Guanggang New Town, Guangzhou Province, China
XISUI Design adopts an innovative approach to playground design by using advanced technology tools to create an outdoor space by using parametric modeling and drainage optimization simulation to tailor indoor and exterior spaces according to the complexity and slope of the terrain.
Creating undulating hills, made up of concrete, the structure takes different forms of mountain-like bridges with a Space Lander, alongside planets for observation.
The red-colored playground seamlessly integrates functional installations within the natural topography, to evoke “the charm of a mountain nest or a jungle treehouse.”
Children can circulate around the space while giving a 360-degree experience throughout the playground, thanks to cave-like spaces.
The feeling of an inside-outside relationship is entirely removed from the project.
XISUI Design has used parametric modeling and structural form-finding algorithms to harmoniously blend the outdoor space with its natural surroundings.
“It aims to inspire both children and adults to immerse themselves in the joy of outdoor play and exploration,” claims XISUI Design.
“Through digital generation, the topography has been tailored to accommodate the complexity and slope of the terrain, providing distinct zones for different age groups.”
“Children’s activity facilities seamlessly merge with the natural environment, forming a cohesive space.”
According to the architects, by applying meticulous calculations and simulations, they succeeded to develop a comprehensive natural drainage system, effectively managing rainwater flow despite the undulating terrain.
“This innovative approach eliminates the need for surface drainage outlets, allowing rainwater to naturally disperse into green spaces and designated peak drainage outlets,” the studio adds.
The project emulates the cave-like topography of the natural landscape, providing climbing spaces above, and sheltered areas below.
Concrete materials have advantages in terms of formability, cost-effectiveness, and practicality, that’s why, the choice of this material has become a key direction in green architecture and the development of future organic structures.
Compared to conventional beam-column structures, using mechanical calculations and modeling analysis in this project, the studio has achieved material savings – they achieved an approximately a two-thirds reduction in raw material usage for the same span.
Through undulating red dunes, they provide a space for children to run, jump, and roll, while integrating a variety of functional children’s activity installations into the terrain.
Project: Natural and Organic: Red Dunes Playtopia
Architects: XISUI Design
Lead Architect: Hu Yihao
Project Manager: Peng Yang
Client: Guangdong Poly Urban Development Co., Ltd.
Photographers: Hu Yihao, XISUI Design
