Shelby children's playground

Russian company Shelby has been designing and building themed playgrounds in large cities since 2018. The company’s engineers, designers and artists create models of play complexes that help children explore space, learn about the history of aviation, study the northern seas and discover past sporting achievements. For Shelby, a playground in dark tones was designed in the studio. The first glance at the playground makes it clear that this one is serious and scientific.

The Shelby playground is different from the usual bright and colorful play complexes. The structures are styled as scientific and technical objects and installations: portholes, satellite dishes, ship’s wheels and meteorological weather vanes.

The main structure on the playground is a multi-level play tower. Enclosed areas with mesh panels create the effect of being in a scientific laboratory divided into several blocks. There are two ways to access the play zones: a regular staircase and a spiral one. In case of an emergency during the game, the little scientists evacuate the research center using a slide or a covered chute.

A space teleport allows movement between the blocks, and for conducting experiments in the field, simply stepping out onto the open deck is enough. Here, there’s everything needed to collect weather data, communicate with colleagues or study distant objects.

Outstanding discoveries and important ideas are recorded on graphite boards, which are placed directly on the outer walls of the main research block.

In the chemical block, all interactive panels are dedicated to the transformation of substances.

In addition to the tower, we designed many other interesting objects. For example, it’s most convenient to observe physical phenomena using interactive stands.

And the sandbox is perfect for experiments with natural materials.

For the design of the playgrounds, the studio created special graphics and developed a mascot character, creating a mini-universe of games.

Iskorka invites children to join her in understanding the workings of the scientific station and to participate in intelligent play.

The character demonstrates the most fascinating aspects of science, tells children about the professions of scientists and shows them various curious things. In different blocks, she takes on three roles: chemist, botanist and doctor.

The play elements are made according to the strictest safety standards, yet they look unconventional and stimulate imagination.

For smaller locations, mini-complexes are available. In the S version of the tower, there are always just two modules, one staircase and a spiral slide. On winter evenings, the lights are always on inside.

Bright, rich colors attract children’s attention and gradually engage them in educational games. The visual motifs include stylized images of gears, lightning bolts, planets, molecules and even microchips. Simple and understandable elements interact with each other and are perceived not just as drawings but as mysterious inhabitants of an unknown but fascinating world.