MONSTRUM AT WORLD EXPO
At MONSTRUM, we were commissioned to create three unique, artistic playgrounds for Expo 2020 (held in 2021). We designed and created The Adventurous Octopus, The Humpback Whale and Future City playgrounds for various locations at Expo. The playgrounds are both iconic in their design and motorically challenging for children, whilst having a strong focus on inclusivity. They awake and stimulate every child's imagination and inspire them to get moving and explore.
Along with the three playgrounds, we have contributed to Denmark's representation at Expo with a Viking ship that is located outside the Pavilion of Denmark.
For over 170 years, Expo, also known as World's Fair, has provided a platform to showcase the greatest innovations that have shaped the world we live in today and we are proud to be represented there.
CLIMB THE HUMPBACK WHALE
The whale playground is based on the narrative of Expo's mascot 9-year-old Rashid telling the story of his love for nature and the environment. The giant breaching whale is an impressive sight and a thrilling challenge for older children to climb inside and take one of the big slides down. The climbing route to access the big slides is a real test of children's agility, problem-solving abilities and encourages them to challenge themselves and assess risk. Alongside the beautiful whale, you'll find a few paper boats floating around and an obstacle course of wooden trunks and stumps to climb and balance on.
Dive on in and swim with the giant whale - just watch out for the blowhole!
The insides of the whale are incredibly detailed and fun to explore! You can even make music by playing on the whale's rib bones!
Climb on up - scaling the immense whale is no easy feat, but it sure is fun!
The whale has proved to be a popular attraction for both parents and kids!
The mist feature adds a great dynamic and fun interactive element at the playground.
Sketch of the Humpback Whale playground.
"Expo is a gathering of the best the world has to offer today. We are proud to be here."
OLE BARSLUND NIELSEN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MONSTRUM
EXPLORE FUTURE CITY
Welcome to the city of the future! This playground design is built up around the story of Rashid's 8-year-old sister - the inquisitive, science-loving Latifa. There is a wealth of fascinating structures to explore - such as an almost 10-meter-tall futuristic radio tower, a space shuttle ready for take-off, a Mars probe, space scooters, a planet and much more. Leap into orbit and go on a journey of discovery and learning through play at this fantastic playground.
The Future City comprises many fun elements such as a space shuttle and huge radio tower.
Sliding down from the almost 10-meter tall radio tower is a thrill.
Join the space adventure
Climb up and investigate the planet.
There are loads of hidden details within the playground structures like these beautiful educational illustrations.
"To be a supplier rather than an exhibitor at Expo is a huge recognition of our work and approach to the play experience."
OLE BARSLUND NIELSEN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MONSTRUM
MEET THE ADVENTUROUS OCTOPUS
The huge octopus is located outside The Sustainability Pavilion and is an awe-inspiring sight encouraging people to take a closer look at this incredible, resilient creature. Species resilience is very valuable for any natural resource to maintain its population at sustainable levels.
Come and explore inside - you'll discover multiple ways to access the structure and a series of challenging climbing routes up to the top of the huge 6.2 meter-tall beast. Surrounding the octopus is a maze comprising clouds of ink and some sharks swimming in the water.
The tentacles reaching into the water around are super fun and house several fun slides.
Exploring the insides of the octopus is fascinating - climb up one of its many tentacles for a closer look!
The octopus during production in our workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark.
MONSTRUM AT THE PAVILION OF DENMARK
We are proud to be represented at the Pavilion of Denmark with a characteristic Viking ship play sculpture.
On the side of the ship, we've mounted a screen showcasing our work.
Image of the pavilion by denmarkintheuae on Instagram.
PLAYGROUND PRODUCTION
