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Forest Industry:
Lappset developing third-generation
playground
DESIGNED FOR FUN
The Lappset Group Oy, which is well-known worldwide for its
children’s playgrounds, has started an Intelligent Playground
project. The product family will be ready in 2006, bringing
with it a new design that is better for both children and
adults.
The Lappset Group Oy, which was set up in 1970, develops,
produces and markets comprehensive solutions for equipping
children’s playgrounds and other outdoor facilities.
Its mission is to create inspiring environments that will
support learning by all age groups and the development of
motor and creative skills in addition to offering joy and
happiness.
“Since 1999 we’ve been taking part in studies looking
into the development of children’s skills as they move
about on playground equipment and the effect that playing
has on cognitive skills. These studies have produced not only
valuable information about sub-factors in motor development
but also a measuring system that makes it easier to develop
new products,” says Heli Toivola, the marketing manager.
In the intelligent playground project the Lappset Group is
constructing a new type of learning environment, improving
safety in playing areas and looking into the applicability
of new technology to playgrounds. In the playgrounds of the
future it may be possible to hold a nursery school with parents
and grandparents enjoying moving around there, not only children.
Design gives room for imagination
A stimulating environment inspires those playing in it to
be active in their movements and learn through playing. “The
high playing value of Lappset products is created by combining
knowledge with design, colour and a warm wood material,”
Toivola says.
Enough room has been left in the design of the products for
a child’s natural and rich imagination. The desired simplification
and elegance make it possible to adapt the product to the
needs of the game and those playing it, and to develop creativity
and the ability to innovate.
“Design is timeless. Clear, simple solutions remain in
balance with the environment in spite of a fluctuation in
trends. The purpose of the products is to combine the themes
of urban construction and green planning so that they can
be used in order to construct complete units that are as diverse
as possible.”
The Lappset Group Oy operates in 40 countries through a network
of retail distributors. There are subsidiaries in five countries.
The Group’s turnover in 2002 was 26.8 million euros,
of which exports accounted for 73 per cent.
Photo: Apollo provides inspiration for playing and gives
wings to the imagination.
Photo on the top: Samba is ideally suited to both adults
and children
Published 2004
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