The Norteland is an indoor playground, designed for NorteShopping, by Studio Dass in collaboration with Urban Division, in Portugal, near Oporto. Inspired by the rainbow, the rounded shapes of Norteland resemble elements of landscape: small mountains, houses, trees, lakes. These abstract forms encourage kids to seek new meanings and images. Also with the variety of games and activities, stimulates the senses of children and fosters the physical, cognitive and social development, to grow healthy and in harmony with their environment.
Why the colors of the rainbow? The rainbow, belongs to the childs imagination, a form that leads to happiness, adventure, magic and light. Its colors bring us to the colorful world of children. In Norteland there is no horizons, it is possible to climb a tree, ride a bike, swim in the pool, find a volcano, ride the rodocar and fly in ultrasonic slides for another adventure.
In Norteland the rainbow color palette divides the playground into seven themed areas, based on the meanings of each color: purple-wisdom; blue-sky; cyan – water; green - nature; yellow-light; orange-fire; red-speed. The games of each color suit different ages, and the violet color is for the youngsters and the red color of the elders. The playground has also inclusive equipment, so that all children, even those with physical impairments, may have equal access to play.
More than a playground, the Norteland is a unique and innovative space thought and done for children, now and in the future. As they grow, there are new challenges to overcome, and new colors to conquer, depending on the capacity and will of every child at that time. It is a place designed to be in perfect symbiosis between form and function and between children and their context, emphasizing the playful nature of life.
2010
2010
