Client: The Magical Bridge Playground

Overview

The Magical Harp is a permanent, outdoor interactive instrument played by passing your body through the 24 low-voltage diode LEDs that shine from the top of the delicate arch to the ground. Much like plucking the string of a harp, passing through the beams triggers custom circuitry and sensors to produce musical notes. Users play to create an ambiance that is individual to the moment of interaction that reflects the broad idea of play that’s still fun and sophisticated.When crowds flock to it and people start to play independently, the group’s participation in a musical symphony.

Goals

Magical Bridge Playground is the nation’s most innovative-inclusive playground, designed and built for visitors of all abilities. Designed to be a socially inclusive playground for children of varying physical and cognitive abilities, the Magical Bridge addresses the unique play needs of the many kinds of children in the community, creating awareness that today’s park designs are overlooking so many: the growing autistic population, visually and hearing impaired, physically limited and even our aging community.Uniting the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley with technology, heart and compassion, Magical Bridge is a new kind of playground. One, where everyone can play.

Process

Jen Lewin Studio relied heavily on the expertise of the park founders regarding the set standards of accessibility. Providing a beautiful object that encouraged engagement would have been a waste if it didn't live up to the mission of The Magical Bridge Playground. Jen Lewin's background in technology and architecture provided her with the expertise needed to translate those standards into an elegant form with an interactive element.

Additional Information

This installation was built with the future on interaction in mind. It was installed with a base library of sounds and engagement triggers as well as the ability to add to it. In the coming years, in combination with local universities and school, the community will be able to build and install their own sounds to the library.


Magical Harps:
Magical Harp Palo Alto -2015
Magical Bridge Park Palo Alto

Magical Harp Redwood City
Magical Bridge Park Redwood City

Magical Harp Morgan Hill
Magical Bridge Park Morgan Hill

Aushaun's Magical Harp
Red-tailed Park, in Aurora Colorado.