Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Early Childhood
Vacharee Vacharasin, Assoc, Prof., kvvatcja@kmitl.ac.th
Department of Architecture,
Faculty of Architecture, King Mongkuts Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Abstract:
I have experimented with designing and producing bamboo playground equipment for children
in three remote communities. The installation of these playground items made lasting
impressions on me; foremost among them the delight of adult community members who
participated in making gifts for the children and the pleasure and joy of the children evident on
their smiling faces and happy laughter as they used the bamboo swings, the see-saw, etc. Even
though no attractive bright colors had been used, all the pieces were of contemporary functional
design. Each set is built by the traditional tenon and tied rope method in which no nails are used.
The creative idea which underlies the construction of these playground sets combines the use of
bamboo, which is an environment-friendly material and locally available in all regions of the
country, with the traditional skill of local builders. This project is a realization and a testimony to
the practicality of His Majesty the Kings self-sufficiency principle, an excellent guidance for
the people . All sectors of Thai society should try to do their best to achieve sustainable
development that will strengthen our ideal of self-sufficient communities.
Keywords:
playground equipment, bamboo, innovation, health, early childhood
1. The story of the bamboo playground
set design
2. Rationale
Young children of the same age group may
have different muscle development. Playing
which includes climbing, hanging and
swinging is an important activity which
benefits the development of a childs major
muscles and minor muscles. They should be
provided with indoor and outdoor activities
which give them experiences that promote
physical balance, fluidity and coordination.
Play experience also promotes personality
development and social development which
may be an inner process which cannot be
seen, or a physical development which can be
seen.
The most important consideration or the
essence of the design is to provide play
equipment which accommodates childhood
development. Attractive colors to hold a
childs attention is second in importance.
The choice of bamboo as construction
material is environmentally friendly. It is
available in all regions of the country. Its
process of growth and dissolution is
ecologically sound unlike synthetic material
or some irreplaceable natural material. Using
bamboo helps to reduce and avoid the
degradation of natural resources and the
environment which has great impact on the
health and life quality of people. This is in
accordance with the first principle of
ecologically sound design.
http://sriphanwong.multiply.com/photo
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www.cnxwalkingstreet.com
www.maeklongcenter.com/maeklong/i
mages/kite.jpg
Picture 16.
Line drawing of the Kaad Kor Gai knot
Picture 17.
Photograph of the Kaad Kor Gai knot
11. Conclusion
The concept and method of designing the
playground equipment presented here is not
fantastic design to excite and to impress.
These creations reflect a designers thoughts
and awareness of the role of creative design
in agreement with global organizations on
Bibliography
The editorial section of the Agriculture
Graduate Volunteer Group, Bamboo and its
Cultivations, Bangkok, Rung Reung Sarn
Publishers, 1987.
Nopnate Thamboron, Dr., The Evaluation of
Early Childhood Development, Bangkok:
Test and Journal Publication Co. Ltd., 2002.
Nikorn Nujcharoenphon, Woven Pattern,
M.P.T, 1982.
Bunchonsak Pimthong, translator, Principle
and Theory of Design for Environmental
Preservation, UKK: B. Jon and Jon Co Lt.,
1987.
Saner Nildej, Ass. Prof.. Reun Kreung
Phoog, Bangkok: Ancient City, 2004.