For the temporary location of the Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children’s Healthcare (COACH) of the UMC+ Maastricht, Tinker created a reusable pop-up concept: a playful and interactive world that nudges children and their parents in the direction of a healthy diet and regular exercise. The space offers a motivating and stimulating environment that seems miles away from the world of doctors and hospitals, but does not look too ‘sporty’ or competitive either. Sitting down and waiting your turn is a thing of the past!
Teams of paediatricians, dieticians, psychologists, and educators coach the children and their parents. The goals of the COACH programme are serious, but children are meant to have fun reaching them. Accordingly, in the overall design the element of ‘play’ takes centre stage. At the entrance, an interactive wall introduces the participants to the world of COACH. Bringing the animations to life helps them become aware of a healthy lifestyle.
In the open waiting area, children and their parents/supervisors are challenged to start moving. They can, for instance, try to keep their balance while collecting the healthy products falling down on a display, or stretch and work together to make the right connections to switch the lights on. Consultations take place in the colourful pavilions that are scattered throughout the space. The interplay of lines and surfaces is reminiscent of mixed-up playing fields; the space seems to ooze a feeling of ‘anything goes’.
