The Designers 3D CAD Challenge (click here for URL on web) ~ ~ ~ Live November 19th, 2003

3D Site Model By Geoffrey Moore Langdon, AIA ~ ~ ~ 3D Play Structure Models Proposed By Bo Atkinson

Overhead view, play space is centered.

Optional composite building materials are proposed. Ferro-cement and concrete for thick sculptural structures, metals for thin components, plastic sheathing for softer railings.

Surfaces may incorporate, coatings, painting or coverings. Fossilized leaf surfaces are also suggested. Images are rendered semi transparent to aid visualization.

The ramp connects to the existing raised porch. The ramp gently sloped around in a curved fashion. Existing terrain contours are unchanged.

Small spiral stairs and a "fire pole" reach below the ramp. Also a bridge connects to a bird like tent, supported by a tree like structure.

The curving ramp embraces a spherical jungle gym. This gym may be pushed on a turning base, like a merry-go-round. Tubular rings could be welded together.

Below the curve, pillars support the ramp and provide extended covered-play space. To right, a hand ladder may follow curve, starting close to ground and proceeding higher to an appropriate end.

The bridge from ramp enters the tree like supports for the tent structure. The branches serve for climbing and also block an otherwise careless approach by unwary persons.

 

An animal sculpture is suggested for the north eastern corner. Please note that real life sculptures are very friendly with fossilized leaf surfaces, (smooth to touch).

The "tent" may suggest a winged animal. The supports would be optimized for climbing only to an acceptable height. The bulk could be ferro-concrete and the smaller bars of stainless tubing. PE plastic tubing may also be considered for softer covering. (Plastic tubing is potentially replaceable in the long term).

Viewed from beneath the existing porch, the stair, pole and also a spiral slide have exits. Cement surfaces afford non slip traction for stairs. Sliding members may be plastic metal and stone composites.

 

Sculpted stone furniture, (concrete), is also suggested for parents. Chairs and tables are shown in fore ground.

An elevation view shows relationship of subterranean apartments on right and main house on left.

A view from subterranean entry, through door. The 3D site was modeled by Geoffrey Langdon. The Play Structures were modeled by me, Bo. The compatibility between differing softwares allows design to proceed site unseen, an intriguing example of cooperative visualization.

Here is a winged tent used for an arts center in Maine. I've built a variety of structures at reasonable cost for clients.

We may remember cuddling teddy. Here, a teddy chair was made to cuddle an adult in the arm near ground. These children preferred climbing.

A sculpted garden chair, somewhat symbolizing a calla lily. The texture is fossilized, utilizing real leaf. I have built garden furniture and observed it through many icy Maine winters, to verify it's durability.

A friendly panther sculpture for a K thru 12 school in rural Maine. The school children participated in embedding real leaves on the wet cement. Pressure washer removed leaves after the concrete cured.

I am exploring ways to design and then actualize efficiently in real life, using computer projected measurments. I share my developing concepts for construction techniques in an "open source" style on the web.

Click here for more construction method details.

Animation with interactive shaded, mov file, click here, animation paths by Reynold Dodson done before models were really finished..

Click here for more of Bo's portfolio.