An exhibition on the playgrounds of Zurich

Up until the Second World War, most playgrounds consisted of standalone pieces of apparatus such as swings, slides and seesaws. From the 1930s onwards, however, new ideas were sought to actively encourage child-friendly play and creativity.

When the playground concept underwent a transformation in the 1950s, Zurich played a pioneering role in promoting unconventional solutions. A new movement was born, supported by private individuals and organisations. Notable examples from this period include the successful adventure-style “Robinson” playgrounds and the emergence of new forms of landscape architecture in Zurich.

The “Architecture for children: Zurich’s playgrounds” exhibition traces the history of Zurich’s playgrounds from 1950 onwards, bringing the movement back to life through films, slideshows, maps and photographs from private and public archives. A special experiment also gives children the chance to show where and how they particularly like to play today.

The exhibition runs from 6 November to 10 December in the HIL building on the Hönggerberg campus.

Calling on all children:
Where is your favourite place to play outside? Send us your photos and drawings at the address below by 26 October and we will print them out on posters and put them on display in our exhibition on Zurich’s playgrounds. You will also be able to take your poster home with you when the exhibition finishes as a thank-you gift.

E-mail:
Post: ETH Zurich, gta Exhibitions, HIL C 75, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, CH-8093 Zurich

More Information on the gta-Website.