Sliding into Imagination: Designing and Creating the LEGO® Slide at Bluewater

The LEGO® Slide at Bluewater offers a unique and playful experience, injecting a burst of fun and creativity into the retail environment. Bringing this exciting attraction to life involved a collaborative journey focused on innovative design, meticulous production, and expert manufacturing. Our team at Alter/d was thrilled to partner in developing this engaging feature, ensuring it captured the iconic spirit of LEGO® while providing a safe and thrilling experience for visitors.

CONCEPTUALISING the Fun: Design Inspired by LEGO®

The design phase was driven by the desire to create an interactive element that was instantly recognisable as LEGO® and inherently playful. Key considerations included:

• Embracing the LEGO® Aesthetic: The slide's design needed to incorporate the iconic shapes and colours associated with LEGO®.

• Creating a Multi-Sensory Experience: Beyond the visual appeal, the design aimed to engage users through the tactile experience of the slide's surface and the sensation of movement.

• Ensuring Safety and Accessibility: The safety of all users was paramount to the design. This involved adhering to rigorous safety standards and considering accessibility for various ages and abilities.

• Integrating with the Retail Environment: The slide needed to seamlessly integrate into the Bluewater retail space, enhancing the overall visitor experience without disrupting the flow.

From Blueprint to Brick: The Production Process

Translating the design concept into a tangible and functional slide required a detailed production process:

• Material Selection: Choosing durable, smooth, and safe materials was crucial. We explored various options to ensure the slide could withstand high use levels while providing a comfortable sliding experience. Colourfast and easy-to-clean materials were also prioritized to maintain the vibrant LEGO® aesthetic.

• Structural Engineering: Ensuring the slide's structural integrity and stability was paramount. Our engineering team meticulously calculated load-bearing capacities and designed a robust framework to support the slide's form and usage.

• Modular Construction: Drawing inspiration from the modularity of LEGO® bricks, the slide was designed with potential for modular construction. This allowed for efficient manufacturing, transportation, and installation within the Bluewater location.

• Surface Finish and Detailing: Achieving the desired LEGO® look involved careful attention to surface finishes and detailing.

Manufacturing the Imagination: Bringing the LEGO® Vision to Life

The manufacturing phase involved skilled craftsmanship and precise execution:

• Colour Matching and Application: Ensuring accurate colour matching to the iconic LEGO® palette was essential for brand recognition. Durable and vibrant coatings were applied to maintain the visual impact over time.

• Assembly and Testing: Once the individual components were manufactured, the slide was carefully assembled, and rigorous testing was conducted to ensure safety, stability, and a smooth sliding experience.

• Logistics and Installation: Coordinating the transportation and installation of the often large and complex slide structure within the Bluewater retail environment required meticulous planning and execution.