Sarit Shani Hay designed a minimal yet bright space for a Hi-Tech Company’s Skyscraper Indoor Playground in Tel Aviv, Israel.

For some of the world’s leading Hi-tech companies, providing premium office spaces for employees is a priority. We were asked to build an indoor playground within such an office, on the 15th floor of a Tel Aviv skyscraper for a major work management platform. Family time is integral to the culture here, and the international company sought to dedicate part of its headquarters to those who occasionally have their children accompanying them.

Hybrid work has become normalized due to the coronavirus pandemic, and this project reflects the need for many companies to make an effort in welcoming their employees back to the office. The playspace is designed to promote employees’ well-being, from their daily routines and their family values. The brief was to design a space to encourage a sense of community within the workplace, creating feelings of joy and creativity similar to those experienced outdoors.

Spanning 180 square meters, this project is intended for children ages 1 to 10 featuring a hammock, treehouse-like structure and climbing wall. A dedicated kitchen was added for easy access to preparing snacks, without the need to journey elsewhere and potentially interrupt those working. A cafe area has been integrated within the plan, with comfortable furniture and nearby food selections, so employees can take a break together and be close to the children. The space also acts as a home for hosting activities, competitions, and organized events to enhance the new sense of camaraderie among those in the office.

Framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that give a bird’s-eye view over Tel Aviv, the indoor playground towers over the horizon and feels magical yet grounded. We created the wondrous space to resemble “a place between earth and heaven”. Its design emphasizes closeness to nature and is informed by Nordic design and biophilic principles. Shades of blue and green break up the otherwise pale scheme and evoke a crisp lushness, while enormous wooden posts stretch from the floors to the ceiling resembling trees. Sustainability and environmental principles were also taken into account, with proper and energy-efficient lighting, clutter-free spaces, and indicative play stations. Volumes are constructed mostly of plywood and flame-retardant materials, with portions of the floor installed with cast rubber for a shock absorption effect at such a high storey. We faced challenges to ensure safety while planning such an adventurous space by working closely with safety regulations.

By activating memories through play, the project fosters social interaction and improve mental and physical health, promoting the feeling of being one big family among the employees, with values shared beyond the confines of work.

Design: Sarit Shani Hay
Photography: Roni Cnaani