Tivoli: Rasmus Klump Playground

Case: Future-Proofing Play — Bringing the Rasmus Klump IP to Tivoli GardensTivoli Gardens is an icon of Copenhagen, but even icons must evolve. For families with young children, a playground is a primary draw—yet Tivoli faces unique competition from high-standard, free public parks nearby. To maintain its edge, Tivoli needed more than just a renovation; it needed a dedicated, story-driven destination.
As the lead on this project, I managed the first-ever integration of an external IP into the gardens: the beloved 1951 character Rasmus Klump (known internationally as Petzi).
The Challenge: Heritage, Safety, and SpaceThe existing site presented several critical hurdles. It lacked a clear sense of arrival, was poorly defined, and sat on multiple levels bordering a busy city street. Most importantly, we had to work around a footprint of protected, century-old trees while ensuring the area was completely secure for children without feeling "fenced in."
The Strategy: From Cartoon to 3D UniverseThrough intensive study of the Rasmus Klump universe, we identified the core pillars that resonate with children: exploration, water, noise, and (of course) pancakes. We translated these 2D stories into a 40-element "park within a park."

• Architectural Flow: We solved the enclosure and arrival issues by designing a long, winding pathway with "safedeck" surfacing. This acted as a natural transition zone, leading guests through musical play elements and jumping water jets before reaching the main hub.
  
• Zoned Play: To maximize safety and engagement, I divided the space into two distinct areas. A soft-play water zone was designed specifically for toddlers, while older children could explore a massive climbing structure based on Rasmus’s famous ship, Mary.
  
• Commercial Integration: The experience was rounded out with a themed pancake restaurant and a Rasmus Klump ride, creating a high-value, multi-touchpoint destination for the next generation of Tivoli visitors.
  

The ResultThe transformation was an immediate success. By combining strategic visitor flow with authentic storytelling, we didn't just build a playground—we created a safe, immersive sanctuary that gives families a reason to choose Tivoli time and time again.