Sen
Rainforest used to be the natural biotope that made up Singapore. However, urbanisation has left children nowadays with very few opportunities to encounter this iconic habitat. 森 (SEN) brings the essence of tropical rainforests into the playground to allow children to experience and explore the nature around them while cultivating their affinity and respect towards nature.
The structures aim to recreate the density of the rainforests by mimicking their four layers. The shelter directs the children’s attention to the central tree as well as the many natural wonders around the tree by blocking out the view of the surrounding HDBs. Through interacting with 森 (SEN), children will view nature as a family, as a home, that we should greatly appreciate and care for.
森 (SEN) consists of five modular structures that can also work independently. When there are physical constraints to the landscape, each structure has an intentional cut out on the shelter to accommodate smaller trees. This cut out helps to direct children’s attention to the densest part of the tree, and together with the purposefully placed plants, gives the children an immersive experience.
Below the shelter, the nets will work seamless around the tree to facilitate interaction with nature. The distinctive nets of each modular unit provide freedom for children to decide their own level of difficulty during play, hence creating a nondiscriminatory playing space suitable for children of all ages.
Project done with Anh Nguyen and Gui Xixian.
The low nets provides a place of comfort for kids to relax while being embraced by nature.
Tunnels encourage movement which allows children to engage with the plants and roots of trees around them.
The free play nets encourage children to be creative and come up with their own games.
Climbing nets are used for children to reach the observation decks.
The observation deck facilitates learning from nature as children discover new sights.
Shelters block out certain aspects of the surrounding which arouse the children’s curiosity.
The central tree acts as the emergent layer which can be viewed from neighbouring HDBs.
Units are modular and can used separately for spaces with smaller trees.
Each individual module can come together to form a playscape with a multitude of activities for children to interact with nature.