by Robyn Gordner
There’s an eye-catching new structure in Singapore and it isn’t a new skyscraper.
Playworld installed PlayForm 7 in the city last month. The first PlayForm 7 installation in the world is at Marina Bay, near the Merlion, a favorite spot among tourists and residents alike.
I was very excited to fly from Pennsylvania to Singapore to photograph this milestone in Playworld history. After looking at Google Maps and street-level views for weeks in preparation for the photo shoot, it was surreal to be standing there on that very spot and witness the installation.
PlayForm 7 establishes a shift in playground design and provides a strong visual impact. In a world where outdoor play is endangered and there is a pressing need to rethink play design, the structure offers a refreshing new take on play. It uses public art as a means to unite communities and creates an intriguing and interesting backdrop where everyone can gather, play, discover and enjoy being together on their terms, in their own way.
The structure’s open design with over 20 play elements allows nearly 60 children to play on it at once. In fact, when I was in Singapore, I witnessed people of all ages and abilities playing on PlayForm 7. Seeing a PlayForm 7 in its permanent home and experiencing everyone’s’ reactions along the way was a moving experience that filled me with pride for my teammates back at home. It was thrilling to see adults and kids connecting with each other in meaningful ways and their excitement when they first laid eyes on PlayForm 7. They couldn’t wait to approach it, touch it, and experience it.
The installation concluded with a successful event with local landscape architects and officials from the park and recreation industry. It was fascinating to see them getting involved with the play structure and relive their childhood days. Young children and adolescents took an instant liking to the structure. They had never seen anything like PlayForm 7 and have been turning up in large numbers to play on it since its installation.
Thanks to Playworld’s local distributor in Singapore, CT-Art, for finding the perfect location for PlayForm 7 and making this installation happen.
Robyn Gordner is one of Playworld’s art directors.