The Golden Horse Wizard of Oz marks a significant milestone for Baizhu in the realm of public space and urban intervention projects. This installation is situated in Chongqing, the third largest city in China, known for its rapid growth over the past decade.
The project introduces a novel concept: “urban toys.” Embracing the philosophy that play is not solely for children, Baizhu designed an interactive urban landscape inviting people of all ages to engage. Serving as an urban attraction, this amusement park integrates seamlessly into the cityscape, blurring the line between playground and urban environment with its open and accessible design.
Inspired by equestrian sports, the multifunctional amusement park is named the Golden Horse Fairy Trail. Horses play a central role throughout the design, reflected in features reminiscent of “dressage” and “jumping” events.
△ Functional Analysis
This enigmatic flying horse leaves behind a magical yellow trail that winds around a circular mini square, creating a space for leisure and social interaction. This design transforms the amusement park into a versatile public space enjoyed by both children and adults.
Mirroring equestrian sports, the Golden Horse Wizard of Oz features a series of challenging obstacles. Participants require courage to overcome these, transforming the play area into an adventurous “play route.” Along the Yellow Ribbon Wizard path, users engage in stimulating activities that encourage physical and cognitive development.
Each interactive element along this route has been meticulously designed to offer progressive challenges, presenting activities in a linear sequence.
△ Play Route
The play route is tailored to different age groups. For children aged 3 to 6, the ponytail section features simpler play components. As one moves closer to the horse’s head, the complexity increases, providing a greater challenge for children aged 6 to 14.
The yellow ribbon wraps around three circular mini squares, each furnished with urban seating and resting areas. The ribbon serves as a vibrant play and activity zone for children and visitors, while the circular squares provide tranquil spaces for parents and adults to relax.
△ Circular Square
To ensure the ribbon stands out against its surroundings, a bright and vivid yellow was selected. This lively color quickly catches the eye and evokes feelings of happiness, energy, and positivity.
EPDM material is used for the ground surface to provide impact absorption during play.
The ground is decorated with various patterns, graphics, and interactive games that connect different areas and activities within the functional zone.
The nighttime atmosphere is enhanced by warm LED light boxes embedded on both sides of the ribbon, accentuating its winding shape. Additional LED lights embedded in the ground illuminate the outline of the circular squares.
△ Overall Plan
Project Information
Project Name: Golden Horse Fairy Trail
Design Company: Shanghai Baizhu | 100 Architects
Design Team: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Mónica Páez, Lara Broglio, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Ponyo Zhao, Elena Michelutti, Hayley Huang, Jango Zhang & Yuntong Liu
Project Management Team: Jenny Fan, Nicholas Lv & Eva Jiang
Owner: Dongyuan Real Estate
Area: 3,600 square meters
Status: Built
Location: Chongqing, China
Photographer: Rex Zou
Video Production: Lalo Lopez
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