Mike Hewson has designed the Rocks on Wheels playground in Melbourne, Australia.

This playground challenges play design norms, encourages a healthy exploration of risk, and is built to last throughout the 21st century.

Over 300 tonnes of the iconic stone that paves Naarm Melbourne's inner-city footpaths was dug up in raw boulder form, cut flat on one side to float on tiny furniture dollies, where each was rolled into a fun position for climbing.

Bashed-up old playground equipment is casually lashed to rock and twisted metal, with improvised handholds stuck in convenient places.

This project has been longlisted in the landscape and urban design category of Dezeen Awards 2024.

Studio: Mike Hewson
Project: Rocks on Wheels
Credits: City of Melbourne