We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Cemer Playground Equipments ("CPE").
Cemer Playground Equipments is not only one of the leaders in the urban equipment and reinforcement materials industry, but also the story of a dream becoming reality. The company have managed to become a world-renowned brand by creating every idea, design and production phase in-house. Rapidly developing digital technologies create more and more a society structure which is less mobile and social. By taking on this responsibility, we design and produce products that will contribute to the socialization of everyone from 7 to 70, and help the development of the muscle and coordination system of individuals.
Cemer Playground Equipments Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Cemer Playground Equipments.
Cemer Playground Equipments Design - World Cup Play Unit
Cemer Playground Equipments Design - New York Play Unit
Designer Interview of Cemer Playground Equipments:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CPE : Cemer is a leading manufacturer of park and playground equipment, founded in 1994 in İzmir, Turkey. Our design studio is at the heart of our operations, where a dedicated team of designers and engineers work together to create innovative and safe playground solutions for children and urban furniture that enhances public spaces.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CPE : Design is the harmonious blend of form and function. It’s about solving problems creatively and improving the quality of life through aesthetically pleasing and practical solutions.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CPE : We enjoy designing playgrounds and urban furniture. These elements bring communities together and create spaces for interaction, relaxation, and play.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CPE : Our favorite design at the moment is the "World Cup" playground equipment. Inspired by the excitement of the World Cup, it features elements like climbing structures and slides that mimic a football stadium. The centerpiece is a large dome-shaped structure resembling a football, creating a fun and immersive experience for children.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CPE : Our material is recycled plastic, as it is both durable and environmentally friendly. In terms of technology, as a company we are particularly interested in 3D printing for its precision and ability to bring complex designs to life.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CPE : We focus on safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Ensuring that the design is safe and user-friendly is paramount, followed by making it visually appealing.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CPE : Designing brings a sense of joy and fulfillment. It’s exciting to transform ideas into tangible products that will positively impact people's lives.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CPE : When a design is realized, we feel a profound sense of accomplishment and pride as Cemer family. Seeing people interact with and enjoy our creations is incredibly rewarding.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CPE : A design is successful when it meets the needs of its users, is safe, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable. Positive feedback from the community is also a key indicator of success.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CPE : We first consider functionality and safety. If a design fails in these areas, it cannot be considered good, regardless of its aesthetic appeal.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CPE : Designers have a responsibility to create products that are safe, inclusive, and environmentally friendly. It’s essential to consider the social and ecological impact of our designs.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CPE : The design field is increasingly incorporating sustainability and technology. The future of design will likely see more eco-friendly materials, smart technologies, and inclusive designs that cater to diverse needs.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
CPE : Our last exhibition as Cemer Playground Equipments was at FSB COLOGNE in 2023.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CPE : Our inspiration comes from nature, architecture, and the needs of the community.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
CPE : At Cemer, our design style is characterized by a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. We prioritize clean and contemporary designs that harmonize with urban and natural environments. Our approach is user-centered, focusing on creating inclusive and safe spaces that encourage play, interaction, and community engagement. We are inspired by the latest trends in urban design and architecture, continuously refining our style to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the communities we serve.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
CPE : Cemer is located in İzmir, Turkey. The cultural heritage of Turkey significantly influences our designs, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CPE : At Cemer, we start with an in-depth consultation to understand our clients' needs. Our team then develops tailored design solutions, maintaining open communication throughout the project. We ensure our designs meet the highest standards of safety and functionality, fostering strong and lasting partnerships with our clients.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CPE : Companies should look for designers with a strong portfolio, good communication skills, and a clear understanding of their brand and goals. It’s important to establish a collaborative relationship and maintain open lines of communication throughout the project.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CPE : At Cemer, our design process begins with thorough research to understand the needs and environment of the project. We then brainstorm and sketch initial concepts, followed by creating detailed designs using advanced software. Prototypes are developed and rigorously tested for safety and functionality. Throughout the process, we collaborate closely with clients, incorporating their feedback to refine the design. Finally, we oversee the production and installation to ensure the highest quality and satisfaction.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CPE : A typical day at Cemer involves our design teams actively participating in client meetings, working on projects, reviewing prototypes, and overseeing production processes. Our designers and engineers manage daily operations to ensure project progress and meet client needs effectively. This dynamic environment fosters collaboration and innovation, as we continuously strive to deliver high-quality and innovative design solutions tailored to enhance public spaces and children's play experiences.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CPE : Stay curious and never stop learning. Build a strong foundation in design principles, but don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks. Networking and seeking mentorship can also provide valuable guidance and opportunities.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CPE : Positives include the ability to create meaningful and impactful work, constant learning, and the joy of seeing your designs come to life. Negatives can be tight deadlines, creative blocks, and the need to balance creativity with practicality.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CPE : Our golden rule is to always design with the user in mind. Understanding and prioritizing the user’s needs ensures that the final product is both functional and enjoyable.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CPE : Key skills include creativity, problem-solving, technical proficiency, and communication. Understanding user experience and having a good sense of aesthetics are also crucial.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CPE : At Cemer, our design toolbox includes essential software such as Autodesk for precise design modeling and Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design and presentation purposes. We utilize 3D printers for rapid prototyping to test our designs efficiently. Our sources of inspiration primarily come from design books, industry publications, and direct interaction with our clients to understand their unique project requirements. These tools and resources enable us to innovate and deliver exceptional design solutions.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CPE : The time frame can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the project. On average, it can take anywhere from several months to a year, from initial concept to final product.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CPE : Our clients include municipalities, schools, recreational centers, and private companies across various countries.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CPE : At Cemer, our future plans involve expanding our international presence and continuing to innovate in sustainable playground solutions. We aim to integrate more interactive and digital elements into our designs to enhance user engagement and play experiences. Additionally, we are committed to strengthening our partnerships with municipalities, schools, and recreational centers globally, ensuring our designs contribute positively to communities and promote active lifestyles among children.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CPE : At Cemer, we work as a collaborative team in our design center. Designers, engineers, and project managers come together to develop innovative solutions. This teamwork allows us to integrate diverse skills and perspectives, ensuring our designs meet high standards and client expectations effectively.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CPE : We are currently working on a new line of eco-friendly playground equipment made entirely from recycled materials. It’s an exciting project that aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
DI: How can people contact you?
CPE : People can contact us through our website https://cemer.com/
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CPE : We would like to emphasize the importance of play in child development. Our mission at Cemer is not just to create playgrounds but to foster environments where children can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills through play.