16 January 2025
REAL Adventure Park - Stage 1
Aka ‘The longest project of REAL School Budapest which comes alive’
The life of a playground usually starts on a designer's desk, but at REAL School the process began with the children's ideas and their collaborative models using natural materials. It continued with a careful study of these to come up with different approaches to developing the final design. The first stage of this process is the REAL Ground, which is now being inaugurated, with further elements planned for the future.
A Story from the Designer: Creating REAL Ground
When I first met with the team at REAL School Budapest, their vision was unmistakable: they dreamed of creating a playground that felt like a natural sanctuary—a place where students could connect with nature and explore freely. They shared the models crafted by the children, and it quickly became clear that while each child had a unique perspective, their ideas for the space were both passionate and deeply thought out. It was an exciting challenge, one that demanded not just creativity but also a deep understanding of how children interact with their environment.
I envisioned "REAL Ground" as more than just a playground—it would be a living, breathing garden of play. The idea was to weave natural beauty into every corner, so the children could connect with the wonders of biodiversity. We selected over 80 plant species—trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses—not just for their aesthetics but for the microhabitats they create for birds, insects, and other creatures. It’s a space where the magic of discovery happens every day.
The design centered around creating layers of experiences. Two gentle mounds divide the flat landscape into smaller, inviting zones. These mounds, dotted with stepping stones and logs, encourage playful exploration. At the heart of it all stands the main attraction: a climbing tower that transitions into an adventure course, capped with a monkey bar. We kept safety in mind, ensuring no climbing height exceeded one meter, but we didn’t sacrifice the thrill of adventure.
I also wanted this space to embrace sustainability. Every material had a story. The edging for the flower beds? Repurposed stone from an old staircase. The wooden logs scattered across the mounds? Salvaged from nearby fallen trees. Even the construction minimized waste—we avoided concrete where possible, so when the playground eventually evolves, its impact on the environment will remain small.
The planting along the boundaries wasn’t just for beauty; it was about creating an intimate retreat where students could feel tucked away from the outside world. But these plants also need time to grow, and we’ve asked for patience and care from the school community. For the first few years, the young shrubs and grasses will need protection—hence the biodegradable rope fencing. It's temporary, a delicate safeguard while nature takes its course.
This playground isn’t a static structure; it’s a living entity, much like the children who will grow with it. We designed it with an understanding that natural materials age and change. Over time, the wooden play structures will need love and attention, and the mounds may need to be replenished with soil and bark. But this is part of the story—the playground becomes a shared responsibility, a lesson in stewardship and care.
"REAL Ground" reflects REAL School Budapest’s values: sustainability, creativity, and mindfulness. It’s not just a place to play; it’s a place to learn, to grow, and to appreciate the small wonders of the natural world. My hope is that the students and the broader school community will nurture this space, letting it inspire and evolve with them, season after season.
As I pass the baton to you—the educators, parents, and students—my heart is full. This is your garden, your playground, your REAL Ground. May it bring endless joy, spark boundless creativity, and teach the quiet, enduring lessons of living in harmony with nature.
Take good care of it,
Miklos
