27.02.2013 - Ausgabe: 1/2013

Design is what makes the style, the look

An interview with Guido Valcke, Europlay nv, on the subject of design.

In contrast to the use of the word in German, which tends rather towards the artistic and creative aspects and to a large extent defines the term 'design' so that it becomes a real thing rather than an abstract idea, the Anglo-Saxon term design also includes the technical aspects of "creation". What is basically your opinion about design?
Guido Valcke (Europlay): As regards design, I agree with the saying: “A new creation is neither an invention nor the truth. It is itself! Design is the fitting and packing of the creation. Design is what makes the style, the look and the technical aspect plays a crucial role.

Playground@Landscape: Design has functions for the human body. And design has functions for the mind and the psyche. So, is design fundamental to children's playgrounds?
Guido Valcke: The play value of play equipment is very important for the body, mind and psyche and has much more to do with creation than with design. The essential function of design is to lend a special appeal to the play equipment and thus attract children.

Playground@Landscape: Where does the inspiration for the design of creative playgrounds come from?
Guido Valcke: The inspiration comes from children’s everyday life. When they see a car or go by train, the challenge that has to be met is to implement and incorporate this into an attractive and reasonably priced piece of play equipment...

Playground@Landscape: What goals do you pursue in your planning of play spaces?
Guido Valcke: My goal in planning play spaces is to develop play equipment which is designed to offer a multitude of play opportunities, provides a high play value and appeals to every child. The price, manufacturing possibilities and models are also important factors.

Playground@Landscape: What materials do you prefer?
Guido Valcke: Europlay uses timber in combination with metal and ropes. We choose European types of wood such as larch, Douglas fir or oak which do not require any impregnation.

Playground@Landscape: What has sparked your interest in designing play objects?
Guido Valcke: I was originally interested in wooden structures. Whenever I see a special roof structure in old buildings and castles I am still fascinated by its construction. And since designing playground equipment is so interesting a new company was established twelve years ago – under the brand name of Europlay.

Playground@Landscape: As regards children's playgrounds, do you work exclusively for Europlay? What is your design philosophy?
Guido Valcke: Apart from the Europlay play elements, also play objects made of Robinia wood are designed, for a small enterprise located seven kilometres off Europlay. These are also sold by Europlay. My design philosophy is: working for children, mainly in wood, using colours and themes.

Playground@Landscape: Is design directed at the human being? Or at the children's playground?
Guido Valcke: Design is geared towards the children’s playground. Children have priority. Adults often find a play object attractive while children choose something completely different. For example: Children love light colours, whereas adults often prefer dark-coloured things.

Playground@Landscape: Let's talk about plagiarism! How can designers protect their intellectual property?
Guido Valcke: All models are protected by copyright.



The interview was conducted by Thomas R. Müller (Playground@Landscape)