Fantasia Works (FKA Lappset Creative), a leader in designing and building educational, playful and themed visitor attractions, has announced the completion of a new indoor playground at Mylly Shopping Centre in Raisio, Finland.
The unique design follows Mylly brand criteria and features a Wonder Mill in the centre of the area. The new playground is already attracting positive feedback from visitors.
Colour & sound
Jere Ruotsalainen, Fantasia Work’s CEO and partner, explains: “The idea for this playground formed around the theme of colors, as we didn’t want a specific story. The client had fresh graphic guidelines, so based on that, we ended up with quite a colorful extravaganza, which became a rather unique solution.”
The Wonder Mill is a gigantic instrument in the centre of the area and serves as a functional speciality. It has six sound options, which visitors can play by jumping on any of the 14 illuminated and interactive discs.
Ruotsalainen adds: “The design language is based on the use of the Mylly M-logo in various forms, such as in coat racks, play structures, and the entrance’s LED-lit arches.”
Mylly shopping mall representatives collaborated closely on the concept design process. The play area is expected to strengthen the Mylly shopping centre’s brand image.
Meri Hakulinen, concept manager at Kauppakeskus Mylly, says: “Fantasia Works helped us create a unique playground concept inspired by the Kauppakeskus Mylly brand. Together, we brought the brand concept into the real world. As we navigated through the project, the collaboration was excellent.”
The 160 square metre, unticketed Mylly playground encourages the play industry to reconsider the feel and appearance of a play area inside a shopping mall. Play areas and other recreational spaces are excellent options to add variety to a retail offering since they drive visitors, prolong visitor stays, and appeal to today’s decision-makers—kids.
Delighting visitors
The indoor playground debuted with a VIP event and was officially opened on Monday 19 February. It has drawn positive comments from children and families that have visited, for example:
“Thanks for the VIP opening and the souvenirs received there, the event was well-organized
considering the children! Warm thanks. What’s also great about the playground is that there are restrooms nearby. We’ve already praised the space to our friends, encouraging them to try it.”
“Lovely and colorful, suitable for all ages.”
“A really nice playground! Nicely tucked away, even though it’s in the middle of the shopping center.”
Fantasia Works, based in Kuopio, Finland, has specialised in creating and building themed attractions since it was founded in 2000. The design studio and manufacturing facility spans 2,500 square metres and offer advanced facilities that can fulfil its clients’ ambitions.
The company’s team of 6 designers and 14 builders creates attractions that combine entertainment, shopping, and social settings. It prioritises Nordic quality craftsmanship and efficient project workflows, resulting in compelling theme park style installations and interactive science exhibits.
Fantasia Works also specialises in theme creation, making distinctive props, and creating activating sports plug-and-play games. As a subsidiary of Lappset Group Oy, the company works with clients to create dynamic shopping malls that combine fantasy with retail, delighting visitors and increasing footfall.
Earlier this month, Lappset Creative announced that it has merged with Fantasia Works Oy in Finland. The strategic move was confirmed at the beginning of February 2024, representing a significant advancement for the firm.
