Project Cybele is an integrated Geopark bordering Mauritius’ largest national park. Mauritius is a land that is rich with indigenous wild fauna and flora. The project holds the deep-held belief of care and respect for the environment. The playground concepts for the Geopark’s expansive play areas reflect the same philosophy. Three play concepts by Earthscape, incorporate complex play opportunities that will delight children, as well as adults.
The first concept reflects the passage of time, as volcanic rock is turned to sand under the power of waves. Here, the angular sides of large play pieces with an intricate weaving of play nets, ropes and platforms on the interior, morph into curved shapes of smaller sculptures, also geared towards younger children.
The second concepts asks guests to Mauritius to pause and wonder: What does an island feel like? A series of interconnected towers, narrowing at the bottom, offer infinite play possibilities as children travel through their interior including a large net ‘room’, and tell the story of the island whose connection to the land is hidden underneath the waters.
Like the others, the third concept makes a purposeful nod to our connection with nature. It also focuses on sound, whether through intertwining the wood and metal sound pieces or by ensuring that steel talk-tubes do not only connect different parts of the playground, but are also pointed towards the trees and the skyline, capturing the sounds of the entire Geopark. Incorporating both art and play, the stage and weaving curvilinear elements also offer reprieve from more active play, thus acknowledging the different ways in which children play.