Martin Luther King Adventure Playground

Although MLK has been at its current location since 1968, its earlier building had become unsafe and was demolished in 2018, leaving local children and families with no shared play facilities. Together with Islington Council and the Islington Play Association, we saw the project as an opportunity to create a flexible and welcoming replacement building, that could help to improve children’s lives and life chances through free play. We devised an engaging consultation process, despite a backdrop of Covid-19 restrictions which meant we had to re-think how to engage with people while also considering their personal circumstances, digital literacy and internet access. When possible we organised socially distanced model-making workshops, introductory classes on topics from low energy buildings to colour theory, and provided activity packs to local schools. Several key elements – such as the colourful cladding and outdoor terrace – are the result of this enjoyable and collaborative approach, which has reinforced a sense of ownership among building users. The simple building is organised around a central play space: a flexible layout that supports a wide range of activities, while prioritising safeguarding by ensuring views across indoor and outdoor areas at all times. A wraparound terrace provides a sheltered area for play, outdoor cooking and picnics, and connects to the toilets and kitchen, which can be securely accessed even when the main building is closed. Materials including corrugated sheet metal and cement board provide a robust, characterful and low maintenance envelope, and the building’s bright red colour enhances its welcoming presence in the heart of the neighbourhood. The building has been designed to BREEAM Excellent standards with a highly insulated envelope, solar PVs and air source heat pumps.