Studying a HDB estate with an interaction area consisting of play/exercise areas for 3 different age groups, I noted the distinct differences between the spaces.

Design: Strong narrative (images), engaging for the senses: sound, sight, touch.

Design: More exploratory, movement-play (which allows the child to challenge his/her physical abilities), less narrative, visually engaging (colours, texture).  A combination of different movements.

When I was a child, I would go there for a game of catching/game of crocodile on the “terrains”, or to challenge myself to use the features under preset conditions (ie climb from one end to another without touching the floors/certain colours).

A playground can encourage many types of movements and also one type of movements. Other movement-play examples for adults: Bouncy Castle in South Bank London by Candy Crush.

An article on infantilising play: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/mood-and-mind/whats-behind-the-infantilising-trend-for-adult-play/

Adults’ exercise areas tends to be less interesting, consisting of repetitive movements and less engaging for the senses, lacks fun.