THE COMPUTER
PLAYGROUND

WHERE: 
Ruoholahdenpuisto Park, Helsinki, Finland

YEAR:
2024

CUSTOMER: 
Helsinki City

COLLABORATION: 
Linda Liukas
Helsinki City Design department
Näkymä Landscape Architecture

 

FIND ON GOOGLE MAPS

Author and illustrator, Linda Liukas and Helsinki City Council approached MONSTRUM with a vision to create an innovative playground - perhaps the world's first computer-themed playground and the first themed adventure playground of its kind in Finland.

The playground is composed of several play areas, which are connected by a strong narrative about computers and learning and divided to echo the flow of computation: input - processing - output.

The two huge towers are the centerpiece of the playscape and, perched on top of a hill, their bold, vibrant colours and striking shapes capture the attention of those passing by. Inside the towers, children can climb to the top by way of rope nets and platforms. Both towers have fun tube slides to zoom down and are connected by a steel mesh tunnel.

The other areas accommodate quieter play - perfect for younger children and also those seeking a calmer way to play. In each area, there are intricately designed smaller-scale details to encourage hands-on learning. Here, children learn about the digital world by exploring in an analogue manner.

The playground is designed by Linda Liukas and created in close collaboration with Linda and the Helsinki City design department.

Computer-themed playground full of kids playing

The playground design is full of vibrant colours and geometric shapes.

DESIGNING A COMPUTER-THEMED        PLAYSCAPE

Early sketches of the computer-themed playground

A SCREEN-FREE WORLD OF COMPUTERS

The playground is designed by Linda Liukas, the author and illustrator of a children’s picture book about the whimsical world of computers, as well as the founder of a global movement to teach young women programming in over 260 cities.

The vision was to create screen-free educational environment, where children can experience and learn about computer technology in a fun and hands-on way. The playground invites children to explore and discover new things, supported by the use of QR codes, that lead to educational materials that kids can dive deeper into at the playground or at home.

Sketches of computer-themed playground design

The only way I can truly understand something is
by physically engaging with it.

I use my fingertips—not just my brain—
to observe and solve problems.

- Linda Liukas

Kids climbing up on rope net in playground towers

EXPERIENCE COMPUTERS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Huge wooden playground towers

Become a piece of data being processed in the giant computer towers.

Kids crawling through steel mesh playground tunnel

Climb high in the sky as you move from the one tower to the next.

Inside details of playground tower

The light dances in through the coloured windows, creating a beautiful visual effect.

Kid playing with binary play feature at playground

Get hands-on with binary - play with the 1's and 0's here and learn about computer basics.

Kids playing with computer-themed playground feature

The pixel board is a super fun manipulative feature.

Mother and child sitting in playground structure

    PLAY WITH PIXELS      ON THE SCREEN

Venstre kolonne
Kids playing in and on top of wooden play house

Climb up on top of the computer screen play house!

Højre kolonne
Girls inside play house drawing with chalk

Free play for the imagination.

Kids playing on play house

The vent at the back of the computer play house makes for great climbing opportunities.

Venstre kolonne
Sketch of nyancat inspired bouncer

An early sketch of the Nyan cat-inspired play feature.

Højre kolonne
Two kids playing on Nyan cat themed spring rocker

Bounce about on this iconic cat!

Smartphone carrouselThe smartphone carrousel is a great for collaborative play!

IMMERSIVE LEARNING

Linda Liukas has developed a series of educational materials associated with the various features and areas at the playground. Children and their parents can scan the QR codes to find out more about the aspect of computers that the play feature illustrates and take the learning experience a step further.

Information sign with a QR code at computer playground

I’ve been working to make the abstract ideas of computer science
tangible, even when you’re on your hands and knees.

- Linda Liukas

Tube slide with reflections of colourful playground towers
SIMILAR CASES