Technological design of urban creativity spaces: a functional classification of eco-friendly materials

"We shape our built environment, but since then it shapes us” (free interpretation by Winston Churchill). This contribute illustrates the results of a research work about technological design of eco-compatible playgrounds integrated in a no quality urban square, according the principle that an appropriate and smart use qualifies the space. A methodologically correct design must satisfy needs of direct users, which are, in this case, children between two and six years old. The game is a very important moment in the life of a child, it is essential for its growth. When a designer is called to give his professional contribution in this field, he must think about not only to construction and safety but also to educational problems. The game teaches and the concept design of a game must develop content and purpose of this learning process. However, a design must respond to specific legal and normative requirements in order to select materials, components and technologies according to the approach of "Environmentally Friendly Behaviour". Criteria of eco-friendliness, recyclability and renewability become real constraints for technological choices. Most important normative references are the UNI 11123:2004, UNI EN 1176 (1-2-3-5-6 parts), UNI EN 1177. While the need for the child's safety is ensured by proper design of the park, the safety of the game is determined in large part by the appropriate choice of materials. The needs of use dictate the rules for a selection of: - Natural materials of vegetable (cotton, hemp, jute, ramie, coir, etc..), animal (wool, silk, etc..) or mineral origin ; - Recycled material: EFTE, Barrisol, Zelfo... - Bio-based materials: bio plastic, bio resin... The research produced a classification evaluating the production process of the materials and their own characteristics as: -raw material - finished product - waste produced during processing - recycling / re-entry into the environmental cycle after use property (the grave) trying to select materials as close as possible to the virtuous behavior that is typical of natural processes. Starting to this best practice, the research group developed a tool to support the decisions of the designer, which has the benefit of giving to the citizen a qualified urban space, which improves not only social relationship but also knowledge of this particularly sensible kind of user. “A creative playground is only half a creative space; it’s also a creative attitude. And we’re changing attitudes as much as we’re changing spaces.” (Jay Beckwith, 1973