Urban Jungle – Broadway Play, Sydney

The Urban Jungle playspace at Broadway is a bespoke Children’s Playground for 0-5 year olds. The playground combines the philosophy of play as a safe way to challenge the child’s sensory, imaginative & physical experiences with providing an opportunity for transformative learning.

A playground needs to take a child on a journey. Being a two tiered playspace, we had the opportunity to utilise heights to create dynamic focal points that transfers the child between levels, providing challenges that encourages imagination & creativity . Our approach considers positive psychology & play to address the changing demands & expectations of what a playground is & should be. Play that “challenges” a child & encourages problem solving & risk negotiation is becoming more restricted due to the evolving guidelines around safety.

Our design outcome considered the safety requirements necessary for a playground whilst designing an environment that encourages children’s independence & sense of discovery through obstacles & risk assessment. It offers different play elements to suit the natural dynamics of the child, from quieter, sensory reflective play to more adventurous & challenging rope climbs, slides & cubby houses.

Our graphic overlay incorporates a surreal & abstract use of colour that is representative of nature to create a vibrant space that comes alive to ensure a holistic solution that encourage a child’s imagination to soar. The walls have a dynamic urban jungle graphic that includes small surprise & delight elements such as counting games & puzzles to ensure each visit brings something new to the experience.