Four animals made of steel tubing, whose friendly, sinuous, and minimalist forms invite interaction, discovery, physical activity, and outdoor life Luca Boscardin, an Italian toy designer and illustrator based in Amsterdam, is the author of the new Animal Factory sculpture collection produced by Magis in collaboration with Metalco. The children’s playground, formed by minimalistic animal sculptures, is ’spreading’ around Europe in public parks and gardens. A giraffe, a crocodile, a gorilla, and a dinosaur — four animals made of steel tubing, whose friendly, flowing, and minimalist forms invite interaction, discovery, exercise, and life in the open air. Viewed from certain angles, the sculptures might not immediately reveal a specific shape. But from a different perspective, the lines — aided by imagination and colour association — become more defined, revealing the stylised forms of the four animals. MAGIS, ARTE SELLA, CASALINI “I always try to simplify shapes and lines, aiming to remove everything unnecessary, through a constant process of subtraction. This way, I let the imagination of children — and adults — run wild,” says the designer. In a park, a playground, a public square, or a school courtyard, Animal Factory becomes the perfect ally to transform any outdoor space into a colourful playground for all ages. The collection originated from the winning project of the Open Call organized by Stichting NDSM-werf in Amsterdam in 2021. It later received a special mention from Fuorisalone as one of the top twenty projects during Milan Design Week 2022. In 2023, together with Ecol studio, Boscardin created the playground for the Pecci museum in Prato. The first series of minimalist metal animals was installed in the outdoor spaces of NDSM in Amsterdam North, a former industrial area now transformed into a creative hub. Designed by Luca Boscardin, it was built with the help of steelworking specialist Iwan Snel, also based at the NDSM wharf. The structures of the various animals can serve as a giant playground for children, an alternative training apparatus, a unique place to spend time, or even as bike racks. Thanks to the simple design and construction process, one can imagine more animals joining the herd in the future. Animal Factory, designed by Luca Boscardinrealized by Magis in collaboration with Metalco Luca Boscardin Luca Boscardin is a toy designer and illustrator. His products are exhibited at the Vitra Design Museum, La Triennale and MoMA. Same Difference, produced by Corraini, was selected by ADI Design Index for the Compasso d’Oro award 2024. In 2024, Luca was the Italian design ambassador in North Macedonia, nominated by ADI Design Museum. Luca regularly works with Palazzo Grassi, La Triennale, and Corraini, and he teaches design at the IED institute in Rome.
