10 architectures for kids

Colourful, fun, unique: architecture for children may seem like a game, but children are also our most honest critics. We have selected the best projects that appeared on Domus between 2020 and 2021. 

Minihotel, Sarit Shani Hay

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani

Foto Roni Cnaani The playground's floor plan.

Courtesy Sarit Shani Hay

A playful space, a miniature city: in Moshe Safdie's iconic hotel in Jerusalem, Israeli designer Sarit Shani Hay's project makes room for the little ones.

Kid’s Island, MERA makers

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Photo MERA makers design lab

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Axonometry

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Fronts

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Front

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Perspective view

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Plan

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Section

Kid’s Island, MERA makers design lab, Sarov, Russia, 2021 Plan

In a traditional nursery school in Sarov, Russia, MERA makers designs Kid's Island, a playground for children who are free to play creatively together.

The Playscape, we architech anonymous

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Playscape, we architec anonymous The Playscape, we architec anonymous. Photo Tian Fang Fang

The Chinese studio we architech anonymous reconverts an old grain storage compound into a space for the little ones, whilst remaining faithful to its history.

Kinder Park, DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

A pink playground to reactivate the suburban area of Mexicali

Project DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos. Photo Lorena Darquea.

With the use of a rosy palette an urban void is redrawn by DVCH with organic paths and wooden pergolas.

Fun Maze, Atelier Caracas

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Atelier Caracas, Fun Maze, Caracas, Venezuela, 2020

Curved geometries, pastel colours and a long central skylight define tthe Fun Maze project in Caracas.

Children’s Playspace, Architensions

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Foto Cameron Blaylock

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Axonometry

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Section

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Section

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Section

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Plan

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Plan

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Exploded axonometric view

Architensions, Children's Playspace, Brooklyn, New York City, 2020 Exploded axonometric view

The architecture and design studio Architensions looked to the natural world to create the setting for an indoor play area where children can move freely, manipulate and reinvent their surroundings.

Horismos, Studio Ossidiana

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

Studio Ossidiana, Horismos, Vleuten, Netherlands, 2020

The abstract forms of the playground by Studio Ossidiana in Vleuten, The Netherlands, encourages children’s creativity, inviting them to discover new possible actions.

Grayson Play-Lab, Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Ally O’Rourke-Barrett

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design. Photo Brandon Clifford

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Courtesy Matter Design

Commissioned by the Grayson School in Philadelphia, Matter Design creates an experimental outdoor space designed to involve kids and young adults in recreational learning.

Kai early years, Education Design Architects

An early childhood school offers a learning space where interior and exterior blend for an exploratory and sensory education.

Sacred Heart Jesuit Church’s Playground, Partizan Architecture

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

The playground by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest photo Balázs Danyi

A play area created by Partizan Architecture in the Sacred Heart Jesuit Church in Budapest offers children a space of comfort and fun while their parents are at mass.