This Japanese Architect Created An Indoor Park Catered To Children With Disabilities
Teetering up and down on a seesaw, racing across the monkey bars, climbing up a jungle gym—they're all thrills many of us take for granted. For kids with developmental disabilities, or for those who are wheelchair-bound, a playground can feel like a spectator sport. That's why Japanese architect Satoshi Takijiri has made it his mission to bring the joy of those outdoor spaces to kids of all abilities, designing an indoor park that's unlike any other
Located in the Japanese metropolis of Kyoto, Yojo Park is one of a kind. Without the messiness of sand or dangers of concrete, this play area has been exclusively built to provide all the space to move around without the worry of bumping into anything.
Takijiri made sure that there was a good flow of air circulation, as well as glimmers of sunlight spread out across the park, bringing a sense of the outdoors in. Gathering input from his young clients, he told Frame, "The children who cannot play freely outside wanted a space that felt like living in a forest, while staying inside."
This project was something that Takijiri really analyzed, putting himself in the shoes of the children, staying mindful of how bright colors and other environmental factors may affect kids with developmental disabilities. The indoor park features a soft-colored, calming blue interior, which is divided by arches (ranging from small to large) that are wide enough for wheelchairs to glide easily throughout the space. Plus, the wider arches allows more sunlight into the space. But, if the sun is ever too strong and bothers any child, floating curtains have been installed to provide some shade.
The most thoughtful part of this park, perhaps, are the details on the ceiling. There are no corners and instead, it has a soft covering that changes colors, depending on where you're standing. He did this because kids in wheelchairs often look up to assess their surroundings or talk to adults and others, and he wanted to give them a special surprise. "That way, the children can discover their own cozy spots," the architect told Frameweb.com.
You can see more of the architect's work on his Instagram account.
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