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New and Exciting ... "The POD" |
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Sutcliffe Play Launches Blue Tooth Pod Shelter
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 Sutcliffe Play, a leading designer and manufacturer of children’s playground equipment is launching an innovative teenage Pod Shelter developed following extensive consultation with a local authority and children in secondary schools.
The unit features a child powered Bluetooth music player and LCD lights, powered by a crank handle within the Pod that allows teenagers to learn about kinetic power whilst playing music stored on their mobile phones via the three speakers.
The lights are controlled by sensors, so when the unit reaches a certain level of darkness the lights automatically switch on. This system is controlled by a computer programme allowing the volume and light brightness to be pre-decided to suit individual customers.
The Pod’s modular system was developed following meetings with Kirklees Council, Sutcliffe Play was able to build their recommendations into the design, which now allows each customer to specify how open or enclosed they would like their unit. Angled panels and rubber seals also prevent excess noise leaving the Pod so nearby residents and facilities shouldn’t be disturbed.
The fully sealed panels prevent excess water from entering the unit and large side panels form a shield against the wind, protecting the children and young people inside from the elements.
Through the Industrial Trust, the leading provider of out of school and in-company educational experiences for young people, Sutcliffe Play worked with Archbishop Holgates School in York, to select the blue colour and name for the unit.
Following this a unit was installed in Guiseley School Technology College as a rigorous trial and consultation exercise.
Andrew Mangham, Technology Champion at the school comments: “Because the pupils were present to see Sutcliffe Play assembling the shelter they really took ownership of it and saw it as their own. Pupils were proud that their school had something that they could use every day which was so technologically advanced.
“From the minute the shelter arrived pupils were drawn to it by the Bluetooth aspect, they loved the freedom of being able to control the technology without having to rely upon adults to give them access to it.
“We really use the shelter as more than just an outdoor fixture by including it is areas of the science and technology curriculum to demonstrate what sound sustainable design could look like. Plus it’s probably the only place in school that all year groups from seven through to sixth form chose to hang out. The different years mingle freely and are happy to share their music.
“The simplicity of the pod disguised some of its cleverest design features, for example the height of the seating is perfect for the people inside to talk at face level with the people on the outside so the social interaction isn’t confined to those inside the shelter.
“The shelter created a buzz with staff and pupils alike because it represented something new that incorporated cutting edge technology which nobody had seen before.”
Viv Jebson, Managing Director at Sutcliffe Play comments: “With environmental awareness high on the agenda, our new Pod is especially suited to helping children understand, through creativity and play, how power can be created in a way that is kind to the environment.
“The system we’ve installed to make the Pod Bluetooth work also means we are getting children active and helping them keep fit in the process.”
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