Disabled Friendly Park
An exclusive disabled-friendly park is designed to promote equity, engagement, and a sense of belonging. It brings children together on common ground, eliminating differences and encouraging inclusive play.
The Special Kids Park is within Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The park is easily accessible and cultivates playfulness, learning, and socialization, aiding children in developing emotional resilience.
The park’s biomorphic architectural concept is inspired by a tortoise, symbolizing steady progress in learning and socializing. The zoning of spaces replicates the tortoise’s body. At the heart of the park, a central mound creates different levels connected through net climbers, rope climbers, slides, roller slides, and stairs. Hide-and-seek tunnels beneath the mound are painted with an aquatic theme and are well-lit for exploration. The mound’s exterior features wall-mounted play panels and basketball rings for wheelchair users.
- Located in Bangalore, India
- Submitted by RR Architects and Associates
- Finalists 2025
Colour Codes
The surrounding area is covered with EPDM, a non-toxic, anti-skid material that reduces fall impact. A landscaped path leads to circular zones with swings, a roller bed, a merry-go-round, toddler play equipment, and a see-saw. Seating areas allow adults to monitor children comfortably. The therapeutic park and sensory play area are located further along the pathways.
The park engages all five senses. Sensory tools aid coordination between brain functions and sensory input like touch, sight, and hearing. Board games such as tic-tac-toe, chowkabara (a traditional game), and snake & ladder can be played under a vibrant glass-roofed area. Wheelchair users can participate in sandpit table activities without leaving their chairs. Pebbles and the surrounding landscape encourage interaction with nature. Children experience the park by moving through tree groves, alongside a water stream, and into the sensory play area. Native bird sounds strengthen their connection to nature. Tall, mature trees have been preserved to provide shade and shelter.
In this project, colour is used to enhance wayfinding, accessibility, and emotional well-being. Bright primary hues provide clear visual cues, while subtle contrasts define activity zones without overwhelming the senses. High-energy colours in play areas encourage movement, while softer tones in seating areas create a calming retreat. Murals and interactive installations promote creativity, sensory exploration, and inclusivity.
A key highlight of the park is its functional use of colour. Bright hues—red, yellow, and blue—provide visual guidance, assisting children with visual impairments in navigating the space. Subtle contrasts and tactile transitions differentiate activity areas while maintaining a seamless flow. Each park element features a carefully curated palette that balances stimulation with comfort. High-contrast hues energize active play zones, while softer pastels in seating areas create a relaxing atmosphere.
Disabled Friendly Park
Murals and installations serve as both artistic expressions and cognitive engagement tools. Additional vibrant tones such as orange, green, and purple enhance interaction, while neutral shades maintain visual balance. This inclusive park fosters play, interaction, and appreciation for diversity. A variety of engaging activities encourage children to visit frequently, creating a lasting impact on their social and emotional development.
"In this project, colours were used to enhance wayfinding, accessibility, and emotional well-being. Bright primary hues provide clear visual cues for navigation, while subtle contrasts define activity zones without overwhelming the senses. High-energy colours in play areas encourage movement, while softer tones in seating zones create a calming retreat. The interplay of colour and texture through murals and interactive installations fosters creativity, sensory exploration, and inclusivity, ensuring a vibrant and engaging environment for all children."
RR Architects and Associates
