Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Wawa Puklay

Coporaque

Peru

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
October 26, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Wawa Puklay, or “children playing” in Quechua, is a temporary playground in the Colca Valley of Peru. Facilitated by Coordinnadora Latinoamericana de Estudiantes de Aquitecture (CLEA), the project brought Latin American architecture students together with local communities to create a unique and dynamic gathering space, despite the area’s limited resources. For two weeks in 2013, locals from the village of Coporaque worked with the students to design and implement a play space on an undeveloped site. With a small budget of $1200, builders used repurposed materials found in and around the region. Armed with hand tools, the dozens of project participants raised tall, slender poles for children to climb up and jump between. Bells placed atop the poles ring as children play, or as they sway in the wind–a creative touch that announces the presence of people in the area. Thatched slides and timber ladders act as jungle gyms, while numerous gardens make the once-barren space a pleasant destination. In all, Wawa Puklay shows how successful playgrounds do not require expensive equipment, just a devoted community with ample creativity.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

The playground utilized mostly recycled and natural materials.

How Quick?

Wawa Puklay took two weeks to design and build.

How Cheap?

The project budget was $1200.

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, all: CLEA

Website: clealatinoamerica.com

Facebook: facebook.com/clea.peru

Wawa Puklay
Wawa Puklay is a well-loved destination
Wawa Puklay
Using local materials helps keep costs low
Wawa Puklay
Children exploring at Wawa Puklay
Wawa Puklay
Climbing and stretching on colorful found materials
Wawa Puklay
Found matierals transformed into playground amenities
Wawa Puklay
A creative place for play
Wawa Puklay
Wawa Puklay

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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