The Hero’s Journey
‘A hero ventures forth
from the world of common day
into a region of supernatural wonder:
fabulous forces are there encountered
and a decisive victory is won’
( Joseph Campbell )
Play is often used to abscond from the real world into a realm of fantasy and imagination; a space for us to think freely about our place in society and create a new reality inside of us. The Hero’s Journey playscape combines natural materials, features, vegetation and creative landforms with sacred shapes, patterns and themes to create purposely complex interplays that challenge, fascinate and teach children about the wonders and intricacies of the natural world.
This “playable art” developed for the Jardins de Métis International Garden Festival underscores the importance of meeting challenges and overcoming obstacles in order to experience life to the fullest.
- Key Challenge: Creation of a playscape which can be used by all ages, from small child to adult with a very limited construction budget and within a small footprint..
- Best Feature: This playground design interprets a common mythology in physical form. “The hero’s journey” is articulated through materials, topography and layout.