Playrise: A Modular Playground Initiative for Displaced Children

Playrise is a newly launched charity founded by photographer Alexander Meininger, aimed at providing modular playground equipment for children living in disaster relief zones. The initiative was inspired by Meininger's observations of his children playing in local parks and the devastation caused by the Ukraine war, which prompted him to consider how to support displaced children. The charity focuses on creating flatpack play equipment that is affordable, easy to assemble, and adaptable to various environments.

The Guardian

To bring his vision to life, Meininger collaborated with the UK architectural firm OMMX and engineers from Webb Yates. Together, they developed prototypes of modular playground structures made from iroko hardwood beams and planks, which can be customized with various add-ons like ropes and monkey bars. The design allows for easy reconfiguration to meet the specific needs of different communities, whether in vast desert encampments or cramped urban settings.

The Guardian

Research underscores the significance of play in child development, fostering motor skills, cooperation, and social interaction. According to UNICEF, nearly 50 million children were living in forced displacement in 2025, with young people making up about 40% of those affected by conflict. The need for safe play environments is critical, as many children in refugee camps have spent their entire lives in such conditions.

The Guardian

The first Playrise set is scheduled to be sent to the Aysaita refugee camp in Ethiopia, where children have participated in the assembly of the equipment, gaining practical skills in the process. Hikaru Nissanke, director of OMMX, emphasized the project's aim to create structures that feel personal to each community while being scalable for mass production. Meininger envisions expanding Playrise beyond playgrounds to include community gardens and meeting spaces, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring the availability of play equipment for NGOs and displaced families.

The Guardian

While Playrise aims to address the immediate needs of children in crisis, there is a recognition of the importance of avoiding a Western-centric perspective on play. Meininger and his team are committed to understanding the unique cultural contexts of the communities they serve, ensuring that the equipment meets the specific desires and needs of local children.

The Guardian

• “We were designing for everything from vast open deserts to cramped inner-city courtyards.” — Hikaru Nissanke, Director of OMMX

The Guardian

• “We didn’t want to go into this with a western perspective of what kids should do, or be patronising.” — Alexander Meininger, Founder of Playrise

The Guardian

Playrise represents a thoughtful approach to addressing the challenges faced by displaced children, emphasizing the universal need for play and community engagement in the face of adversity.

The Guardian