Helsinki builds world’s 1st computer-themed playground at Ruoholahti

The renovation project on Playground Ruoholahti, built in the early 1990s, will start at the end of October, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Tuesday.

The playground will be turned into a computer-themed playground, which will presumably be the first of its kind in the world.

In the renovated playground, children can learn about computers and programming through play. The highlight of the playground is the theme-appropriate special play equipment designed and realised according to the ideas of author and illustrator Linda Liukas.

The playground renovation project is estimated to be completed in September 2024.

The renovation project aims to create a playground that will be an attractive learning environment to be used by instructors and visiting teachers.

The playground will have seven pieces of computer-themed special play equipment. In addition to them, the other play equipment, park furniture and surface materials will be linked to the same theme of computers.

The main play equipment will be a two-part tower that depicts a computer processor. Smaller children can play with computer-themed spring swings and a sandbox shaped like a gaming controller.

The renovation project will also involve renewing the plants, fences and light fixtures in the playground.

The City of Helsinki has developed author and illustrator Linda Liukas’ idea of a computer-themed playground in cooperation with Näkymä Landscape Architects and Linda Liukas herself. Designing the playground also includes close cooperation with specialists from the City’s divisions.

The special play equipment will be supplied by the award-winning Danish play equipment manufacturer Monstrum, who won the competition held on the contract.

“We are extremely happy that we get to cooperate with an esteemed play equipment company like Monstrum on Helsinki’s first themed playground. Our aim is to realise a special place where both local and visiting children can learn through play,” said Design Director of the City of Helsinki Hanna Harris, delighted.

The playground in Ruoholahti is the first of the themed playgrounds the City of Helsinki has envisioned. This is a pilot project: the City also aims to realise various themed playgrounds in the future.

The existing playground was designed by Lars Liljefors in 1994, and it covers approximately 0.75 hectares.

The Urban Environment Committee approved the plan for the playground on 23 January 2023.