Education Development in Utrecht, The Netherlands

4 Feb 2010 Anansi Playground Building Design : Mulders vandenBerk Architecten photo : Roel Backaert Mulders vandenBerk Architecten of Amsterdam have completed a playground building in a park in Utrecht, the Netherlands, with a Corian façade engraved with images of fairytales from around the world. The idea of the building is to excite and stimulate curiosity and creativity of the children. photos : Roel Backaert The pavilion splits the playground in two. One side is used by teenagers, the other by young children. The interior is divided into three separate playrooms featuring bright colors, simple furniture and elements to interact with. Each room is related to an individual facade and offers a specific orientation to its context. This combined with a unique "wallpaper" gives a particular identity to each room. The design invites children to play, to discover and invent games. photos : Wim Hanenberg The exterior of the building is the opposite of the 'active' playground with its many climbing frames and slides. The building is a calm oasis in the playground. The façade is a large white Corian surface with milled jagged lines. At first sight there are only lines. A second view reveals decorative characters; fairy tales from around the world. Graphic design studio Design Arbeid selected together with the neighborhood children the various fairy tales. The graphic design is cnc-milled out of the façade to stimulate the senses and the imagination. photos : WoutervanderSar Anansi Playground Building Utrecht - Building Information Project location: Peltlaan 130, 3527 EC Utrecht, The Netherlands Principal: Municipality of Utrecht, department D.M.O. Architect: Mulders vandenBerk Architecten, Amsterdam Team: Joost Mulders, Chris van den Berk, Robert van der Lee, Lucas Torres, Cecilia Thomsen, Idette de Boer Graphic design façade: DesignArbeid, Amsterdam Photography: Wim Hanenberg / Roel Backaert Contractor building: Barli B.V., Uden Contractor façade: Roord binnenbouw, Amsterdam Start: Oct 2008 Completion: Oct 2009 Program: daycare/play images : Mulders vandenBerk Architecten Mulders vandenBerk Architecten and DesignArbeid are based in Amsterdam Anansi Playground Building Utrecht images / information from Mulders vandenBerk Architecten