The importance of play in our lives cannot be overstated, as David Hockney once famously said, “people tend to forget that play is serious.” This sentiment is echoed in a new book by Emmy Watts, titled “The Art of Play,” which showcases over 80 spectacular environments designed to inspire and engage individuals of all ages.
One such innovative design can be found in Melbourne, where Mike Hewson has created a playground that features massive boulders attached to slides, monkey bars, and other equipment mounted on tiny wheels reminiscent of skateboards. Despite its seemingly precarious nature, rest assured that safety measures are in place to ensure a fun and secure play experience.
Nature serves as a muse for many of these unique play spaces, such as the colorful bubble architecture of a playground in Istanbul or the whimsical characters at a park in Chongqing, China. In addition to traditional play equipment like sandboxes and tunnels, the Chongqing park also includes tables for checkers and exercise areas tailored to older adults, promoting intergenerational play and interaction.
From the City Museum in St. Louis, where a bus, ferris wheel, and red silo perch atop a building, to the Piet Mondrian-inspired play area in Kutná Hora, Czechia, each environment in “The Art of Play” offers a one-of-a-kind experience that encourages creativity, exploration, and imagination.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or simply seeking inspiration for your next design project, “The Art of Play” is sure to spark your curiosity and ignite your sense of wonder. So dive into this captivating collection of playful spaces from around the world and rediscover the joy and magic of play.
