Through a project carried out by Francisco José Padilla and Juan Manuel Nicás on the initiative of Fundación Juegaterapia, the roof of Gregorio Marañón Hospital’s maternity and neonatal building – a 2003 work of the architect Rafael Moneo, in collaboration with José María de la Mata – is now a playground enabling confined children to play in the open air. Curving slabs of white concrete varying in height and size are held up by thin cylindrical supports. Their undersides present nuances: glass panes, perforations, ceramic mosaics. Colored patches of the floor mark areas for activities and games.

Two zones of different nature are distinguishable, depending on the street below. The noisier one is over O’Donnell, with a small performance stage, swings, slides, tricycles adapted for disabled children, a maze, and also a spot for teen-agers, with a ping-pong table and small football goal. The more tranquil place is elongated and features a large irregular table of two heights, a telescope, a table football set, a tangram, basketball baskets, and mini-golf course. A foyer with mirrors connects the two areas. A mesh encloses the whole facility.