Creative Studio Berlin, the experiential design firm founded by Chris Lange, has created the concept and detailed design for the new shipyard-inspired play area, named “Spielewerft”, which is now open at Ferienzentrum Schloss Dankern in Emsland, Germany.
The project reimagines the former, un-themed play area into an immersive shipyard world for families and children, and marks a new chapter of story-driven play experiences at the holiday destination.
‘Authentic local storytelling’
The new Spielewerft zone’s theming honours Emsland’s heritage, as a place where vessels are constructed, maintained and launched. This narrative is explored through custom scenography, creative storytelling and unique fabricated elements.
Marina Ruetten, senior art director at Creative Studio Berlin, says: “With the Spielewerft, we wanted to bring authentic local storytelling to life in a way that encourages both free play and family interaction.”
The zone features a modular construction with potential for future expansion. In addition to play elements, there are facilities such as an excursion steamer-themed restroom and guest services named the “Moornixe”, and the “Futterkahn”, a barge-inspired self-service food outlet.
The indoor “Krabbelkutter” play area is housed in a large ship-like structure, designed for visibility and safety. Crafted for children aged from 3 to 7, the structure spans several levels and includes climbing nets, a ball pit, softplay zones and bounce elements.
The design and production process was coordinated by Creative Studio Berlin, in partnership with companies such as Movie Construction, to guarantee that every component, from props and facades to interior theming, flawlessly fits into the story-driven environment.
Mario Schmid, architect at Creative Studio Berlin responsible for delivering the project, says: “We worked with many different specialists to create the best possible scenic and props for each of our structures.”
The indoor facility’s redesigned exterior follows a coastal rescue training ground theme, with a lifeboat-topped control tower, themed signage referencing the German Life Saving Organization, and the PlayFountain by PlayFountain International B.V..
Schomaker + Henschel Architects served as the client-side architects, and worked closely with Creative Studio Berlin to deliver the project.
Key suppliers included Movie Construction, Attraction Biz and Bentin Projects GmbH & Co. KG, in addition to Van Heemskerk Décor, Zimmerei Hanekamp, Ahrens Tischlermeister und Hasselbrocker Möbeltischlerei GmbH, MEYER Elektro – Heizung – Sanitär – Solartechnik GmbH, Malerwerkstätten Kleymann, and Metallbau Müter GmbH und Smolarek Metallverarbeitung GmbH.
Members of the Creative Studio Berlin team are attending TEA SATE Europe 2024, which is taking place in Blackpool, UK, from 6 to 9 May.
Last month, Creative Studio Berlin marked the launch of Berlin Vibes, a new zone at Madame Tussauds Berlin, Germany, for which it provided creative leadership and delivery.
