TEJO REMY’S PLAYGROUND FENCES
by Emily Pilloton
One of the highlights of our recent Reclaiming Design events in New York was Dutch designer Tejo Remy’s presentation. As expected, the Dutch designer spoke about his well known chest of drawers, rag chair, and milk bottle lamp - but he also talked about a few lesser-known projects that wowed us with their playfulness and ingenuity. In particular, his re-interpreted playground fence (shown above) was a real crowd pleaser, and provided an interesting take on “reclaimed” or “recycled” design in which the reuse brought a new interpretation to a vernacular form (the materials may not have been reused, but the language and application was certainly reused and re-invented).
In the charming “Playground Fence”, not only are the protrusions and recessions of the fence eye-catching, but they allow for a more active interaction between those on either sides of the fence, providing seats, benches, nooks and playspaces for children.
Tejo has told us that he’s looking for some public commissions for this type of work, so if you like this idea as much as we do - please get in touch with your city government and put the word out. Who knows…. maybe we can get some of this innovative Dutch design state-side and engage our kids with awesome and inviting public playground fences. Any takers in NY City Hall?
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I’m delighted by the ingenuity of taking the existing repetitive elements and distorting them to achieve new function while retaining the original. I’d be curious to know what sort of program or function Remy was serving though.
This fence looks like it’s other face is on a public street. I suspect Americans will be cautious about inviting interactions between children and pedestrians. They see phantom pedophiles around every corner.