Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo replaced an existing playground with abespoke, one‑of‑a‑kind Robinia penguin playground,designed to better reflect the zoo’s identity and enhance their visitor experience.

As one of Scotland’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo is world famous for their penguins. Home to over 100 penguins across three species (King, Gentoo and Northern Rockhopper), penguins have been part of the zoo’s story since it first opened in 1913. The King Penguin, one of the very first animals introduced to the zoo, was selected as the inspiration for the new playground due to its strong historic and visual significance.

The aim was to create a playground that felt truly connected to the zoo, rather than a generic play space, while improving accessibility and offering families a memorable reason to stay longer and return.

KOMPAN worked closely with the Edinburgh Zoo team throughout the design process, at the heart of the new playground is a bespoke Robinia hardwood penguin play sculpture, designed by KOMPAN Design Studio. The sculpture functions as both a striking landmark and a highly engaging piece of play equipment. Crafted from natural Robinia hardwood, it invites children to climb, balance, slide, sit and explore, encouraging full‑body movement and imaginative play.

Accessibility was central to the design. Inclusive play elements were carefully integrated, including, an optic panel, tic‑tac‑toe panel, music panel, a drawing wall, talk tubes, inclusive roundabout and separate play panels.

These features ensure children with different abilities can engage in meaningful play at ground level, while the structure also provides more physical challenges through multiple climbing routes leading to the top and a rewarding slide back down.

Unlike traditional playground equipment, the penguin sculpture encourages open‑ended play. Children decide how to use it: as part of a story, a meeting point, a challenge, or simply a place to pause and observe. This type of play supports creativity, confidence, problem‑solving and social interaction.

The penguin has quickly become a memorable landmark, offering scenic and photographic opportunities and creating moments families remember, talk about and share. Over time, it also acts as a natural meeting point, a true “meet by the penguin” moment — strengthening the sense of place within the zoo!