Innovative concrete play structures in the desert landscape
Situated at the core of a mixed-use development in Chihuahua, northern Mexico, ARC Park by Urbánika serves as a vibrant community epicenter. This innovative park, designed to adapt to the Chihuahuan Desert climate, integrates recreational and communal spaces, embodying its mission for Activity, Recreation, and Community. At the heart of the park are these durable features that draw families and children, providing a sturdy and engaging environment for playful interaction.
The park’s diverse amenities include a children’s play area, café, and service zones, as well as courts for pickleball, basketball, table tennis, and volleyball. These components are thoughtfully distributed to promote community interaction, physical activity, and wellness.
Dynamic constructions for play
Central to ARC Park is a unique children’s play area featuring three concrete volumes resembling small houses. Each structure offers a distinct physical activity: climbing, descending, and social interaction. A central platform links them, crafting a unified play environment aimed at stimulating imagination and supporting development.
Urbánika’s “design team“ carefully planned these versatile constructions to inspire free play, leaving room for children’s creativity and interpretation within the playground.
Colorful courts and communal features
Beyond the playground, the park features colorful pickleball courts that foster a sense of ownership and engagement. Additionally, a fire pit becomes a cozy focal point during winter, complemented by practical amenities like a pet shower and public restrooms.
A transforming desert landscape
Responding to the arid environment, ARC Park’s landscape incorporates over 120 trees—including eldarica pines, oaks, cypresses, and lilacs—chosen for their desert resilience and low maintenance. These trees are intended to mature alongside the park’s features, integrating the activity areas into a natural setting and increasing shaded areas.
This dynamic landscape is envisioned to evolve, enhancing the park’s environmental performance and appeal to residents and visitors alike.
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Shaded spaces are thoughtfully arranged across the park to encourage interaction and relaxation.
Concrete forms encourage creativity
Each of the play areas offers a unique spatial and physical experience, creating an open-ended framework for children’s imaginative play.
Project details
- Name: ARC Park
- Architect: Urbánika
- Design team: Federico Campos, Andrés Elías, Oscar Chávez
- Collaborators: Zuleika Solís, Raúl Flores, Paulina Ruiz, Javier Estrada, Gabriel Cháirez
- Location: Chihuahua, México
- Area: 6,000 sqm
- Photographers: Federico Campos, Santiago Ruiz
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What features does ARC Park offer for physical activities?
ARC Park offers courts for pickleball, basketball, table tennis, and volleyball. It also features a children’s play area with concrete structures for climbing and interaction.
How does ARC Park accommodate the Chihuahuan Desert climate?
ARC Park incorporates over 120 trees, including eldarica pines, oaks, cypresses, and lilacs, chosen for their desert resilience and low maintenance. These trees are designed to create shaded areas and improve the park’s environmental performance.
Who are the architects behind ARC Park?
The architects of ARC Park are from Urbánika, and the design team includes Federico Campos, Andrés Elías, and Oscar Chávez.