Mechelen Kinderstad
Client:
Stad Mechelen
Location:
Mechelen
Realization:
2014 – 2015
Design team:
David Driesen, Tom Verschueren, Jolien De Baets ism Rots Maatwerk
Photography:
Steven Massart
Publications
The city of Mechelen has a number of important attractions that make the city known as a children’s city. There is the zoo Planckendael, Technopolis and the Speelgoedmuseum (toy museum), which are located outside the center of Mechelen. The city center of Mechelen also has much to offer in terms of historical places and museums. Yet the city still lacked some playful additions that would make the city more child-friendly.
Therefore, dmvA was requested to create child-friendly, original, unique installation art. The goal was to create a realistic story that becomes dynamic through participation. This consists of participation from the place, the user and the client. For the installations, some targeted areas in the urban fabric of Mechelen were carefully chosen. Because it was important to let every visitor get to know Mechelen Kinderstad, every spot is situated along the seven important access roads to the city. Every object is derived from an analysis of the location and tries to be dynamic, attractive, challenging, ecological and realistic.
Conceptually there is opted for sculptural additions that create a boost for the neighborhood and enhance the dynamics of the place. By responding to the context, the existing situation is strengthened in power and meaning. dmvA strived for a wow-feeling, an eyecatcher which the city can show off. Every visit to the city continues to be a surprise. Moreover, the sculptural additions triggers play and interaction: The play between child and nature, child and science and between children themselves. dmvA wanted to stimulate the interaction between the children and the new generation gets the chance to further shape the story of the place.
Conceptually there is opted for sculptural additions that create a boost for the neighborhood and enhance the dynamics of the place. By responding to the context, the existing situation is strengthened in power and meaning. dmvA strived for a wow-feeling, an eyecatcher which the city can show off. Every visit to the city continues to be a surprise. Moreover, the sculptural additions triggers play and interaction: The play between child and nature, child and science and between children themselves. dmvA wanted to stimulate the interaction between the children and the new generation gets the chance to further shape the story of the place.