Yen-Jung Lai's "Austin Land": A Playground of Joyful Energy

Winner of Silver A' Design Award in Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design

The inspiration for "Austin Land" came from the idea of a curious mascot, Austin, who lands on Earth from outer space. To repair his spacecraft, Austin needs 'joyful energy', which he collects by creating a playground and inviting children to play. This narrative forms the backdrop of the playground, influencing its design and function. The designer carefully considered the walking routes and habits of both adults and children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

What sets "Austin Land" apart is its unique approach to children's amusement spaces. The playground incorporates elements such as a Dream Train, which symbolizes Austin's journey to collect joyful energy. This train also serves a practical purpose, linking each independent area of the playground. The use of a single background color helps to highlight the human silhouette, reducing the possibility of accidents among playing children.

The playground, located on the fifth floor of a department store, spans 892.5 square meters and offers a variety of dynamic and static activities. Facilities include an entrance mosaic art wall, a shell sand pool, a fantasy costume area, a forest family play area, and an 80,000 ball pool, among others. The design uses a mix of materials, including woven carpet, high-density foam, artificial lawn, iron, and wood, to create a visually appealing and safe environment.

One of the challenges faced in the design process was creating an open plan layout, as many children's playgrounds typically separate each play space. Yen-Jung Lai overcame this by integrating each play facility into the interior design, allowing children to move freely. The designer also preserved the natural light from the windows, integrating sunlight into the playground's context.

The project, completed in February 2021 in Taiwan, is a testament to Yen-Jung Lai's innovative approach to design. By focusing on the children's delight and freedom of play, "Austin Land" offers a unique playground experience that is both imaginative and engaging. The project's success is further highlighted by its Silver A' Design Award in Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design, a prestigious accolade that recognizes outstanding expertise and innovation in design.