This playful design explores the ways in which the parking garage—a staple of every urban environment—can take on additional characteristics and functions in order to make it an attractive and beneficial place to spend time. For this parking garage in Nordhaven—a port area in Copenhagen earmarked for rejuvenation—JAJA Architects devise a scheme that hinged almost entirely on a handrail dubbed the "red thread." This guiding rail starts at street level, continues along a staircase of the building, and leads to the most fantastic playground on the roof. Here, the red thread loops into spirals and twirls across the roof, framing swing sets, monkey bards, and jungle gyms in its path, before descending back to street level via a second staircase on the opposite side of the building. The plant boxes, situated in a grid-like rhythm, enliven the facade with greenery. Although the design is unconventional, the structure is red in recognition of the historic red brick harbor buildings in the area. Also dubbed the Park 'n' Play, this project proves that even the most mundane infrastructure can add practical whimsy to our cities. Photo 3 of 8 in 7 Groundbreaking Designs From Around the World That Can Help Us Build the Perfect City

7 Groundbreaking Designs From Around the World That Can Help Us Build the Perfect City

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This playful design explores the ways in which the parking garage—a staple of every urban environment—can take on additional characteristics and functions in order to make it an attractive and beneficial place to spend time. For this parking garage in Nordhaven—a port area in Copenhagen earmarked for rejuvenation—JAJA Architects devise a scheme that hinged almost entirely on a handrail dubbed the "red thread." This guiding rail starts at street level, continues along a staircase of the building, and leads to the most fantastic playground on the roof. Here, the red thread loops into spirals and twirls across the roof, framing swing sets, monkey bards, and jungle gyms in its path, before descending back to street level via a second staircase on the opposite side of the building. The plant boxes, situated in a grid-like rhythm, enliven the facade with greenery. Although the design is unconventional, the structure is red in recognition of the historic red brick harbor buildings in the area. Also dubbed the Park 'n' Play, this project proves that even the most mundane infrastructure can add practical whimsy to our cities.