23. October 2024

Plaza del Canòdrom in Barcelona, Spain

An exciting project at the Canòdrom and a Berlin novelty from the rope factory: the Berliner Masche. This innovative new concept enables us to create a three-dimensional space from a planar net, to fill large areas or to create special shapes. For example, steel rings can be used to create high and low points that allow for gently flowing surfaces. Thanks to our in-house rope production, we have been able to develop a more flexible rope that adapts perfectly to these shapes.

As always, the size, shape and colour of the Berliner play equipment can be freely chosen. By arranging the high and low points in different ways, the Berliner Mesh can be used to create customised netscapes. The add-on elements can also be chosen as desired.

Our first project with the new Berliner Mesh was created in the Plaza del Canòdrom in Barcelona, Spain. The name of the square is based on the name of the building that opened in 1964, Canòdromo Meridiana, which was used for greyhound racing until 2006. The area of the racecourse (Spanish: Canòdrom) was opened to the neighbourhood as a park in 2010. Since then, the park and the building have been renovated step by step. Since 2016, the building has been home to the Center for Digital and Democratic Innovation, a creative research park for young and old. From the former grandstand, you can now enjoy panel discussions, musical events and exhibitions of local projects, among other things, together with friends and family.

In the last phase of the refurbishment, the 8,000 m² park was given a green space and a new playground, which celebrated its opening in June 2024.

The custom-made net structure, which forms the core of the play area, has a diameter of 12 metres. The base of the play equipment is a steel tube in the form of an inclined ring, which stands on posts and has its highest point at just under three metres. The planat net is stretched by specially developed Egg-Clamps for the Berliner Mesh. The smaller rings on the ground and on the four-metre-high pole create two funnel-shaped structures. An opening at the lower point provides access to the planar net from the ground.

Attachment elements such as Rope Ladders, Climbing Ropes, Rocking Plates, Climbing Rings and an S-Ladder extend the range of play on offer from the Custom-made structure and increase its inclusive character as they are accessible from the ground. The hammock and rubber mats underneath the net also invite children to relax. Movements of the planar net are transferred to these elements, allowing children sitting or lying on them to become part of the play.

The minimalist design and organic shape blend in well with the surroundings. The black steel of the play equipment also harmonises perfectly with the visible steel beams of the Canòdrom building.