Values of the Richter Spielgeräte GmbH

🎥 May 11, 2021 📺 richterspielgeraete ⏱ 5m 👁 1252 views

What makes us unique. In this fascinating film about Richter Spielgeräte, we reveal the unique essence of this extraordinary company. What makes them so special? Here are the reasons: Child-centered philosophy: at Richter Spielgeräte, the child at play is the focus. The idea that play is a fundamental form of expression for children shapes all their work. The play equipment is designed to develop children's motor and mental skills. Julian Richter, the founder, describes sustainable play equipment as a product that makes children strong and helps them to find their way in a complex world. Thi...

Watch on YouTube

About Julian Jr.

In a 2021 film about Richter Spielgeräte, Julian Jr., the company's managing director, discussed the firm's child-centered philosophy and its use of natural materials. He stated that "self-determination is of incredible importance in the child's development" and that children must feel they can "live self-determinedly," calling this "the highest value one can offer." He also described the company's approach to wood, noting that children's imagination allows them to rediscover things in natural forms, and that the company collaborates with international designers. Julian Jr. also addressed his role in maintaining the company's legacy. He said he sees a challenge in continuing the principles introduced by his grandmother and father, adding that "what makes us stand out in the market" is that the company authentically subordinates itself to those principles and incorporates them into its worldwide projects.

Source: AI-verified profile updated from Julian Jr.'s recent appearances. Browse all interviews →

Transcript (4 segments)

Julian Jr.0:31

My father was a lumberjack, and I spent time in the forest with him. I've been involved in forestry and the economy. This is about growth, what is good and what has not become good. It's simple material, and perhaps it helps. It has a good purpose, but there's guilt for children and laziness. My teacher emphasized native wood.

The factor of self-determination is of incredible importance during a child's growth. Children's lives are play; they must feel satisfied and self-determined in all situations. This is the highest value we can offer. It's not just about creating reasonable atmospheres, spaces, and well-being for children through our play offers, but also for adults. Adults need spaces of well-being too. This fosters human behavior, respect, and high performance at work. For me, this is one of the best motivations for progress and leading a company.

Wood is essentially a building material for leisure, the raw material. It is warm here, for example, with larch wood. The quality of wood is influenced by its surface, structure, and initial forms, which are not desired in furniture making but provide greater experiential richness in playground equipment. Children interact with holes and cracks, which are manifestations of the wood. It must simply be beautiful wood. Children with their imagination can rediscover something in almost any form; they see faces and variety, not just smooth surfaces.

The beauty is that we work with many international designers and give them ample space in this creative process. This collaboration with designers, our engineers, and craftsmen is joyful for me. I see challenges in continuing the principles introduced by my grandmother and father. By authentically adhering to these principles, we differentiate ourselves in the market and let them live on in our worldwide projects. The result is joy; children's laughter and joy are universal.