Isamu Noguchi, renowned for his stone sculptures and Akari lamps, also had a passion for designing public playgrounds that would stimulate the imagination of children. In 1933, he proposed a revolutionary project called “Play Mountain” in New York City, which featured unstructured elements like earthen steps, a bandshell, and a large hill for sledding. However, the project was rejected by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, and Noguchi’s other playground designs never came to fruition in the city.
To bring these unrealized playgrounds to life, Eastend Western created a series of short animations using hand-painted celluloid under a Rostrum camera. These animations depict concrete mounds with cavernous openings, labyrinthine sand gardens, and asymmetrical equipment that would challenge children’s perceptions and encourage creative play. The films offer a glimpse into Noguchi’s innovative approach to playground design and how his unconventional structures could have influenced children’s interactions.
These animations are part of the exhibition “Noguchi’s New York” at The Noguchi Museum, running until September 13. A new monograph exploring Noguchi’s playground designs is also available for pre-order on Bookshop, coinciding with a major retrospective at the High Museum of Art. The full film series can be viewed on YouTube, providing a deeper insight into Noguchi’s visionary playground concepts.
The animations capture the essence of Noguchi’s playful yet educational approach to public spaces for children, showcasing his belief that playgrounds should be more than just traditional equipment but rather spaces that inspire creativity and exploration. Through these animations, viewers can experience the magic of Noguchi’s unrealized playgrounds and appreciate his lasting impact on the world of design and childhood development.
