wondersphere entrance leads children to suspended net playground in qatar museum

Carve composes WonderSphere for OliOli Children’s Museum

The WonderSphere, designed by Carve for OliOli Children’s Museum in Qatar, explores the convergence of contemporary museum and playground design. Commissioned in 2021, Carve aimed to align the nature of this climber with the interactive and immersive experiences expected in modern museums. The climber for OliOli Children’s Museum seeks to intertwine science and play, encouraging cognitive and physical experiences while providing spatial exploration and proprioceptive stimuli. The design prioritizes creating a safe learning environment that promotes social skills, emotional intelligence, and cooperation among children and adults. The WonderSphere, an enigmatic spherical object within the museum, combines three distinctive spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere. Enclosed alley-like spaces create a labyrinthine feeling, encouraging active exploration and sensory engagement.

all images by © carve

suspended curved net structure encourages exploration

A suspended, three-dimensional net structure with curved shapes invites a sense of adventure and exploration, resembling an unexplored galaxy. The design incorporates Qatari cultural elements, drawing from local heritage, including the Souq Wahif’s maze-like alleys and the arch shapes resembling Qatari clay birdhouses. The WonderSphere by Amsterdam-based Carve aims to provide a lasting play experience, inviting visitors to experiment, learn, and engage in cooperative group play activities. The goal is to foster cognitive, social, and physical abilities through playful research and interaction with the unique climber. Step inside for a sprightly world, exploring the cosmos and navigating the twists and turns of the souq before returning to the real world of the museum. The WonderSphere offers a one-of-a-kind experience, creating lasting memories for those ready to embark on this great expedition at OliOli Children’s Museum.

WonderSphere at OliOli Children’s Museum, redefines the fusion of modern museum and playground design

Carve aligns this climber’s nature with interactive experiences expected in contemporary museums

the climber aims to encourage cognitive and physical experiences, prioritizing spatial exploration

the design fosters a safe learning environment, emphasizing the development of social skills

enclosed alley-like spaces within the climber create a labyrinthine feel, encouraging active exploration

Carve’s WonderSphere invites children to experiment, learn, and engage in group play activities

drawing from Qatari culture, the design mirrors Souq Wahif’s maze-like alleys and arch shapes

project info:

name: WonderSphere Climber at OliOli Children’s Museum
architect: Carve | @carve_nl

client: OliOli | @oliolidoha

location: Qatar, Middle East

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom