Designing playground in outdoor public space in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Ho Chi Minh City is going through the process of smart urbanization and competetive development, thus it is necessary to develop comprehensively and harmonize material and spiritual needs of all residents, especially children. The paper’s focus is to assists designers in encouraging all members on playgrounds to participate in the space by defining relationships between designs and adults and children’s uses. The article describes the results of theoretical research on playground design in public urban spaces in Vietnam, typically Ho Chi Minh City, and on-site observations and interviews with users. The results of the research are that the urban people’s concept of playground designs do not consider separately landscape, nature, playing equipment; and playground design effects both adults and children’s usage and relationships. Thereby, it is necessary to well-equip multi-player devices for children and seating for adults, regional characteristics should be included in designs, incorporating play equipment and landscape designs into the planning process as well as. The article provides a new way for future designed playgrounds which contribute effectively to children’s development and community’s relationships.