MONSTRUM AT WORLD EXPO

WHERE: 
EXPO 2020, Dubai, UAE - 2021

CUSTOMER: 
EXPO 2020

 

FIND ON GOOGLE MAPS

At MONSTRUM, we were commissioned to create three unique, artistic playgrounds for Expo 2020 (held in 2021). We designed and created The Adventurous Octopus, The Humpback Whale and Future City playgrounds for various locations at Expo. The playgrounds are both iconic in their design and motorically challenging for children, whilst having a strong focus on inclusivity. They awake and stimulate every child's imagination and inspire them to get moving and explore.

Along with the three playgrounds, we have contributed to Denmark's representation at Expo with a Viking ship that is located outside the Pavilion of Denmark.

For over 170 years, Expo, also known as World's Fair, has provided a platform to showcase the greatest innovations that have shaped the world we live in today and we are proud to be represented there.

 

EXPO logo pavilion of denmark logo

Venstre kolonne
expo 2020 map
Højre kolonne
expo 2020 map key
People in queue to whale playground at Expo 2020, MONSTRUM playgrounds

CLIMB THE HUMPBACK WHALE

The whale playground is based on the narrative of Expo's mascot 9-year-old Rashid telling the story of his love for nature and the environment. The giant breaching whale is an impressive sight and a thrilling challenge for older children to climb inside and take one of the big slides down. The climbing route to access the big slides is a real test of children's agility, problem-solving abilities and encourages them to challenge themselves and assess risk. Alongside the beautiful whale, you'll find a few paper boats floating around and an obstacle course of wooden trunks and stumps to climb and balance on.

Children playing at whale playground, MONSTRUM playgrounds

Dive on in and swim with the giant whale - just watch out for the blowhole!

Children playing inside whale playground, MONSTRUM playgrounds

The insides of the whale are incredibly detailed and fun to explore! You can even make music by playing on the whale's rib bones!

Children climbing amazing whale structure, MONSTRUM playgrounds

Climb on up - scaling the immense whale is no easy feat, but it sure is fun!

Whale playground, mum taking photo of kids playing, MONSTRUM playgrounds Expo 2020

The whale has proved to be a popular attraction for both parents and kids!

Kids playing in mist playground feature, whale playground, Expo 2020 MONSTRUM playgrounds

The mist feature adds a great dynamic and fun interactive element at the playground.

Whale playground sketch MONSTRUM

Sketch of the Humpback Whale playground.

"Expo is a gathering of the best the world has to offer today. We are proud to be here."

OLE BARSLUND NIELSEN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MONSTRUM

Future city playground, Expo 2020 MONSTRUM playgrounds

EXPLORE FUTURE CITY

Welcome to the city of the future! This playground design is built up around the story of Rashid's 8-year-old sister - the inquisitive, science-loving Latifa. There is a wealth of fascinating structures to explore - such as an almost 10-meter-tall futuristic radio tower, a space shuttle ready for take-off, a Mars probe, space scooters, a planet and much more. Leap into orbit and go on a journey of discovery and learning through play at this fantastic playground.

Kids playing at Future City playground, Expo 2020 MONSTRUM playgrounds

The Future City comprises many fun elements such as a space shuttle and huge radio tower.

Future city tower MONSTRUM playgrounds at Expo 2020

Sliding down from the almost 10-meter tall radio tower is a thrill.

Kids playing at Future city playground, Expo 2020, MONSTRUM playgrounds

Join the space adventure

Future city playground, Expo 2020 MONSTRUM

Climb up and investigate the planet.

Inside details of playground at Expo 2020, MONSTRUM playgrounds

There are loads of hidden details within the playground structures like these beautiful educational illustrations.

"To be a supplier rather than an exhibitor at Expo is a huge recognition of our work and approach to the play experience."

OLE BARSLUND NIELSEN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MONSTRUM

Octopus playground, EXPO 2020 MONSTRUM

MEET THE ADVENTUROUS OCTOPUS

The huge octopus is located outside The Sustainability Pavilion and is an awe-inspiring sight encouraging people to take a closer look at this incredible, resilient creature. Species resilience is very valuable for any natural resource to maintain its population at sustainable levels.

Come and explore inside - you'll discover multiple ways to access the structure and a series of challenging climbing routes up to the top of the huge 6.2 meter-tall beast. Surrounding the octopus is a maze comprising clouds of ink and some sharks swimming in the water.

Octopus playground, Sustainability pavilion, Expo 2020

The tentacles reaching into the water around are super fun and house several fun slides.

Inside details of Octopus playground, MONSTRUM Expo 2020

Exploring the insides of the octopus is fascinating - climb up one of its many tentacles for a closer look!

Octopus playground in workshop, MONSTRUM playgrounds EXPO 2020

The octopus during production in our workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Boy playing in octopus playground, MONSTRUM Expo 2020

MONSTRUM AT THE PAVILION OF DENMARK

Venstre kolonne
Viking ship at Pavilion of Denmark at EXPO 2020
Højre kolonne
Pavilion of Denmark at EXPO 2020

We are proud to be represented at the Pavilion of Denmark with a characteristic Viking ship play sculpture.

On the side of the ship, we've mounted a screen showcasing our work.

 

Image of the pavilion by denmarkintheuae on Instagram.

PLAYGROUND PRODUCTION

whale construction
future city construction
octopus production
MONSTRUM WORKSHOP, COPENHAGEN