2014
2014
2020
PROJECTS
Squadra
In collaboration with the Trondheim Kommune (NO), we designed an outdoor training facility made out of wood. Focus on the users, on the type of exercises and on the wood joints and wood characteristics was key.
2015
Squadra monkey bars render
Technical skills
- product design
- wood working
- manufacturing
- user experience
- adobe suite
soft skills
- team work
- communication
- presentation skills
- client work
identifying the area
Ranheim, Ladestien, Trondheim, Norway. This area was chosen by the Trondheim Kommune as an area where to create an outdoor training facility to make the area more dynamic.
sculptural
The training area is there for people to exercise but also to complement the view. We chose a sculptural aesthetic, so that the individual components would interact with the surroundings. Using a hollow and essential look, with four sided polygons with wider angles.
users
Our main users would be runners, families and the elderly. It was important to create infrastructure which would satisfy all of them.
The chosen exercises were mostly for the upper body and core, areas less used when running. Areas to sit and admire the view were placed. All the elements were kid friendly and encourage play.
name
“Squadra” which means team in Italian and also means set square, is the chosen name. We realised it sounded like ‘squat’ in English too and we thought it represented well the product.
3D renders and functions
We ensured the equipment targeted different core muscles and created sketches which targeted them.
Once, as a team, we had settled on key form and function we modelled them in 3D and rendered them. This allowed us to present the final proposal and get approval, before prototyping.
Dips exercises
Back exercises and reverse rows exercises
Obstacle course exercises
Monkey bars exercises
Chin up exercises
Core exercises
Balancing exercises
prototypes
Once the sketches and detailed 3D models were done, we created 1:3 scaled prototypes of the training equipment and 1:1 builds of the joints used.
The 1:3 prototypes were used for the finale presentation to the Trondheim Kommune, to allow them to get a real feel for the equipment and move it around, to optimise arrangement in the area as they prefer.
mitered lap joint
This type of joint is good to create angles which are not the typical ones. It could be used for the acute and obtuse angles. Scale 1:1
cross joint
Made out of three main components, at a 90º angle from each other. This joint would be used for corner parts in the equipment. Scale 1:1
beveled lapjoint
Again useful for a change in angle, in this case it is reinforced by a bolt. In the project it would be used for beams directed up or downwards at a certain angle.
choosing the wood
We considered 8 different types of wood and did an analysis based on 4 key parameters: durability, price/availability, aesthetic feel and workability, giving each a grade.
Based on this we chose Scots Pine as the best option.
choosing flooring
When having training equipment outside, it is important to consider the flooring to place the builds on. This ensures to keep users safe and have a longer lasting base.
We wanted the flooring to make the builds pop thanks to their colour and through the polygonal shapes, to echo the design of Squadra.
The shortlisted colours were cranberry red and dark grey, with the profiles shown on the right for each equipment.
foundations
To support the weight of the users and last in time, we identified cement foundations with steel protection at the base, with through bolts reinforcement, to be the best option for the foundations.