The project concerns the redesign of two public spaces, a playground and a square, in Argyropouli, Municipality of Tyrnavos. The interventions aim to redesign and upgrade two inactive adjacent spaces, specifically part of the village square and part of the schoolyard of Argyropouli Primary School. The objective is to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically upgraded public space for residents and visitors, combining planted and walking areas, seating spaces, and a play area for preschool and school-age children.

The project is organized around the intention of upgrading schoolyards for the benefit of the school community while at the same time making them available to the local community for use outside school operating hours.

The intervention concerns the area located in the northern part of the schoolyard of Argyropouli Primary School, as well as the section of the small village square adjacent to the schoolyard. The main goal of the project is the subtle integration of these two previously independent spaces, the improvement of their aesthetic and functional quality, and the resolution of the need for safe and controlled access during school hours as well as after the end of the school day. The proposal aims to create a public recreational space that includes a model playground, accessible both to students during school operation and to local residents with children outside school hours.

This is achieved through a dual controlled-access system that allows the safe functional integration of the two spaces. Specifically, a new entrance is created at the boundary between the square and the playground, while a new fence with a gate is installed between the playground and the schoolyard. Through these interventions, the playground functions as an intermediate space that safely accommodates students during school hours while allowing public access in the afternoon without providing access to the school premises.

Within the square, a linear circulation path with non-slip quartz flooring is created. This path functions as the main orientation axis and strengthens access to the playground through a descending ramp leading to the play area. The pathway organizes visitor movement, visually and functionally guides users toward the lower playground level, and unifies the two areas into a coherent whole. The descending route creates a space for movement and rest while ensuring comfortable and safe access for pedestrians, children, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

The gently sloped ramp fully complies with accessibility requirements for people with disabilities and baby strollers, allowing safe and comfortable access to the playground and smooth movement between the square and the play area. At the same time, new seating areas are added to the square, low planting is introduced, and the existing greenery is enhanced in a way that visually connects the two spaces and creates a unified environmental identity. A continuous V-shaped seating area is also created parallel to the ramp, allowing easier supervision of children by their caregivers.

The design concept of the playground is based on the clarity and legibility of basic geometric forms, which organize the space and create a coherent design language. The existing hexagonal kiosk in the schoolyard is preserved and incorporated into the design both functionally, as a shaded seating area, and compositionally. At the same time, new design gestures are introduced through the playground equipment. The main geometric forms used in the layout are the circle, triangle, square, hexagon, and line, which complement one another and create a contemporary and clearly identifiable outdoor play environment.

The hill-dome with a tunnel and slide is based on circular geometry, the sandbox is designed with a clear rectangular layout, the climbing mound takes the form of a pyramid created by the combination of three triangles, the social playhouse is based on the square, and the swing refers to the basic line. These forms create an environment that children can immediately understand and use naturally, encouraging free play and multiple movement routes. The use of different geometric volumes adds variety, rhythm, and identity to the composition while stimulating imagination and creativity.

The arrangement of the play structures allows for safe fall zones and unobstructed circulation. The equipment and the ground surface are integrated into a continuous safety flooring system made of poured EPDM rubber surfacing in two color tones, ensuring fall protection and freedom of movement.

The project also preserves and highlights the existing trees located around the site, providing natural shade and a favorable microclimate. Planting is strengthened along the western side with deciduous trees and low vegetation, including low shrubs and durable Mediterranean species that function as natural boundaries between the different zones.

The design is based on contemporary standards of safety, ergonomics, and universal accessibility. Through the management of level differences, the creation of new entrances and exits, the installation of fencing, and the overall upgrade of both the playground and the square, the project achieves the complete functional integration of two previously separate and inactive public spaces. All proposed interventions lead to controlled and safe access for students and residents during and outside school operating hours respectively, improve quality of life and everyday experience, and create a unified, vibrant, and welcoming outdoor hub for play and recreation.