PPAG architects
Kagome, wachsende Sandkiste im Innenhof des MQ
Description
The request by the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna for a sandbox for children to play in didn’t seem like much of a challenge at first – but when viewed in more detail, this task does pose some problems, in particular in relation to providing shade from the sun. Delicate children’s skin needs to be protected in summer but exposed to some sunshine in the in-between seasons. The best solution for this purpose is the living leaf, so the obvious choice was to venture building a living structure. The fact that it changes with time is part of its nature, and is seen as an advantage. The leafy »hairstyle« sits at exactly the right place, dense at the top but providing an eye-level view of and for the parents if need be. The name Kagome comes from a Japanese children’s song and also refers to a basket-weaving technique. The sandbox was conceived and developed by PPAG architects in collaboration with Julia Stefanie Meyer and Simon Oberhammer. The »material« was first grown in Bavaria and then brought together in Vienna with the help of the company Freitag-Weidenart.