The “Rami Library Playscape” is a collaborative project between the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and the author studio, designed to support the physical and cognitive development of children aged 2-8. It features handcrafted play equipment and furniture made from natural materials with a fluid design, providing a safe and adaptable space for various age groups.

The play area, originally a single space, has been divided into two distinct zones. A horizontal partition separates the larger zone, isolating kids aged 2-5 for maximum efficiency. This benefits parents who can easily supervise. The smaller section, divided vertically with a loft, is for reading and workshops. Both zones cater to 5-8-year-olds and offer unique features.

The process began with an examination of the color and texture of the architectural structure it was to be a part of. When creating the shell of high-quality wood material products with an appropriate warm surface, careful consideration was given to their intensive use, and steel was chosen for the load-bearing structures. Many of the wooden components were crafted by artisans through manual labor, and compliant coloring agents were used for the final surface finishing and paints.

The idea of designing a play area for visitors in this historic venue was enjoyable but also presented some risks. While maintaining a cohesive design language among the products is essential to us, the fact that the play area is located within a library has provided insights into how it will be used. Care was taken regarding the selection of gaming stations and their potential reactions to ensure that the sound and noise levels remain at a certain level. This situation also strengthened the educational aspect of the products, which was our primary goal.