Sofia Elias’ Playground Redefines the Interactive Relationship between Object and User
Entitled ‘Playing to Play.’
Sofia Elias has recently brought her Playing to Play outdoor playground experience to New York City’s High Line Plaza.
Inspired by children’s play spaces, the multidisciplinary artist and architect has been inclined to craft a “playful universe” since her college years. The latest unveiling, originally named Jugando a Jugar in Spanish, continues to explore her vision while also being a real-life manifestation of a part of her university thesis.
Carefully planned and constructed around the park’s slightly contorted surface, the playground provides a free yet interactive space, while the installed pieces break away from the conventional constructs of how they need to be used — this allows kids to freely explore and play with the objects, opening diverse potential and possibilities of their interaction with these objects.
“My designs come out of my need to play, experiment with material, and create with my own hands. I find working with my hands to be both soothing and exciting. I’m constantly exploring new materials and how they interact, mix and contrast with each other. I give my hands the freedom to explore textures, shapes and expressions,” Elias says.
Read more about the project on Sofia Elias’ official website. The playground is now open to the public near the High Line Plaza at The Standard through to September 9.
The Standard
848 Washington St, New York,
NY 10014, United States
