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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Mirror House Playground Pavilion, MLRP, Copenhagen Denmark, 2011






If you've read the blog for long you know how much I like mirrors and lenses and optical effects (being, by training and inclination, a microscopist) and wish I saw them  more on the playground.  Danish firm MLRP have answered my wishes by covering a utilitarian pavilion next to the Tower Playground with funhouse mirrors of polished stainless steel sheets. They turn the previously bland, graffiti-covered structure into a place to explore perspective and reflection, and laugh at oneself! 

"Instead of a typical closed gable facade, the mirrored gables creates a sympathetic transition between built and landscape and reflects the surrounding park, playground and activity. Windows and doors are integrated in the wood-clad facade behind facade shutters with varied bent mirror panel effects. At night the shutters are closed making the building anonymous. During the day the building opens up, attracting the children who enjoy seeing themselves transformed in all directions.

With simple means it has succeeded to transform an existing, sad and anonymous building to a unique and respectful installation in the newly renovated park. The roof and facade is clad with heat-modified sustainable wood and the gables and shutters are clad with mirror polished stainless steel. The Mirror House is a flexible space and restrooms, used by kindergarten classes."

[Images by Laura Stamer, via MLRP.  See the mirror house project on the MLRP website for more details; and thanks to several readers who submitted this] 

2 comments:

  1. I was sent photos of this Mirror House a couple of weeks ago by a friend.

    Personally I think we could all use mirrors a lot more, outside. Yesterday I discovered the intrigue of using mirror letters outside...

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  2. What a great, imaginative idea.

    Here in Australia, there aren't many playgroinds that let adults play with their kids...it is just too hard. I've found out the hard way playing with my four year old nephew...generally you just end up standing and watching.

    This idea offers the opportunity for an adult too also enjoy a bit of play. Great stuff!

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