Pooja Sagi

About

My design journey at RCA has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. It was fueled by my passion for material exploration, hands-on experience, and spatial narratives. My approach to the space for my independent research project was inspired by the immersive world of creation that children inhabit when they play. As a designer, my core value is to create spaces that enhance the human experience. I am curious about designing beyond the idea of spaces as ‘decor’ and in crafting imaginative spaces where stories come alive, with the intention of play as an attitude, which incorporates a sense of playfulness into my designs.

‘PLAYSCAPES’ is an exploration of how design can intervene with an indoor space to create opportunities for play for both children and adults. With the looming threat of gentrification in Spitalfields, where the site is based, it became crucial to consider the potential impact on families, especially on children. This led to the observation of a potential loss of play for children and a loss of the attitude of play for adults. This spatial loss is a concern that drove the journey of studying playground design. How spatial dynamics are experimented within play spaces, and how connections are made between different kinds of play in outdoor environment, led to a few design concepts for the indoors of the space. Van Eyck’s, Le Corbusier’s, and Isamu Noguchi’s approaches, in particular, highlight the innovative use of space and form to create engaging and interconnected play areas that encourage exploration and interaction among children and adults in space.

Backed by research, my design considers the social and emotional needs of both children and adults. Some activities were integrated into the walls and the space was carefully zoned into three main areas: Imagine, Freshen, and Playscape. The materials chosen for the spaces encourage interaction. For instance, the design incorporates lightweight polyurethane foam that can be easily moved, wood wool for the walls, and hydrochromic ink screen-printed screens for water play. The playscape embodies diverse mindsets and promotes openness through play. My journey through the work has been about the importance of being together, the joy of sharing moments, and the refreshment that comes from a sense of community.

“Finding joy in playfully rethinking the every day.”