THE Rhyll Foreshore Play Space, by Orchard Design, has won a Landscape Architecture Award in the Play Spaces category at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Victorian State Awards overnight.
The Rhyll Foreshore Play Space, situated on Phillip Island’s north-eastern edge, honours its rich cultural and environmental history. Integrating seamlessly into the landscape, the play space draws inspiration from the site’s established banksia trees, Rhyll’s angling history as a fishing village and marine wildlife.
"The Rhyll Foreshore Play Space is a true celebration of landscape, culture and community,” the jury stated in handing down the award.
“This play space on Phillip Island protects and enhances indigenous vegetation, drawing inspiration from banksia cones, angling history, ’gunyah’ shelters and marine wildlife. Custom play elements and natural materials reinforce the importance of place. The jury commends Orchard Design’s approach to collaborating with local artists and the community, and thoughtful material choices to stretch the budget while maximising its play value."
The majority of the play elements were designed in-house and fabricated by local artists, strengthening ties to the community and contextual landscape. The play experiences reflect a balance of active, social, cognitive, imaginative and creative play for all ages and abilities.
