A Playground as a Part of Learning

Often playgrounds are seen as ‘add-ons’ to existing plans. But with the North Tampa Christian Academy, having the chance to be involved from the start allowed KOMPAN to contribute to an improved learning experience. The new school in Florida broke from conventional design when they commissioned the architects who took a revolutionary approach to classrooms and space. When introduced to KOMPAN’s team of designers they seized on the prospect of making the playground an integral part of the educational experience. Suddenly, learning didn’t stop at the exit door. It expanded to the open air.

North Tampa Christian Academy Video Thumbnail
We want active play and active learning. In fact we consider these playgrounds as outdoor learning spaces.

Orton Varona - President, North Tampa Christian Academy

Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 1 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 0899
Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 2 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 0025
Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 3 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 1081
Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 4 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 0756
Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 5 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 0597
Case - North Tampa Christian Academy - Image 6 - KOMPAN 181011 TAMPA 0182

Active Play and Active Learning

The Tampa project features various activities from KOMPAN’s extensive range of natural playground equipment. There’s a natural feel, with organic Robinia playing an important role in bridging the gap between the futuristic classrooms and the great outdoors. The Forest Lake Boat, along with the Wizard’s Hideaway, stimulate young imaginations. The Explorer Dome, with its 360-degree entry and slide exit, is for the more physically energetic. Like a magnet, the Supernova attracts small groups who learn to communicate through balance.

Physical
Joy of movement: motor skills, muscle, cardio and bone density
Cognitive
Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world
Social-Emotional
Joy of being together: teamwork, tolerance and sense of belonging
Creative
Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials

Want more case study inspiration?

Please fill in your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Want to see more nature play case studies?

preschool playground at Watsonia learning ladder with caste play system

Learning Ladder Watsonia, Australia

A tree house playground tower in the middle of a park in Melbourne

Lincoln Square Playground, Australia

Rockhampton Botanical Gardens, Australia

Wooden playground castle at Ennepetal Playground

Ennepetal Playground, Germany

Wooden pirate playground ship on the beach at Sansibar Restaurant

Sansibar Restaurant, Germany

wooden playground at Givskud Zoo in Denmark

Givskud Zoo, Denmark

Wooden playground structure with balance bridge in Poppleton park

Poppleton, United Kingdom

wooden playground at Bognor Regis Beach

Bognor Regis Beach, United Kingdom

Wooden playground structure at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, United States

wooden playground sculpture looking like a big bear in kindergarten in China

King's Kindergarten, China

nature playground at the forest of Westminster School in Atlanta

Westminster School, United States

 Pirate themed playground ship in Borgholm, Sweden

Borgholm Pirate Playground, Sweden

Wooden playtower at Espira daycare in Norway

Espira Daycare, Norway

children balancing on a natural playground obstacle at copenhagen zoo

Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark

Maisons-Alfort, France

Wooden large playground ship at Shangri-La Hotel hotel in Singapore

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

Small themed playground with wooden tractor and animals

Randers Regnskov, Denmark

Custom dinosaur playground in Helsingborg in Sweden

Dinosaur Playground, Sweden

Large wooden playground castle in Tallinn, Estonia

Tallin Castle, Estonia

Children playing on custom wooden playground train in Saint-Médard

Saint-Médard En Jalle, France

pupils playing and swinging at Riverside Intermediate School

Riverside Intermediate School, United States

girl playing with sand and water playground equipment at preschool

Early Learning Village, Singapore