The high-density park design maximizes the ecological impact of the relatively small site by raising environmental awareness through remarkable Play ‘n Learn landscape features. The central landmark of the park is a large sculptural element which in fact is a geothermal chimney and steam exhaust for heated water which is naturally occurring in this region. The highlight Play ‘n Learn element on site is the “Water Mountain”. This water feature is an interactive hydrology model - a miniature of the Yangtze River delta landscape, the Three Gorges Reservoir and the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system.
The water springs from the mountains, moves through the valley and flows into the deltas at the ocean. Children can activate water sources in the miniature mountains, and use dams placed in certain locations along the water’s route to create reservoirs. However, if the water is not carefully managed it will spill over into other waterways and continue its path to the ocean. On the surface, this water feature reflects the Chinese landscape, the agricultural and cultural development and heritage. On a deeper level, the design talks in particular to the human’s role in the heavy manipulation of the landscape and water ways.
This feature turns an idea which is potentially far too large and abstract for a child to comprehend and turns it into a play environment, where the learning is not didactic but instead inherent in the play. Through these types of play we intend to bring greater awareness to more children about the big environmental issues in the hope to raise a generation of people with a mind to fix them.