Office of the authorized architect : : Leona Kordiš, mag.ing.arch.
Lavender Playground
Main Design Project
Why is this space important?
Lavender Playground is located in Ričine, Zadar, next to Sunce Kindergarten, which until now has lacked a suitable outdoor play area for its youngest children.
The existing space, covering approximately 203 m², was neglected and poorly defined, with deteriorated pedestrian surfaces and a parking area that had gradually encroached upon the kindergarten entrance. The project aims to restore the importance of this public space and adapt it to the needs of its primary users, nursery-aged children.
How is the space adapted to children?
Due to the difference in elevation between the existing terrain and the kindergarten entrance, a new raised platform has been designed to connect the entrance plaza with the enclosed playground. An access ramp provides an accessible route, while a pedestrian pathway paved with light-coloured Brač limestone emphasises the entrance to the kindergarten.
Special attention has been given to preserving the existing greenery. It is retained and integrated into the new play area, while a sensory pathway along the kindergarten façade allows children to explore different textures and natural elements. The selected play equipment includes a rope climbing structure, an in-ground trampoline and a spring rider, all positioned on a soft safety surface in a lavender-inspired shade. A sandpit is also
planned alongside the existing greenery, encouraging children to explore their surroundings through different forms of play.
Why lavender?
Lavender was chosen as the botanical symbol of this playground because of its distinctive colour, fragrance and strong connection to the Mediterranean landscape.
Its characteristic purple colour is reflected in the playground safety surface, while lavender plants are introduced along the kindergarten entrance area. In this way, the plant becomes part of childrens everyday experiences, something they can observe, smell and discover as they grow.
This project is part of a broader vision
Together with the other playground projects, Lavender Playground was conceived as an educational tool. The central theme is native plant species that play an important role in the local ecosystem. To express this concept, the urban furniture, playground equipment and colour palette were carefully selected to reflect each plants character, while respecting the existing surroundings.
Each playground represents a plant species of local significance:
- RELJA : : IMMORTELLE (SMILJE)
- Š. CEZANE / V. VIDE : : MYRTLE (MIRTA)
- MASLINA : : OLIVE (MASLINA)
- RIČINE : : LAVENDER (LAVANDA)
Each playground features a dedicated educational information board introducing its representative plant and explaining its importance to the local flora and fauna in an accessible and engaging way. Every board also refers to the other playgrounds, encouraging visitors to explore the entire network. Through this approach, children and other visitors are invited to discover and connect with nature, even within the limitations of an urban environment, while learning along the way. The idea is to transform childrens playgrounds into small spaces for learning through play, while the Green Guardians (Zeleni čuvari) connect different neighbourhoods through a shared story about nature worth discovering and protecting.
