Pico Playground

Pico Playground transforms a conventional neighbourhood playground in Lugano into a contemporary public landscape where play, ecology, and climate adaptation are inseparable. Conceived as a miniature Ticino landscape, the project brings local geological and ecological references into a dense urban setting, creating an inclusive environment for all ages.
Replacing an obsolete playground based on isolated play objects, the design prioritizes open-ended exploration, contact with topography, biodiversity, and seasonal change. Existing landforms are expanded into a sequence of interconnected playscapes that encourage discovery, physical activity, and social interaction.
At the centre of the project, a canyon constructed from reclaimed concrete slabs recalls the stratigraphy of nearby Monte Brè while addressing the environmental costs of contemporary construction through material reuse. The salvaged elements provide opportunities for climbing, gathering, spontaneous vegetation, and habitat creation.
Stormwater management structures the entire site. Surface water is filtered through raingardens that support biodiversity, seasonal variation, and natural infiltration while functioning as social and play spaces.
Forty new trees and drought-tolerant planting communities improve thermal comfort, biodiversity, and ecological resilience. The project demonstrates how a small urban playground can become a multifunctional landscape that combines recreation, habitat creation, and climate a