Sofia Gabarda

Fiona Robbé Landscape Architects

We are a specialised team of playspace and landscape design experts based in Arcadia, Sydney. Our team consists of a dedicated group that brings together a range of relevant skills and experience. Our projects range from the very large and complex to the small and simple, from working with government bodies to parent groups. Our practice firmly commits to the notion that investment in quality play environments is one of the decisive social investments in a sustainable, peaceful, cross-cultural future. Our designs: – explore the rich and unique ambience of their settings, while intensifying the focus on children's needs and experiences in an environment of exuberance, challenge and wonder; – celebrate the joy and spontaneity that children bring to our lives; – communicate to children that they are valued, important people in our society; and – welcome children and their families and carers to an environment where their needs, interests and abilities have been reflected in the landscape design. We strive to uphold the theory of Universal Design to its highest ideological interpretation – for people of all ages, abilities and ethnic origins to feel included in the play environment, and to accomplish this at all levels: socially, emotionally and intellectually. We follow a design process which respects children and young people as responsible, responsive, reflective stewards of the earth. Children are our common wealth, and our future; and tapping into their optimism and creative curiosity about the world and themselves is key to managing a peaceful and sustainable future for our planet. We design specifically to encourage children and young people to explore their environment and themselves through joyous and playful interactions. Playful interactions develop children's innate skills of curiosity, investigation, problem solving and communication. Positive environments lead children to a way of thinking that is collaborative, connected and community-based.