THE HUMPBACK
WHALE

WHERE: 
Emeryville, San Francisco, California. USA - 2018

COLLABORATION:
Hart Hoverton

CUSTOMER: 
Hart Hoverton

 

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The town of Emeryville is situated by the San Francisco Bay, close to the city of San Francisco. The humpback whales have a special connection to the locals as they often venture into the San Fransisco Bay and are sighted jumping out of the water. It was an obvious source of inspiration to create a whale-themed playground. 

The 15-meter long whale offers many exciting play features. The whale is climbable on both sides, and the tail is likewise designed with grips to climb across. The whale can be entered through several entrances, of which the mouth is a fascinating option. With its baleen made out of rope, it is an intriguing and mysterious experience to venture into the belly of the whale. Furthermore, the pink insides of the whale give you the feeling of being swallowed by the creature. Here, you can crawl deeper inside and experience the beautiful light streaming through the gaps in the wooden planks – or climb up the top of the whale and enjoy the tickling sensation in your belly while taking a ride down the slide.

The playground is certified according to American Standards and is also easily accessible for kids of all abilities.

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

The insides of the whale are fascinating to explore with its pink insides. The design of the wooden boards and the skeleton-shaped frames enhances the experience of being swallowed by a whale. 

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

The whale can be entered through its mouth. Rope is hanging from its upper mouth to simulate the humpback whale's baleen. 

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

A PLACE FOR GATHERING PEOPLE ACROSS SOCIETY

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

The wooden trunks are climbable and are connected by rope for the kids to balance on.

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

Surfboards on springs are placed next to the whale, so the kids can ride the waves together. 

Monstrum playground humpback whale design

The impact material is designed with small hills to give the effect of waves in the sea and to add a dynamic effect when moving across the playground. 

Monstrum playground humpback whale design sketch
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