Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, renowned for his minimalist and human-centered design philosophy, has partnered with Jakuets, a century-old Japanese manufacturer of educational materials and play equipment, to unveil a delightful installation titled “Playful Sculptures” which was exhibited at Milan Design Week 2025. This marks the first collaboration between Fukasawa and Jakuets, a company deeply rooted in supporting its local community through educational design.
Designers: Naoto Fukasawa and Jakuets
The “Playful Sculptures” installation transformed the gardens of the Triennale di Milano museum into an engaging space for visitors of all ages. The centerpiece was the “Yuugu” collection – a series of colourful, sculptural objects designed specifically for children. What sets these pieces apart is their intentional lack of predefined function. They aimed to create “imagination triggers” – open-ended forms that encourage children to explore, interact, and interpret the objects in their own unique ways.
These are not your typical playground equipment or your usual museum sculptures that cannot be touched. Instead, they are both toys and artworks but they invite children to climb, slide, or simply play around them without any prescribed method. This approach fosters creativity and allows children to develop their own narratives and games. The collaboration highlights a visio, believing in the power of design to enrich public spaces and promote well-being. These objects—crafted from soft curves, gentle materials, and joyful hues—invite interaction in ways that are open-ended and empowering. A child might see a tunnel to crawl through, a mountain to climb, or a creature to befriend. Each child’s engagement becomes a story, a game, or a personal expression of curiosity. And this is precisely the point. It’s a departure from the “look-but-don’t-touch” philosophy that often surrounds sculpture in museum contexts. Instead, these pieces encourage touch, movement, experimentation, and storytelling.
The “Playful Sculptures” installation at Parco Sempione not only offered a serene and engaging space within the bustling design week but also showcased how thoughtfully designed objects can transform urban environments into kinder and happier places. It was an invitation for both children and adults to rediscover the creativity and beauty inherent in playfulness, demonstrating the power of design to positively impact our lives and communities. As Milan Design Week 2025 draws to a close, the joyful echoes of Fukasawa’s “Playful Sculptures” and Jakuets’ vision are sure to resonate, reminding us of the fundamental importance of play in fostering imagination and well-being.
