Play With(Out) Grounds – Venice Biennale 2021 

Commissioned by the British Council and curated by Madeleine Kessler and Manijeh Verghese of Unscene Architecture, The Garden of Privatised Delights at the British Pavilion of Venice Bienalle explores the privatisation of public space in the UK today, and considers the role that design and architecture can play in supporting a more inclusive future. 

APES were approached with a proposal for a playful spherical dome that referenced both a playground structure for young children and the adult world of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. With potential for it to be sat on, lied over, climbed on or danced around, it meant that it would become a space for interpretation and appropriation for teenagers. 

We bent hoops to create the desired shape, incorporated a large net, and in true APES style, introduced a number of branches (which were later painted pink), shelving and other natural elements into the build which helped to avoid pinch points, traps and safety issues, and of course gave it that special APES touch. 

The dome will be repurposed and reinvented by our playground engineers into a fun and adventurous piece for a London playground in the near future. Reminiscent of the traditional climbing frames of the 60’s, the dome also lends itself to incorporating hammocks inside, making it a perfectly unique hang-out spot for older children and teenagers in the city one day! Watch this space! 

Year
2021

Location
Venice Beanale architectural exhibition

Build Time
3 weeks

Price
£30,000