Places of wonder: museums and playgrounds
What identifies a contemporary museum and what can identify a contemporary playground?
In 2021 Carve was commissioned to design a climber for a children's museum in Qatar. At start, we questioned how the nature of this contemporary museum can relate to the nature of contemporary play spaces.
Our reflection started from what is a museum today. A museum is no longer a place where people can just gaze at displayed collections of objects; it is designed to convey interactive and immersive experiences appealing to all senses. In parallel, how can play have the same qualities' encouraging the same experience both cognitive and physically?
The main objective for OliOli children museum is to provide an out-of-the-ordinary play experience by interconnecting science and play. We tried to aspire and spark simular curiosity, stimulate imagination and interactions, and favouring spatial exploration unintentionally providing proprioceptive stimuli.
A driving force in all our work is the idea that a contemporary play space should not only provide a playful environment, but also a safe space for learning, strengthening social skills, emotional intelligence, and promoting cooperation among both children and adults.
a discovery journey
Wandering and wondering through the museum, you will stumble across an enigmatic spherical object. A volume that seems too large for the space it is in, dominated by a central oval tunnel with stairs. Inviting you to enter and explore the light at the end of the tunnel.
The journey takes you to another world that reveals itself at the end of this shaft. Taking a step either left or right will make you land on a paper thin 3d netting maze; floating over the museum floor. From here you can reach the gateways to the inner world of the sphere and further discover the secrets that are hidden between the triple layered skin of this globe.
spaces and atmosphere
The WonderSphere combines three distinctive spaces, each one providing a different atmosphere:
- double curved walls that enclose a narrow mysterious world
- multi level spatial net constructions challenging and inviting
- a soft and colourful floor installation for quiet gatherings
The enclosed alley-like spaces in between the triple walls offer multiple possible routings. It is creating the feeling of being in a labyrinth where to find your way in and out through hidden portals and secret rooms. It is a space where children can enjoy physically active experiences and explore sensory installations all at once.
Inside the volume a three-dimensional very light and transparent net structure is suspended. The nets are distributed over different levels, hovering over the floor, adding to the overall sense of adventure and exploration. Thanks to their 3d curved shapes and connecting “holes” you feel as if you are walking in an unexplored galaxy; a space with no gravity.
A soft cushioned circular floor at groundlevel is meant for toddlers and caretakers; welcoming all to play and stay. It is the lounging hangout place where one can stare at the “astronauts” that are drifting in the interstellar netting. It is designed to mitigate falls but not to prevent them: on the contrary, there is a clear invitation for vivacious play for preschoolers.
Qatari hints
Although the “WonderSphere” is a contemporary play object, Qatari culture has been studied.
It incorporates some fascinations from the local vernacular heritage translated into a present-day language.
The sensation of getting lost in the daedalus of “Souq Wahif” the narrow alleys in the historical city center of Doha has inspired us to develop the narrow maze-like playful spaces in between the walls.
The acute arch shapes that support the tunnel and the openings in the walls sprout from the distinctive character of the Qatari clay birdhouses. While the size of the WonderSphere also refers to these giant dovecotes.
A long lasting play experience
In designing the “WonderSphere”, we aimed to create more than just a typical play object. We craved for a truly new experience to play in, on, and in-between. And complementary to that connect to the ideas and principles of what OliOli childrens museum stands for: “Learning by doing”.
We sought to provide visitors with additional opportunities for experimentation and learning. Our goal is to encourage playful research of gravity, foster cooperations and stimulating group play activities: to test and deepen your own cognitive social and physical abilities.
Step inside to explore a unique sprightly world! Sail through the cosmos, navigate the endless twist and turns of the souq before quickly sliding back down to the real world of the museum. A One-of-a-kind experience that will last in your memory forever.
Ready for this great expedition? See you at the WonderSphere!
