Overcoming Obesity Problem: Fun-filled Indoor Park

Whimcycle Park

Overcoming Obesity Problem: Fun-filled Indoor Park

Obesity is an escalating global health issue and distressingly, Malaysia is reported to be the fattest country in Asia in 2018. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased at an alarming rate globally. The increase in the childhood obesity must be given due attention as obesity could herald the onset of even bigger health problems in the future. This project is dedicated to provide a play space for the obesity community, specifically focus on children, age range between 4 to 10 years-old. In this park, users will be getting a total workout, both physically and psychologically.

Rapid urbanization deprives children of green lands, and ultimately, their relationship with nature. The concept of this project is to reconnect them with nature, not only bringing the outdoor setting into the interior, but also bringing the indoors outside. Being in nature will not only promote creativity and imagination for kids, but also build their confidence while reducing stress and fatigue. Mental stimulation is also not forgotten. Obesity not only causes physical changes and life-threatening diseases, but also psychological issues, such as low self-esteem and depression. Interaction between users is crucial in helping them to gain back their confidence. Hence, open floor plan is practiced to encourage human interaction. 

Central Courtyard

The park is full of sensory experiences from visual information, smells (from flowers and grass), and sounds to process (sound board, children’s squeals). There are also opportunities for tactile “touch” of natural textures (bark on trees, grass, sand) and a range of playground equipment that provide proprioceptive input to the muscles and joints (climbing wall, tunnels). The vestibular system can be stimulated with swinging, spinning, rolling, hanging, etc on equipment.

Flying Monkeys

The space is filled with different types of fun equipment which mainly focus on strength training, such as climbing cargo net, climbing wall and monkey bar. Ball pit in the middle not only acts as a fun and playful element, but also as a safety feature. 

Chill-out Room

Three tiered seating with upholstered cushions and hidden lighting creates an ideal space for storytelling. Giant hanging hammock that is overlooking to the ground floor creates a connection between two floors.

Kids Dining Area / Well-being Area

Tables and chairs are specially designed and built for the kids to match their height and size, to ensure they feel comfortable while using it. Besides, weighing scales are designed to be hidden under the swings, to get their weight measured while the kids are playing. 

Parents Waiting Area

A place for parents to hang out while their kids are having fun in the park. Window seating area with cuboid lantern lights for the parents to hang out. Glass roof to maximize the amount of natural lighting to enhance the space. A small corner in the parents waiting area is used for cooking workshop. Parents have the chance to gain knowledge on how to prepare delicious and nutritious food for their kids.