At the nexus of an underperforming commercial center and adjacent residential community in Bangkok, the transformation of small garden plot into a whimsical playground — playfully named the “Ninja House” — has made an outsized impact, establishing a vibrant community hub. Prior to the project’s construction, the adjacent properties, including retail, a coffee shop and residential development, felt separated and the garden lacked identity and reason to visit. The new playground unified the adjacent properties and created a destination filled with activity. It has catalyzed greater social interaction, economic benefits and community cohesion.

Driven by the objectives to refresh, enhance and bring new fun to the space, the playground design utilizes strong geometric forms and a grid framework inspired by the surrounding context. It’s a modular structure with sculptural three-dimensional forms and elements of surprise conceived as a series of “Tatami play boxes.” The playground’s boxes are slightly extruded and feature a series of small openings that give just a peek inside, creating a sense of mystery and the opportunity for children to play peek-a-boo.

The boxes connect both vertically and horizontally by ramp, climbing wall, nets, poles, a curving slide, and obstacle walls. The playground encourages imaginative play, allowing children to develop motor skills, muscle strength, and exercise critical thinking. The playground is a steel structure cladded in reflective aluminum as well as colorful panels. Stacking the modular boxes maximized the playground’s possibilities and play potential in an intimate space with minimal usable area.

Within the cubes, elements of threshold and views both in and out captivate children’s imaginations, while pops of color, and abstracted stars reflective of ninja stars provide an imaginative setting for play. The playground has provided a cherished setting for children and families to play and relax — while simultaneously uniting the adjacent properties into a harmonious overall setting and promoting greater community interaction, local pride and economic revitalization.