A Summer in Lausanne

We want to create a temporary space in Lausanne designed primarily for children, but where both young and old can enjoy spending time together. The concept brings together, in a single space, freely accessible games, creative activities, workshops and entertainment, and a welcoming refreshment stand. Families can come to play, explore, share a moment together, or simply enjoy the space at their own pace. Open to families as well as childcare professionals, associations, and local organizations, this space also aims to highlight local talent. Artists, facilitators, creators, and other contributors will be able to offer their activities, share their expertise, and introduce themselves to new audiences. Our goal is to create an accessible, inclusive, and eco-friendly community space that fosters connections, encourages discovery, and contributes to the local vibrancy. The first edition is planned for Lausanne in the summer of 2027.

The project is aimed at a variety of audiences, with children at the heart of the concept. Families in Lausanne with children aged 0 to 12, regardless of family structure, background, or socioeconomic status. The spaces and activities will be designed for different age groups, from toddlers to older children, so that everyone can find their place. Parents, grandparents, godparents, and other caregivers will also be able to enjoy a welcoming space conducive to relaxation and social interaction. Childcare professionals, local associations, and organizations (daycare centers, after-school programs, recreation centers, community centers, etc.) will be able to use the space to organize outings with their groups, participate in the activities offered, or share moments of discovery and play. Our goal is to create an open and accessible space that fosters connections among these different groups, encourages local collaboration, and allows everyone to enjoy the space according to their interests and means.

A living space designed with children in mind. Many recreational and dining venues welcome families, but few are truly designed around children’s needs and desires. Our project aims to reverse this approach: to create a temporary space designed for children, where adults enjoy spending time with them. The idea is to bring together a variety of experiences in one place, so that each family can plan their visit according to their preferences, budget, and the ages of their children. Four ways to enjoy the space: • Play: open-play areas suited to different ages, featuring wooden toys, giant games, building blocks, a reading corner, and spaces dedicated to early childhood. Children can play at their own pace—alone, with their parents, or with other children. • Experiment: a program of activities, shows, and workshops designed to spark curiosity, try new activities, and meet experts from a variety of fields. • Create: independent creative activities, accessible without necessarily participating in a supervised workshop, to let children’s imaginations run wild (e.g., cookies to paint, bracelets to make…). • Socializing: a refreshment stand offering drinks and light snacks, with welcoming spaces where families can take a break, chat, and extend their visit. An accessible and inclusive project: Accessibility is a central commitment of the project. We want families to be able to enjoy the space without being required to participate in paid activities. The free-play areas will be accessible at no cost, provided visitors make a purchase at the refreshment stand. Specific workshops or activities may be offered at affordable rates to balance accessibility with the quality of the programming. We will also ensure that we offer activities suited to different ages, abilities, and interests, so that siblings can enjoy the space together and every child can find their place here. A space that fosters connections and neighborhood life: Beyond the activities offered, we aim to create a genuine gathering place for Lausanne families. Play is a wonderful way to build connections: between children of different ages and backgrounds, but also between parents who might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. The space can thus become a gathering place for families in the neighborhood, while also attracting visitors from other parts of Lausanne. An eco-friendly and locally rooted approach: Our project is based on several concrete commitments: • Prioritize durable, reusable, high-quality games and toys over single-use equipment. • Encourage the rental, reuse, and sharing of equipment. • Design temporary, demountable installations to minimize permanent structures. • Collaborate as much as possible with local artists, activity leaders, artisans, and other local stakeholders. • Promote a simple and responsible refreshment stand, with a particular focus on local products and waste reduction. A project led by two complementary professionals: The project is being developed jointly by SoSo Animations, a Lausanne-based company specializing in children’s entertainment, and Un Jeu Sans Fin, a company specializing in play areas and the rental of sustainable toys. This synergy allows us to combine our experience in entertainment and event planning with expertise in free play, early childhood development, and the design of family-friendly spaces. Our goal is to launch the first edition in Lausanne in 2027, then evaluate the possibilities for repeating or adapting the concept based on feedback from families and local partners.

The project is intended to take place in Lausanne. At this stage, the exact location has not yet been identified, and several options are under consideration. We are primarily looking for an outdoor space large enough to accommodate the various activities, ideally complemented by a covered or indoor area that would allow the program to continue in case of inclement weather. We are specifically considering parks and public spaces, school playgrounds available during school breaks, sports or cultural venues, or even existing private properties whose outdoor spaces could be temporarily repurposed. We will prioritize a location that is easily accessible by public transportation, family-friendly, and situated in an area that is already well-frequented.

November 2026 – January 2027 | Definition and Preparation • Finalization of the concept and organizational model. • Identification of a venue in Lausanne and discussions with managers and potential partners. • Defining visitor reception procedures and technical requirements. • Initial contact with local stakeholders and partners. February – April 2027 | Project Development • Confirmation of the venue and necessary permits. • Development of the program of games, workshops, and activities. • Organization of the refreshment stand and reception areas. • Identification of necessary equipment and supplies. • Search for and confirmation of partners. • Recruitment of staff. May–June 2027 | Operational Preparation • Finalizing the program. • Promoting the project to families in Lausanne and childcare professionals. • Preparing facilities and equipment. • Logistical organization and coordination of staff. Summer 2027 | First Edition Opening of the venue for a period to be determined based on the availability of the selected site (ideally 2 or 3 months between June and August), with a program tailored to the days and hours of operation. Fall 2027 | Evaluation • Analysis of attendance and feedback from families. • Discussions with partners and stakeholders. • Financial and organizational review. • Assessment of opportunities to continue or expand the project.

4,000

The project is being developed jointly by SoSo Animations and Un Jeu Sans Fin, two professional organizations with complementary expertise in the fields of entertainment, games, and family outreach. We also aim to build partnerships with local stakeholders in Lausanne to strengthen the project’s local roots and offer a diverse program. Several types of partnerships are being considered: • Cultural organizations, artists, and local contributors: participation in planning workshops, performances, and activities. • Associations and organizations working with families: sharing information, suggesting activities, and developing joint initiatives. • Local artisans and producers: collaborations related to the refreshment stand and certain activities. • Managers of venues and institutions in Lausanne: identifying a venue and coordinating the logistics of setting up the project. These partnerships are currently under consideration and will be refined as the project progresses. Our goal is to create a collaborative project that builds on the skills and initiatives already present in Lausanne rather than operating in isolation.