On this International Day of Play, we are unveiling the designs for the Playful Learning installations at our two affordable housing pilot sites, marking a milestone in our quest for educational equity. Our work involved a community engagement process from January through May 2024, culminating in two mini-block parties.
Together with residents from the Sharswood and North Central Philadelphia neighborhood, themes were identified, ideas were shaped, and designs were refined. We are so thankful for the participation of over 250 community members who shared their rich stories and co-designed with us.
North Central Philadelphia
Developer: Community Ventures
Designer: KSS
A Graphic Novel Comes to Life! Inspired by graphic novels, the design is characterized by bright colors and bold, exclamatory shapes, to bring the neighborhood’s story to life. KSS’s design invites residents to imagine, grow, read, act, and explore. The multi-sensory installations inspire interactivity and create opportunities for the community to tap into their unique superpowers while celebrating the heroes around them.
Sharswood Neighborhood
Developer: Pennrose
Designer: WRT
Navigating and Belonging in the World
Spanning several city blocks and buildings, WRT’s design approach embraces navigation as a creative theme. Residents are encouraged to use their imagination as they navigate the roadways and the local critters that inhabit our natural environment. Icon-driven signs and symbols are cleverly used to build life skills and establish a sense of identity and belonging.
Where Play is Part of the Plan
Where you live is where you play. How you play can help you learn. When you learn you will thrive.
Those fundamental beliefs are captured in Live and Learn’s pilot initiative to build Playful Learning installations into the design and construction of two affordable housing developments in Philadelphia. Our tagline, “Where Play is Part of the Plan,” underscores our desire to revolutionize affordable housing developments by infusing them with Playful Learning opportunities.
For people living in marginalized communities, we want to ensure that: where you live is where you can always play, learn, and thrive!
Kommentare