Client : Hudson River Park Turst

Located next to Pier 26 park, NYC, Science Play aims to explore the future of play.
The Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon, both primary protected species in the Hudson River, serve as design inspirations. The designer transforms their scales, skeletons, viscera, foraging tentacles, roe, and habitats into various play facilities such as climbing walls, tunnels, slides, swings, bouncing balls, and soft ground coverings. The goal is to subconsciously educate children about this living fossil fish species, which has existed since the dinosaur era, while they play. Also, start building up their curiosity about the estuary ecosystem.

At the same time, while adhering to the stringent U.S. playground design standards, we have created some 'challenges' for the children, enabling them to learn how to assess risks and explore their limits through play.

Ultimately, the project explore the possibility of playgrounds as 'playable' urban sculptures. By providing a space for children to play, we also establish a landmark for the site, bringing social and economic value to the whole neighborhood.
Yadan Luo contributed to Pier 26 Science Play while a landscape designer at OLIN.