Read at 3 different speeds

Border seesaws win design prize - 1st February 2021

A collection of bright pink seesaws on the border between the US and Mexico has received the Design of the Year award.

The seesaws, which are called 'the Teeter Totter Wall', were put in gaps in the US-Mexico border wall. The seesaws allowed people from both sides to play together across the border.

The Teeter Totter Wall was designed by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, who teach at American universities. Videos of the seesaws went viral. However, the playground equipment was only in place for around 20 minutes.

Rael and San Fratello spent 10 years on the project. They wanted to talk about the border issue in an interesting way. The seesaws represent the relationship between the two countries, that people are connected on both sides and what happens on one side affects the other.

The prize is awarded every year by the Design Museum in London. It also recognises the best designs in six categories, which include architecture, fashion and transport. Tim Marlow, the chief executive and director of the museum, said: "The Teeter Totter Wall encouraged new ways of human connection."

The creators said they were "totally surprised" by their win. However, they hope their work will inspire people to build "more bridges instead of walls."