Lappset Group Ltd builds an intelligent playground where children, parents and also grandparents meet. A project for three generations proceeding under the title Smartus combines traditions with state-of-the-art technology.

Lappset's intelligent playground is part of the National Technology Agency's (Tekes) MUOTO 2005 programme, the aim of which is to promote the development of industrial design and make it a national competitive asset alongside technology.

The project is looking into how playground exercise can affect the motor skills of children and those of more advanced years. Taking part in the development work are professionals involved in design, learning, physical exercise and technology.

The aim is a completely new kind of learning environment based on spontaneous learning that supports learning, the development of physical and motor skills and creativity. "We expect learning through playing to become part of everyday school activities," says Juha Laakkonen, the project manager.

Playing is a benefit for everyone

Under construction at the Lapland Sports Centre in Rovaniemi is a playground where the development of children's and senior citizens' motor skills are observed and measured. The test group there consists of a playgroup of 6-year-old children and a group of adults between the ages of 60 and 81.

As a result of the project, a new product family will be created in 2006 that will expand the traditional meaning of playground. As a meeting place, the new-generation play park will encourage adults to move and spend time actively with their families. At the same time genotype information will move from one generation to the next.

"Through playing we want to keep the ageing population lively and capable of activity. Playing is a benefit for everybody. Adults easily forget how nice it is to play," Laakkonen says.

In Europe and Asia

"The market for an interactive learning environment is to be found in Europe. As a meeting place for three generations, the project is also suited to Asian culture, where senior citizens now use public parks for stretching and gymnastics," Laakkonen says.

Involved in the project are the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi Polytechnic, Tekes and the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT). It is being funded by the European Social Fund, Tekes and the State Provincial Office of Lapland. Lappset will be investing about nine per cent of its turnover in the project over three years, an amount that is more than twice the average invested in product development by the sector.

>> www.lappset.com
>> www.smartus.fi

Lappset Group Ltd exports playground and sports field apparatus and equipment for yards, parks and streets to 40 countries.