Description

YURAGI is a trampoline playground structure developed through collaboration among physician Hiroyuki Benitani—who is also engaged in supporting children requiring medical care—playground designers, and community members. Its development began with a fundamental question: how difficult it is for children with disabilities and able-bodied children to truly “play together.”
Children whose physical freedom is limited by disability often find it hard to join playgrounds where able-bodied children gather, leading to isolation within play environments. This “division in play” can significantly affect children’s development and social interaction. YURAGI was created to ease this divide and foster spaces where children can naturally engage with one another through play.
Unlike conventional trampolines designed for high jumping, YURAGI emphasizes the sharing of gentle motion. Its donut-shaped form with a central opening prevents excessive bouncing and allows safe participation even in a lying position. When able-bodied children jump, the movement travels across the membrane and is felt by others nearby, enabling a shared experience of motion within the same space.
In its design, YURAGI avoids a “special” appearance for children with disabilities, instead pursuing a form that anyone can approach naturally. A subtle slope supports stable posture and creates a relaxed play environment. As a result, YURAGI functions not only as playground equipment but also as a place for rest, care, and communication.
Observed use shows able-bodied children running and bouncing while, in the same space, children requiring medical care enjoy the vibrations and gentle swaying. YURAGI softly removes invisible barriers between children, making “being together” an ordinary experience and gently connecting each child’s world through shared play.
Awards
As part of the RESILIENCE PLAYGROUND Project, a development initiative for playground equipment accessible to all regardless of disability:
– 2024: GOOD DESIGN AWARD – Grand Award (Prime Minister’s Award)
– 2023: KIDS DESIGN AWARD – Jury Chairperson’s Special Award

photo by. Kyoko Kataoka