The vacations are slowly coming to an end, but the hot weather is making it easy to forget. For many of the youngest, these are the last moments of carefree activity in the sunshine this year. One of the city's most interesting play spaces is the Activity Zone in Chorzow, designed by Katowice-based design studio SLAS Architekci.
The unusual playground was built in 2019 on the site where one of the buildings of the former military garrison used to rise. The realization of the multifunctional square was one of the elements of the development of the Silesian Inter-University Center for Education and Interdisciplinary Research in Chorzow, located within the campus of the University of Silesia. Previously a fenced green area with a considerable surface area became publicly accessible and there was a need to revitalize it and connect it to the urban fabric. These tasks are fulfilled, among others, by the Activity Zone, which encourages visits to the areas made available and supports the integration of various social groups. The Multifunctional Activity Zone is a project that has gained international recognition, finding itself in the finals of the Mies van der Rohe Award, and has not been forgotten in Polish competitions - including the "Best Public Space of the Silesian Voivodeship." What is behind such a great success of the Silesian studio's project?
Activity Zone in Chorzow
Photo: Michal Kopaniszyn © SLAS Architekci
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The unconventional playground was built on a plot of nearly 2,500 square meters. The Activity Zone is basically a rectangular concrete square, from which dozens of pieces of different shapeswere"cut". The resulting holes housed play installations, benches, tables or outdoor exercise equipment. Their various outlines and colors resemble children's chalk drawings on streets and sidewalks.
Activity Zone in Chorzow
© SLAS Architects
Preventing accusations of "concretization," it is important to note the way the controversial material was used. The Chorzow Activity Zone is closely surrounded on all sides by a cordon of tall trees, thanks to which at any time of the day there is at least a patch of shaded space. In turn, perforations in the square 's concrete surface take care of proper drainage. Their total surface area accounts for 44% of the entire Activity Zone area, and many of the "holes" cut in the concrete are covered with greenery, which aids retention. The use of concrete was also dictated by functional considerations. The architects wanted to create a space that would be accessible to everyone - including wheelchair users, for whom, incidentally, specially adapted playground equipment was created. The plaza's even concrete surface is also great for cycling, skateboarding and scootering.
Activity Zone in Chorzow
Photo: Michal Kopaniszyn © SLAS Architekci
klopsztanga for the 21st century
Klopsztanga, which means trzepak in Silesian, for years served as a play center in every housing estate. The simplicity of the structure confronted with unlimited children's imagination resulted in countless fun, acrobatics and games. The multitude of activities, at the center of which was the familiar whack-a-mole, became one of the inspirations for the rich functional program of the Chorzow Activity Zone. This consists of 33 installations inscribed in the rectangular space of the square. Thus, children thirsty for fun will find here classic swings or merry-go-rounds, but also steel spatial sculptures for climbing, a maze and artificial hills. The aforementioned klopsztanga, whose shape has become the leitmotif of the fence around the ball field, has also found its place.
Activity Zone in Chorzow
Photo: Michal Kopaniszyn © SLAS Architekci
a feast for the senses
One of the basic assumptions guiding the architects during the design process was the idea of creating a space that affects various senses. Therefore, an acoustic tube was placed in the square, and the various installations were made of various materials - there are both synthetic and natural surfaces, made of wood, for example. An important role in this regard is played by zones of vegetation scattered around the square, which in spring and summer engage the senses of sight and smell. A good balance will come in handy for those who wish to use the slide - as it can only be reached by climbing to the top of a hill specially created for this purpose.
Activity Zone in Chorzow
Photo: Michal Kopaniszyn © SLAS Architekci
something good for everyone
The Multifunctional Activity Zone in Chorzow seems to be a project aimed primarily at the youngest. However, the project is intended to integrate different generations and social groups. The close proximity of the university's buildings meant that the needs of the university's students and staff were also taken into account during the design. Among other things, discussion tables, playing fields or lounge spaces and exercise equipment were created with them in mind. SLAS architects also found a way to activate seniors - greenery and gardens inscribed in the openwork grid of the Activity Zone were put under their care. And although the space is mainly used by children, it turns out that their guardians, older siblings and neighbors also have something to do there.
