Organic Cube by Søren Korsgaard

Um, can we have more play structures like this on our continent, please? This eyecatching piece (found in a park in Copenhagen, of course) proves that jungle gyms and public art don't have to be mutually exclusive.

Commissioned in 2009 by the Copenhagen International Wood Festival (yes, there is such a thing), Organic Cube was created by Danish architect Søren Korsgaard, who specializes in designing this kind of parabolic structure, often on a much larger scale.

What we love about this structure, other than how amazingly fun it looks, is the attention to detail in considering what to do with the excess materials from the cuts. Rather than considering them construction waste, the architects used the bits and scraps of wood to fashion smaller cubes nearby for sitting and playing on.

Sure, there's definitely still a place for traditional North American playground equipment in our parks, but can't we have a little bit of both?

See more photos at Architizer.

(Images: Søren Korsgaard)

Comments (7)

In our country, it'd be covered in graffiti and trashed by kids, within weeks. Sad truth.

I'd rather say, in your country it would be forbidden to a) touch it b) let children get close to it. ;-)
Too many possible law suits. That's maybe the difference between Europe and the USA. Here in Europe, children are allowed to play outside without parental supervision, even in the woods, they get hurt a little once in a while because one of their projects fails or collapses and nobody is shocked and blames it on third parties, and children get to test their limits and feel their bodies. Also, we use less plastic and much more organic materials. With no labels or strings attached. ;-)

Satasha
Switzerland

this is beautiful! i'm going to take my daughter here someday, i swear.

This is amazing! I would have to think it wouldn't be too hard to make one (on a smaller scale) for the backyard.

Actually, there are more places with sculpture/play areas cropping up.

In downtown St. Louis, there is a great new place called Citygarden. It is a park in the middle of downtown, with sculptures and interactive exhibits. The kids can climb all over them and have a blast. It is really amazing.

Here's a post I wrote about it: http://sixgoldencoins.blogspot.com/2009/08/citygarden.html

We went to Denmark last year and was hugely impressed with how child friendly the parks where - the huge air filled trampolines were a particular favourite with my kids (and me!) though I don't know if they are typical of every park. I wish I'd seen this cube.

Additionally, every cafe had a box of toys, all the service stations had a little play area and our children were made to feel welcome everywhere.