Dunes Playtopia by XISUI Design – All photos by Hu Yihao – Courtesy of XISUI Design.
Architecture – Utilising advanced design techniques such as parametric design, drainage optimisation simulation, and structural form-finding algorithms, the Dunes Playtopia harmoniously blends the outdoor space with its natural surroundings in Guangzhou, China. The playground “aims to inspire both children and adults to immerse themselves in the joy of outdoor play and exploration,” Shanghai-based studio XISUI Design told Archipanic.
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The undulating red dunes provide a space for children to run, jump, and roll while integrating a variety of functional activity installations into the terrain. Indeed, through digital generation, the topography has been tailored to accommodate the complexity and slope of the terrain, providing distinct zones for different age groups.
Dunes Playtopia was developed from meticulous calculations and simulations to ensure a comprehensive natural drainage system, effectively managing rainwater flow. “Such an innovative approach eliminates the need for surface drainage outlets, allowing rainwater to naturally disperse into green spaces and designated peak drainage outlets.”
The project presents a unique challenge in terms of form and structure with its undulated concrete shell structure. It emulates the cave-like topography of the natural landscape, providing climbing spaces above and sheltered areas below.
Inspired by the load transfer mechanism of natural arches, the design enables large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses. Integrating with the landscape, Dunes Playtopia “enhances the visual cohesion of the artificial structure, reduces column presence, and optimists spatial efficiency.”
Concrete, with its advantages in terms of formability, cost-effectiveness, and practicality, has become a key direction in green architecture and the development of future organic structures. The concrete shell structure in this project combines large spans and ultra-thin structural thicknesses.
Through mechanical calculations and modelling analysis, material savings have been achieved in comparison to conventional beam-column structures, with an approximately two-thirds reduction in raw material usage for the same span.
Dunes Playtopia: XISUI Design: all photos by Hu Yihao – Courtesy of XISUI Design.
- RELATED STORIES: Discover more Chinese architecture and design on Archipanic.
