A Criss-crossed Steel Structure by DL Atelier Swings the Stress Away

Play: an activity that the older a person gets, the less they do it. “Playing” is a verb that is always related to having fun, meaning something we should do often. What is life without some fun?

An installation for having fun (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

A criss-crossed giant in the middle of a grassy field (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

In a public open space on the riverbank in Shanghai, one could find the “fun” through an installation standing criss-crossed in the middle of a grassy field. Like a giant in the open space, the simple yet unique form invites people to take a look, approach, and interact with it. If one had the time and was thorough enough to spot this, one might also ponder the origins of the swing’s shape. The two pieces, if rotated, turned over, and arranged in such a way, actually fit as a complete rectangular steel plane. The two stand supporting each other with the structural cable at the top. From both ends, hanging ropes with seats encourage passersby to sit and swing intuitively.

People who interact with the structure (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

The two steel plane (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Form’s origin

Just like people’s perception of art, installation, and architecture, this structure can be understood from various points of view and interpretation—as the way DL Atelier describes their work, "Play with Nature." The swings look massive and heavy from one side, but if the angle is shifted slightly, the impression becomes thin and light. The two pendulums can also be interpreted as having one or two orientations, can be operated both in the same or different directions, and can create both harmony or intersection, all depending on the timing, the force, and the two users.

The two users (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Rhythms 1 (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Rhythms 2 (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Everyone in all groups, from children to adults, may play with the structure. While swinging, one would feel the sensation of flying and falling before flying back up once more. The cable's tension pulls someone away from their stressful reality, stimulating a feeling of freedom.

The planes’ intersection detail (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

A child swings (cr: Yumeng Zhu)