PLAYPOD

Welcome to the Play Pod^TM — a life-sized ‘Rubik’s Cube’ of outdoor activation. Modular, engaging and adaptable, each side of this moveable ‘shape-shifter’ opens up to reveal three distinct configurations; devised to house a variety of interactive, all-age activities.

And while it’s all fun and games on the surface, the Play Pod^TM is also play with purpose; designed to increase the social value of a space by providing a platform for use, day and night.

the
idea

The Play Pod^TM originated through a collaboration between two leaders in design thinking and placemaking, Scott Carver and Hoyne. They recognised that Sydney, like any metropolis, has many under-utilised, ugly or unsafe vacant spaces dotted around the city. The question was, “how can these spots be put to better use for the community?” From this, the Play Pod^TM was born, making its debut at the 2018 Sydney Design Festival.

Flexible and portable, the Play Pod^TM is so much more than the sum of its sides. Multifaceted and engaging, its modular design can be manipulated for a variety of uses, creating new spaces for experiences to unfold. A play area for kids. A space to unwind. A library. A classroom. A cinema. A stage… how you use it is up to you.

Here are just three of the many possible configurations:

the city's smallest library

A configuration designed to capture imaginations and foster learning, the Pod swings open to reveal a place for story-time, arts and crafts, book swaps and more. Its shelves and drawers store / display books, toys and craft materials, while the pegboard provides a place to hang artwork or plug in a drawing board. Stackable cubes unpack to provide seats and / or mini tables for little ones to listen, learn and create.

the city's smallest lecture theatre

A platform for all-age learning, the Play Pod^TM can open up to become a mini lecture theatre or classroom in just three easy steps.

Lower the teaching desk.
Plug in the whiteboard.
Set up the cube seating, and – presto! The Pod becomes a welcoming space for everyone to ‘lean in’ and learn.

the city's smallest cinema

After-dark, the Play Pod^TM lights up to become the city’s smallest cinema and an immersive meeting place for art, culture and entertainment. Simply swing open the Play Pod^TM, pull down the screen, close the curtains and press ‘Play’ on the projector. You’re ready to roll.

Activating success

The truth is the Pod cannot play by Pod alone. To successfully bring it to life, you’ll need to create and curate a programme of activations and activities that give people a reason to visit, and multiple reasons to come back. In other words, think big on a small scale.