Lifecycle of Urban Play Equipment: From Materials to End-of-Life

Urban play equipment, as social transformers and influencers of public space, must be designed for longevity and maintenance to serve multiple generations. Their lifecycle analysis covers materials, durability, certification, and environmental impact. In Chile, removal is regulated by NCh 3340 (based on ASTM F1487) and waste management by NCh 347, plus the REP Law and DS148. End-of-life involves disassembly and separation into plastic, metal, and wood for recycling or authorized disposal. Certified equipment (e.g., under EN 1176) using controlled materials like certified wood, galvanized steel, or recycled plastic can last over a decade, while uncertified copies may last only 1–5 years, increasing economic and environmental costs. Maintenance, especially of high-use parts like percussion elements and slide plastics, extends lifespan; modular systems allow component replacement instead of full replacement. Urbanplay selects suppliers that develop, design, and produce equipment for long lifecycles. The article, written by Agustina Iñiguez and published on June 24, 2026, on ArchDaily, emphasizes that quality urban equipment is a long-term investment with real consequences for user experience and the environment.