few children with a disabili- come from platforms and higher levels.
interface. There is the perennial question of form ty actually use wheelchairs – only 2.3% of the po- 4. Natural Setting: design for sensory play
versus function. Not to mention the demands of pulation of children with a disability infact do. This opportunities through the provision of varied
Australian standards for access, mobility and is important to mention because time and time natural materials.
also playgrounds. None of these documents give again we notice how misunderstood this statistic 5. Shade: trees and shade structures should
a clear basis for caring design for children of all is. However, while there are only small numbers complement the design, especially where
abilities. of these children the changes made on behalf of children will be occupied in one place for a
this group are essential, and have changed the while.
So how do we go about Universal Design? It’s a way we look at playground design.
good idea to start with knowing who we are de- Accessibility
signing for. How do we go about meeting the needs of
children with a disability in design? This is com- Applying the Australian Standards for Acces-
Who are we designing for? plex indeed, and I want to leave you with the follo- sibility and Mobility, Parts 1-4, proved to be one
wing message expressed by a Mother: “What any of the most challenging aspects of this project,
Our brief for this playground was to design a child with a disability wants is friendship patterns, especially in the application of Part 3, Require-
playground for ALL children aged 1 – 12 years of and something they enjoy doing to feel a sense of ments for Children and Adolescents with Physical
age, as well as their carers. By ALL children we achievement – really, what everyone else wants.” Disabilities:
mean: • it was difficult to apply the standards to
• children with a disability a natural area (when written for the built
• children without a disability environment)
• there was lack of connection and support
between standards – lack of precedence

12
 Creative Solutions for Everyone
A Centennial Park Perspective
By Fiona Robbé, Landscape Architect, Sydney

• there were parameters that we could not In summary The key to the successful design of a playground
foreseeably achieve, e.g. limits on number for all abilities lies in a collaborative team ap-
of ramps and landings 1. We paid careful attention to overall spatial proach. We use specialists for every step we
arrangements of playground features – take. This is true for all aspects of the project from
So we adopted the American Guidelines and clear, uncomplicated, unambiguous layout. design through to construction. The end result is
Standards especially written for playgrounds 2. We chose equipment and materials to a playground that meets many of the needs of
which unequivocally addressed accessibility is- suit a range of children’s needs and play visiting children and their carers.
sues. For example we adopted a 1:20 maximum outcomes.
grade on all accessible paths of travel, allocating 3. We used safety and accessibility guidelines I’d like to end with: Playing is living – for the child
the use of landings to path junctions and pause and standards written specifically for play- – for the future.
points (e.g. gates). grounds.
4. We had our plans and also the built
landscape certified.

13
 A playground for all, inclusive and accessible. This was one of
the key objectives when planning the King George V playing
fields in South Farnborough, England

Playground guidelines Adressing a need During the assessment process the Parents Ac-
tion Group (PAG) became involved in the King
The strict design guidelines for the playground The King George V playing fields have been George V site because of their ambition to see
were formulated in consultation with the imme- chosen from 39 play areas in Farnborough and a fully inclusive area in South Farnborough. The
diate local community and the Parents Action Aldershot to be one of the flagship sites. These PAG had been using the King George V playing
Group for Special Play (PAG). The guidelines re- flagship sites are designed to be used extensive- fields extensively over recent years due to their
quired the design to be aesthetically pleasing, ly by the local community and surrounding area use of the onsite pavilion.
sympathetic to the existing park and provide in- and will offer play opportunities for children of all
clusive play for children of all ages in the local ages and ability. “They spoke with us about the need to moder-
and surrounding areas. nise the area throughout by providing a range of
Andy Ford from Rushmoor Borough Council fun play equipment that was both safe for young
Rushmoor Borough Council and the Community explains:”There is currently a rolling programme children and exciting for teenagers”, Andy Ford
Group chose the KOMPAN solution due to the to upgrade all playgrounds in the Borough. We tells.
“Well designed, challenging, dynamic design spent time evaluating each playground, grading
with full accessibility for children of all abilities”, them on age, condition, play level and usage. We Working together
tells Andy Ford, Parks Development Officer, Rush- then prioritised the order and level in which the
moor Borough Council. playgrounds would be upgraded.” The local community were consulted about their
views on the project. Every property within a five
minute walking distance was petitioned to get
their input to the area.

Well designed, challenging, dynamic design with full accessibility

for children of all abilities.

14
 A Regional Flagship Playground:
King George V Park, Farnborough, England

• Varied play for all ages

• Dynamic play options
• Gravel pathways
• Diverse sensory experiences
• Accessible surfacing
• Benches

15
 The design had to include a non-loose
surface and had to be accessible
for children of all ages and abilities

The results showed that 92% of respondents

agreed that the area needed upgrading and
furthermore 24% were interested in assisting
with the plans. A main concern was highlighted
about the lack of facilities for older children in the
area.

From this a detailed brief was created. Tenders

were invited for the project the brief sent to inte-
rested parties. 30 companies responded and 10
were short listed.

Final design

KOMPAN’s design for the play area takes into

account the borough council’s criteria. The play-
ground had to be aesthetically pleasing, compli-
mentary to the surrounding park, include dyna-
mic play equipment, have distinct areas for 2-7
and 8-12 year olds; the design had to include a
non-loose surface and had to be accessible for
children of all ages and abilities.

The KOMPAN representative, Chris Dixon tells:

“The playground has to serve the whole family
from toddlers through to teenagers and has to
be accessible for children of all abilities, including
full wheel chair access. We have used wet pour
surfacing to create the flooring to make not just
the equipment but the entire play area adhere to
inclusive play. We carefully selected items from
the full range of accessible KOMPAN equipment.
This includes our ELEMENTS, GALAXY, COROCORD
and NATURE ranges.“

The local residents and PAG were heavily invol-

ved in the final selection, with the council provi-
ding advice and expertise as to the final decision.
Andy Ford cooperated with KOMPAN previously
and was impressed with the equipment and the
company philosophy, especially the dedication to
universal design and inclusive play.

The reaction has been exceptionally positive.

Heather Chalkley, a parent from the PAG for spe-
cial play who uses the playground regularly with
her sons concludes: “The playground is wonder-
ful and provides a great facility for all children. It
is wheelchair accessible and provides a superb
Mutiple use activities that unite children in play. location for families to meet.”

16
 A Regional Flagship Playground:
King George V Park, Farnborough, England

Special solutions for special needs - a ramped unit with multiple activities
and entry points.

"The playground
is wonderful and
provides a
great facility for
all children"

Good solutions for the teenagers were top priority.

17
 KOMPAN Sees
the World Through Play

KOMPAN Design Awards

The European Innovative Games Award 2009
KOMPAN ICON won one of three European Innovative Games Awards,
EIGA which honours extraordinary innovations in
computer and video games.

Janus de l’Industrie 2009

KOMPAN has been awarded for its design and the originality
of the concept ICON with the prestigious French design award
‘Janus de l’Industrie 2009’.
www.icon.kompan.com
In the 1970's a young artist called Tom Lindhardt
Wills witnessed an event which changed the GaLaBau Innovation Award 2008
world of children’s play. One of his bright, large The ICON™ product was awarded with the Inno­vation Medal at the
sculptures had been placed in a new housing GaLaBau Trade show in Germany.
area which added colour to the otherwise drab www.icon.kompan.com
surroundings. Children used it as a landmark
and a play item. Thus Tom created a dedi- Red Dot Design Award 2008
Awarded by the Red Dot Design committee. The KOMPAN
cated, child focused play equipment company
STORY MAKERS™ product line was awarded ‘honourable mention’ in
– KOMPAN.
recognition of its particularly successful design details.

Today KOMPAN is the Janus de l’Industrie 2007

world’s leading... The new pre-school product STORY MAKERS 2 in 1 won the
prestigious French design award ‘Janus de l’Industrie 2007’.
...specialist in play solutions for all age groups www.storymakers.kompan.com
– and still growing globally. Society as a whole
has a greater understanding of the importance GaLaBau-Innovations-Medaille 2002
Awarded by the committee of the GaLaBau trade show in Germany.
of play, in particular, how it is intrinsically linked
to learning, health and social development.
Silver Industrial Design
Excellence Award 2002
At KOMPAN we believe every human being Awarded by Industrial Designers Society of America.
is unique and has a right to play. We call it Play-
ful Living and express this through our logo, the Independent Living Design Award 2001
Homo Ludens – the playful human being, who Awarded by Independent Living, Phab England.
lies at the very soul of our company.
Silver Industrial Design
Excellence Award 1999
Playful Living expresses:
Awarded by Industrial Designers Society of America.
• The importance of play for all
• Our commitment to children’s Good Design Award 1999
right to play Awarded by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade
• Our belief that every human being and Industry.
is unique and valuable
ID Danish Industrial Design Prize 1999
PRISEN
1999 Awarded by the Danish Design Council.
The realisation of Playful Living begins with the
development of play solutions that:
• Excite over and over again
• Enrich your community
• Ensure lasting value

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 KOMPAN Play Institute
A Knowledge Centre for Play

teenagers.kompan.com - sign up for the

newsletter on young people's playgrounds

The KOMPAN Play Institute is a knowledge The KOMPAN Play Institute is closely involved in
centre for children’s play, development and the development process, from societal needs,
learning. The Institute comprises an interna- behavioural studies of age groups to final test
tional network of play and child specialists who observations. This involvement helps ensure
monitor how societal trends influence children’s that all KOMPAN products challenge physical,
development and their opportunitites to play. social, creative, cognitive and emotional com-
Their findings are an integral part of the pro- petences within the children.
duct development process and the knowledge
is shared through seminars, lectures, training Visit the KOMPAN Play Institute pages on
and publications. www.KOMPAN.com

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See our full portfolio of universal play designs for all ages
in the KOMPAN catalogues or at www.KOMPAN.com

1 + Unique Play Areas

The 1+ catalogue presents products suitable for toddlers and
preschool children. You will find products from the product lines:
MOMENTS, ELEMENTS, NATURE and CITYLIFE.

Unique Play Grounds

The 6+ catalogue presents products suitable for school age children
and teenagers. You will find products from the product lines:
ICON, BLOQX, ELEMENTS, CITYLIFE, GALAXY, MOMENTS and
NATURE.

Magnetic Play Spaces

All The Play Sport catalogue presents products suitable for all
ages age groups; children, young people, adults and seniors. KOMPAN’s
Play Sport products encourage not only physical activity but also
social interaction. You will find products from the product lines:
ICON, BLOQX, GALAXY, X-ERCISE and FREEGAME.

Unique Play Nets All ages

The Play Nets catalogue presents the COROCORD products suitable
for all age groups; children, young people and adults. You will find
different types of COROCORD play nets and special net solutions.

Play Equipment with Nature in mind

All KOMPAN® NATURE play equipment is produced from 100% FSC-

SUBJECT TO MODIFICATIONS
certified hardwood. The use of natural wooden materials and the
seemingly simple design provides a robust and urban appearance.

YD-1390-0003-10-1
KOMPAN® NATURE is suitable for children aged 1 to 15 years.

www.KOMPAN.com.au

KOMPAN Australia
KOMPAN Playscape Pty Ltd
12 Kingtel Place
Geebung, QLD 4034
Tel.: (07) 3865 2800
Fax: (07) 3865 3435
E-mail: sales@KOMPAN.com.au