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Land, Sea, and Wiry Trees Converge in 100architects’ Imaginative New Playground

24 Apr, 2025

This post was originally published on Colossal

Through colorful squiggles embedded with games, trampolines, and sculptural trees, a new public park in Guangzhou, China, re-envisions the possibilities of play.

“Wired Scape,” which design firm 100architects bills as an “an entangling forest of imagination and fun,” takes inspiration from the natural landscape to create a one-of-a-kind playground in a residential area. Trees resembling balls of colorful wire appear to spin out of the ground, and curvaceous green and blue forms reflect the interaction of land and water.

Lively trees made from pipes spiraling around central cores serve a triple purpose as climbable structures, shade-providing canopies, and supports for a series of interconnected bridges throughout the park. The overall aesthetic recalls computer-generated imagery in video games or animation.

100architects aimed to break away from traditional playground design and instead focus on the layout as a multigenerational space. Children’s imaginations are stimulated by myriad ways to jump, climb, slide, and run, while caregivers and parents have ample options for shaded seating with clear sight lines.

Explore 100architects’ exuberant public installations on the studio’s website and Instagram, and check out more incredible playgrounds.

an aerial view of part of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
an aerial view of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
an aerial view of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
an aerial view of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
an evening view of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
an aerial view at dusk of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
a nighttime view of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment
part of an elaborately designed playground with blue and green designs on the ground and wire-like sculptural trees holding up bridges and play equipment

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Land, Sea, and Wiry Trees Converge in 100architects’ Imaginative New Playground appeared first on Colossal.

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Rethinking IT sustainability

Rethinking IT sustainability

Sustainability has become a critical business priority, connecting environmental responsibility with financial performance. For many companies, the focus is shifting from simply upgrading technology to maximising value across the entire device lifecycle.

As businesses rethink how they manage their IT infrastructure, embedding sustainability into daily operations is proving essential for reducing environmental impact, controlling costs and driving meaningful outcomes. Embracing a more circular approach to technology management can help organisations meet both their sustainability and financial goals, according to Blue Connections IT.

Gordon Brownell, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Connections IT, said, “One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainable IT is how companies handle surplus or end-of-life technology. Recycling is an essential part of any sustainability strategy, yet it should be the last resort. The focus should be on reuse, redistribution and resale wherever possible. For example, businesses can collaborate with social enterprises to provide viable technology to benefit underprivileged communities, schools and non-profit organisations while minimising the environmental impact of e-waste.”

Traditional IT asset management practices often lead to excessive waste and missed opportunities, with devices discarded before the end of their usable life. By contrast, strategic asset recovery, refurbishment and resale can transform IT sustainability into a cost-saving initiative. A modern approach to device lifecycle management helps extend the value of IT assets while reinforcing a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The shift to hybrid work has added complexity to sustainable IT practices. With more employees working remotely, traditional office-based asset recovery processes are no longer sufficient. Companies must now implement flexible collection services, including direct-to-home shipments and remote device retrieval. Secure, trackable return options let businesses account for every device, whether it’s being refreshed for another employee or responsibly retired.

Brownell said, “Sustainability must be embedded in everyday IT operations, beyond procurement and disposal. Organisations that adopt reusable and secure packaging solutions can significantly reduce waste. For example, using durable, returnable shipping crates instead of single-use cardboard packaging cuts down on landfill contributions and lowers overall logistics costs. Small adjustments like these create long-term environmental and financial benefits.

“Investing in robust reporting and compliance tracking is another valuable step to give companies full visibility into how their IT assets are managed from initial deployment through to end-of-life disposal. Detailed sustainability reporting that outlines the proportion of devices refurbished, resold, donated or responsibly recycled demonstrates accountability and helps businesses meet corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance commitments.”

A well-executed device lifecycle management strategy reduces the total cost of ownership of IT infrastructure by extending the usable life of devices, lowering capital expenditures, and generating financial returns from resale or repurposing. Organisations that embed sustainability into IT decisions are also better positioned to attract customers and partners who prioritise responsible business practices.

Gordon Brownell said, “Companies must shift their mindset to integrate sustainability into IT management successfully. Businesses should recognise sustainability as an opportunity to drive efficiencies, reduce risks and differentiate themselves in the market instead of a mere box-ticking exercise. Aligning IT decisions with sustainability goals creates long-term value through technology investments that support both business growth and environmental responsibility.

“Sustainable IT is also about making smart procurement choices from the outset. Organisations that prioritise energy-efficient devices, long-life hardware, and vendor take-back programs support sustainability proactively. Companies can extend sustainability throughout their supply chain by selecting IT suppliers that share their commitment to reducing environmental impact, whether that’s through recycled materials, low-power consumption designs or e-waste management solutions.”

By embedding sustainability into IT practices, businesses not only contribute to a healthier planet but also build more efficient, resilient and future-ready operations.

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