AFAMOUR estará presente en el evento internacional Smart City Expo World Congress 2024, que se celebrará en Barcelona del 5 to the 7 November 2024. Este congreso es una plataforma clave para el intercambio de ideas y soluciones que transforman nuestras ciudades en espacios más sostenibles, inclusivos e inteligentes. AFAMOUR, como entidad comprometida con el desarrollo de entornos urbanos amigables y seguros, jugaremos un papel fundamental en la presentación de innovaciones en mobiliario urbano y áreas recreativas.

El rol de AFAMOUR en las ciudades del futuro

La participación de AFAMOUR en el Smart City Expo World Congress subraya nuestro compromiso con la mejora de la calidad de vida en los espacios públicos. Las soluciones que promoveremos se alinean con los principios de las ciudades inteligentes: sustainability, conectividad y bienestar ciudadano. Entre los temas centrales que abordará AFAMOUR se encuentran:

• Mobiliario urbano sostenible: presentaremos productos diseñados con materiales reciclados y de bajo impacto ambiental, fomentando un modelo de ciudad circular y ecológica.
• Parques infantiles innovadores: mostraremos proyectos de parques inclusivos, adaptados para que niños de todas las capacidades puedan disfrutar de juegos seguros y estimulantes.
• Tecnología al servicio de los espacios públicos: la incorporación de soluciones tecnológicas en el mobiliario urbano, como iluminación inteligente y sistemas de recogida de residuos conectados, será otro de los puntos destacados en el congreso.

Contribuyendo a una ciudad más inclusiva y conectada

El enfoque de AFAMOUR en el diseño de espacios públicos accesibles e inclusivos es un reflejo de nuestra misión de crear ciudades donde todos los ciudadanos, independientemente de su edad o capacidades, puedan disfrutar del entorno urbano. Durante el Smart City Expo, presentaremos casos de éxito de ciudades que han transformado sus áreas recreativas y mobiliario urbano para mejorar la convivencia y la accesibilidad.

In addition, promoveremos el diálogo con responsables políticos, urbanistas y empresas tecnológicas para explorar cómo las ciudades inteligentes pueden incorporar mobiliario y áreas recreativas que no solo respondan a las necesidades actuales, sino que también sean capaces de adaptarse a los retos futuros de la urbanización.

Un escaparate para el futuro del mobiliario urbano

La participación en el Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 nos permitirá destacar el papel crucial del mobiliario urbano y los parques infantiles en el diseño de ciudades resilientes, inclusivas y sostenibles. Los asistentes podrán conocer de primera mano las últimas innovaciones en estos sectores y cómo pueden integrarse en la planificación urbana de una forma que beneficie a todos los ciudadanos.

En palabras de Miren Jiménez, president of AFAMOUR: “Nuestro objetivo es que las ciudades del futuro no solo sean tecnológicamente avanzadas, sino también más humanas y accesibles para todos los ciudadanos. Participar en este evento nos permite mostrar cómo el mobiliario urbano puede ser una pieza clave en esta evolución.”

Street furniture plays a crucial role in shaping our cities and in the quality of life of their inhabitants. As cities grow and evolve, It is essential that public spaces are accessible and inclusive for all citizens, regardless of your physical abilities, age or gender. In this context, The concept of “Inclusive street furniture” has become increasingly relevant.

What is inclusive street furniture??

When we talk about inclusive street furniture, we are referring to the design and implementation of elements in the urban environment that are accessible and usable by all people. This includes banks, litter bins, sources, Bus stops, signage, Swings, Parks… The goal is to create an environment where all people, including those with disabilities, can move and enjoy public spaces without barriers.

Principles of inclusive design

• Universal accessibility: All items must be accessible to people with different types of disabilities. This includes ramps, non-slip surfaces and Braille signage. In AFAMOUR, We have developed a guide with accessibility recommendations for children's play areas, Training & Water Games. You can check it out here.
• Usability: Furniture should be easy to use for everyone, including children, the elderly and all people with temporary disabilities.
• Safety and comfort: Designs must ensure the safety of users and provide comfort, such as ergonomic benches and shaded areas.
• Aesthetics and functionality: The furniture must be aesthetically pleasing and functional, integrating well with the entire urban environment..

4 Benefits of inclusive street furniture

1. Promotes equality: by removing barriers, All citizens can enjoy public spaces on equal terms.
2. Improves quality of life: Inclusive environments encourage social interaction and physical activity, improving overall health and well-being.
3. Increase the value of public spaces: Cities with inclusive furnishings are more attractive to residents and visitors, which can have a positive impact on the local economy.
4. Compliance: Ensuring that street furniture complies with accessibility regulations can avoid penalties and promote a positive image of the city or community.

Inclusive design in street furniture is essential to create accessible cities, equitable and welcoming for all. By considering the needs of all people in the design of our public spaces, We are not only complying with regulations and standards, but we are also promoting a fairer and more cohesive society. In AFAMOUR, We are committed to continue innovating and promoting street furniture solutions that benefit the entire community.

In this new edition of TECMA, held on 18 to the 20 June, June, 2024 at IFEMA Madrid, AFAMOUR has been present with 13 Partner companies, showcasing its latest innovations in street furniture and playgrounds. This fair has also been the scene of the Forum of Cities, where the president of AFAMOUR, Miren Jiménez Azpilicueta, underlined the importance of turning urban environments into spaces suitable for human health and well-being.

Innovation in the AFAMOUR showroom

The AFAMOUR showroom has been a highlight of the fair, bringing together some of its member companies to showcase innovative and efficient products and services, for the creation of playgrounds and training areas. The AFAMOUR member companies that participated in this showroom were:

1. Agapito Industries
2. Aes XXI
3. Avant Serveis i Elements Urbans
4. Benito
5. Urban Environment
6. Huck Spain
7. Isaba
8. Kompan Spain
9. Myparque
10. Mobipark
11. Neusus
12. Health, Playgrounds & Street Furniture
13. Sanpe Engineering

These companies have exhibited innovative and efficient products designed for the creation of playgrounds and training areas, actively contributing to the transformation of cities into more welcoming spaces, Healthy, inclusive and sustainable.

AFAMOUR's vision at the Cities Forum

One of the highlights of TECMA 2024 was the intervention of Miren Jiménez Azpilicueta, president of AFAMOUR, at the Cities Forum. In his speech on the theme "How do we make cities spaces for human health and well-being?"?", Jiménez Azpilicueta addressed several crucial issues for the future of our urban areas.

Universal accessibility

Our president underlined the importance of universal accessibility in the design of public spaces. He stressed the importance of our leisure spaces being inclusive and accessible to all. In this context, AFAMOUR promotes the elimination of architectural and sensory barriers from the design stage. This includes the implementation of smooth, non-slip surfaces, the incorporation of adapted games and the installation of clear and understandable signage.

Inclusion and equity

The president of AFAMOUR also emphasized that inclusion and equity go beyond physical accessibility. AFAMOUR advocates for the creation of spaces that are inclusive from a social and emotional perspective. Parks and recreation areas should encourage social interaction between people of all ages and abilities, promoting equal opportunities.

Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (.ODS)

Jiménez Azpilicueta stressed that the future of recreational areas must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (.ODS), specifically the Objective 11, advocating for sustainable cities and communities. This goal calls for increased inclusive and sustainable urbanization, providing universal access to green areas and safe and accessible public spaces for all, especially for children, Seniors and people with disabilities.

Integration of Nature into the Urban Environment

The president of AFAMOUR concluded her speech by underlining the importance of integrating nature into the urban environment. Green spaces don't just improve air quality and reduce stress, but also offer opportunities for physical activity and recreation, essential for the physical and mental well-being of communities.

The AEPJP and the City Council of Pamplona organized the 50 PARJAP Pamplona Congress 2024, under the title 'Nature-Based Solutions: una apuesta de futuro’, en el que AFAMOUR estuvo presente con algunos de sus asociados.

¿Qué es el PARJAP?

El PARJAP es el principal evento nacional de la jardinería pública, en el se dan encuentro empresas de jardinería, personal técnico de la administración pública, responsables de empresas de mantenimiento y conservación, consultoras, y demás personas interesadas. A lo largo de tres jornadas se encontraron conocimientos y buenas prácticas sobre las llamadas SBN (Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza), I mean, en el estudio de cómo emplear los enfoques, acciones o procesos que utilizan los principios de la naturaleza para resolver problemas relacionados con la gestión territorial y urbana como la adaptación al cambio climático, la gestión de los recursos, la seguridad alimentaria o la calidad del aire y el entorno.

Asociados de AFAMOUR presentes en el PARJAP

Durante todo el congreso, 27 empresas vinculadas al ámbito de la jardinería y la sostenibilidad expusieron en sus stands el uso de las Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza como apuesta de futuro para conseguir ciudades más ecológicas y habitables. Entre estos 27 stands, pudimos encontrar 3 de asociados de AFAMOUR: Isaba, Ases XXI y Escofet.

Además de ellos, diversos asociados de Afamour llegaron hasta Pamplona para visitar este 50 PARJAP Congress, entre los que encontramos:

• Kompan
• Sanpe Engineering
• Agapito Industries
• Conalsa
• Maderplay
• Hags

Afamour, present at the TECMA fair 2024 Madrid

The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Urban Furniture and Children's Playgrounds will share its news and innovation in the sector during the International Urban Planning and Environment Fair, held at IFEMA, Madrid, of the 18 to the 20 June, June, 2024.

At the epicentre of initiatives leading urban transformation in waste management, Environment and urban planning, TECMA is positioned as a meeting place for innovative technologies and business collaboration at an international level. The IFEMA exhibition centre will be the meeting point where experts will converge, Companies and leaders committed to building a more sustainable future.

Showroom

Associated companies from the street furniture and playground sector will bring the AFAMOUR showroom to life. In this space, the partners and professionals of these companies will share the most innovative and efficient products for the creation of playgrounds and training areas. All this, with the aim of being an active part of the transformation of cities that aspire to be more sustainable, Healthy, Accessible, inclusive and participatory.

Program

Throughout the three days of the fair, different activities will be carried out, including:

• Cities Forum: Meeting with the participation of top-level experts in city management to analyze urban transformations for a new social organization.
• Second edition of the "Tree Award": Award dedicated to good design and management practices in the renaturalization of urban environments.
• XIX Silver Broom Contest, Gold & Platinum 2024: A competition that gives value to those actions carried out to improve our environment and that are committed to sustainability.
• TECMA Zero Waste: initiative that seeks to give visibility to the most innovative technology of machinery and vehicles for cleaning and collection of eco-efficient MSW.
• 21º National Congress on Recovery and Recycling: organized by the Spanish Recovery Federation, and in which more than 500 Professional, It seeks to generate sustainable solutions that allow us to build a better future, minimizing environmental impact and promoting the efficient use of resources.

AFAMOUR WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST TECHNICAL CONFERENCE ON THE EQUIPMENT OF PUBLIC SPACES: Accessibility, Inclusion & Equity, Future and Present of Recreational Areas.

The AEPJPJ and AFAMOUR associations, (Spanish Association of Public Parks and Gardens, and Association of Street Furniture and Playground Manufacturers) in collaboration with the Tres Cantos City Council and PreZero, Environmental Solutions Company, are pleased to announce the celebration of a one-of-a-kind Technical Conference, which will address the challenges and opportunities in equipping public spaces with a special focus on Accessibility, Inclusion & Equity. The event will take place on Wednesday 7 February 2024, in the morning of 9:00 to 14:00, at the Adolfo Suárez Municipal Cultural Center Theater, Pl. of the City Council 2, Three Songs, Madrid.

The main objective of the Technical Conference is to explore the present and future of recreational areas from the perspective of universal accessibility, inclusion and equity. Bringing together leading practitioners and subject matter experts, The conference will offer a comprehensive and detailed overview of current challenges and innovative solutions.

Programme of the day

During the Journey, There will be several presentations, addressing highly topical issues such as universal accessibility in parks, Gardens and green areas; Inclusion and equity in children's areas, Training & Water Games; The circular economy in the field of street furniture; or the duties and obligations of local public administrations for the fulfilment of universal accessibility. At last, The Conference will conclude with a round table in which, Experts in the field of accessibility, together with representatives of associations and municipal officials, will discuss the realities and difficulties of the sector to guarantee the overall use and enjoyment of municipal parks, from the perspective of accessibility and sustainability.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM HERE

Call

This conference is open to professionals in the sector; Project managers for recreational and sports areas in public entities; Technical managers of urban planning and architects, Engineering and construction technicians who manage projects and installations in public spaces; political and elected officials involved in park areas, Sport & Street Furniture; Heads of associations and/or groups of people with accessibility and inclusion requirements; Designing and producing companies of game elements, Training and street furniture for public use; and to all interested audiences.

Registration for the event, which is free and open to the public if previously carried out, on the AEPJP website: Registration for the public spaces 2024 | Aepjp
The AFAMOUR Accessibility Guide, It is available in: https://www.afamour.com/guia-completa-accesibilidad-afamour/

Creating accessible leisure spaces is a crucial step towards an inclusive society. In this context, the Order TMA/851/2021 establishes specific guidelines to ensure accessibility in play and training areas. At this point, From AFAMOUR we have some key recommendations to create areas that are comfortable, safe and accessible to all, And to this end, we must point out the importance of several elements, As:

• The delimitation of the playing or training area
• Entrance/Access
• Signage
• Indoor Circulation.

1. Delimitation of Areas: A Safe and Targeted Approach

The delimitation of the play area is essential for the safety and orientation of users. From Afamour we suggest Use hedges or fences, avoiding encroaching on accessible pedestrian itineraries. This measure Increases security, especially for children who may have difficulty assessing hazards and for those with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities who need defined boundaries.

2. Accessible Tickets: Open Doors to Inclusion

Entries must be accessible and visibly recognizable. At Afamour we offer specific recommendations for fenced areas, ensuring proper openings and options that meet safety standards, such as doors without invading public spaces and safe opening mechanisms:

• Unfenced area: Complying with Accessible Pedestrian Itineraries (IPA): When the area lacks fences, access must comply with the requirements of Accessible Pedestrian Routes (IPA). This ensures that the path to the playground or training area is accessible to everyone, following the established standards.
• Fenced area: AFAMOUR Recommendations for Safe Entry: In the case of a fenced area, It is essential to carefully consider the design of the entrance to maintain security without compromising accessibility. AFAMOUR presents specific recommendations for different types of tickets:

  
  

  • No Door: A minimum aperture of 0,90 m for fenced areas without gates.
  • With Burladero: If the fence has a burladero, Suggested:
    – Make sure it is wider than the hole in the fence to be effective.
    – The gap in the fence must be at least wide 0,9 m.Behind the access and on the sides of the burladero there is a space free of obstacles to allow turning in circles of at least Ø1.50 m.
  • With Door: For fences with gates, AFAMOUR recommends:
    – Prevent leaf sweeping from invading public road traffic spaces.
    – If they are double doors, both must be practicable, and at least one must allow a clear width of passage ≥0.9 m.
    – On both sides of the doors, there must be a horizontal clearance of at least Ø1.50 m for the sweep of the leaves.
    – The opening/closing mechanisms must be at a height between 0,80 – 1,20 m.
    – A snap-on or lever opening system is recommended, No danger of snagging, that allows one-handed opening and manoeuvring.

3. Clear and Universal Signage: Guiding Diversity

At Afamour we highlight the importance of signage at the entrance to leisure areas. The information must be Include rules of use, Location of Accessible Items, Available Activities & Accessible Routes. It is proposed that the Using Illustrated Posters with Universal Design, Braille, High-relief, pictograms or QR codes to ensure inclusive communication.

4. Indoor Circulation: Ensuring Autonomous Mobility

Inside the playing area, Circulation must be autonomous, Comfortable and safe for everyone. From Afamour we highlight the importance of accessible circulation pavements, Proper location and distances between elements, sufficient lighting and cushioning flooring that complies with specific regulations for playground equipment and training equipment.

• IPA Park Interior and Circulation Pavements:
  The characteristics of ramps are detailed, Grids and pavements to ensure accessibility.

• Location and Distances Between Elements:
  A design that avoids the creation of segregated areas and promotes inclusivity is suggested.

• Proper Lighting:
  The need for appropriate lighting levels during usage hours is highlighted.

• Cushioning Pavement:
  European regulations and material options are mentioned to meet safety and accessibility standards.

Creating inclusive spaces is not only a legal requirement, but also a Commitment to Diversity and Equality. By following these recommendations, We can build leisure areas that not only comply with regulations, they also embrace the diversity of their users, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy these areas.

The European Commission's ban on the manufacture and marketing of products considered to be microplastics, does not affect playground safety flooring or tiles made from recycled rubber granules, since the rubber particles are agglomerated with resins.

The past 25 In September, the Official Journal of the European Union published the EU Regulation 2023/2055 of the Commission, where a series of prohibitions on the manufacture and marketing of products considered to be microplastics. This particularly applies to artificial turf sports fields with rubber substrate.

What are considered microplastics??

The Microplastics They are materials composed of tiny plastic particles, of which, at least one 1%, are less than a diameter of less than 5 Mm.

Pavements and tiles used in parks and sports areas, They use recycled rubber agglomerated with resins, which prevents rubber particles from being considered loose microplastics and, therefore, do not fall into the category of products affected by the ban. Agglomeration with resins helps hold rubber particles together, contributing to the safety and durability of these products, while conforming to established regulations.

The main affected: Sports Fields

The European Union restricts in the period of eight years, Rubber filling of sports fields, Not artificial grass. The new EU Regulation 2023/2055 of the Commission bans the manufacture and marketing of microplastics, such as rubber used as a substrate in artificial turf pitches, From the 17 October 2031. The most commonly used polymeric infill in artificial turf pitches is rubber granulate, that comes from end-of-life tyres, and is commonly referred to as SBR.

It is important to clarify that playgrounds and sports areas are not affected by this restriction, since each children's area must have and comply with the UNE-EN Regulations 1176 – 1177 which establishes, and among other things,, than the safety height of playground equipment created by each manufacturer, It must be taken into account when installing the safety flooring, with the fall height of it. This means, that there should be at least a rubber floor height of 3 cm and onwards, The component is mixed with the resin that allows the granulometry to be compacted in its on-site installation and the wear process to be slower.

By the installation process of both recycled rubber tiles, such as the installation of continuous rubber flooring, There is no restriction on the continuation of each work in outdoor areas.