North Central Philadelphia
Playful Learning has been incorporated into both indoor and outdoor common areas at two existing multi-family properties in Susquehanna Square. These include two backyard spaces — one shared by Tree House Books, a recessed entranceway, lobby spaces, and interior hallways. The transformed spaces, created through an inclusive engagement process, reflect the values and cultures of the community.
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DESIGN THEME
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. INITIAL DESIGN
DEVELOPER
ARCHITECTS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Tree House Books and onsite staff at Community Ventures.
MURALIST, DESIGNERS, AND FABRICATORS
Deirdre Hyman, Weston Design and Fabrication Studio, FutureTogether, Masters Group Design
FUNDERS
Video by Benjamin Lazzaro for WRT.
Pilot Highlights
Watch what we’ve done in Sharswood
Pilot Highlights
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DESIGN THEME
Navigating and Belonging in the World. Spanning several city blocks and buildings, WRT’s design approach embraces navigation and safety 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. INITIAL DESIGN
DEVELOPER
ARCHITECTS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Lower North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation, Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association, Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition and onsite staff at Pennrose.
MURALISTS, DESIGNERS, AND FABRICATORS
Amber Art and Design, Masters Group Design, Mural Arts / Donna Grace Kroh, Weston Design and Fabrication Studio, FutureTogether, Berry and Homer, Color Reflections
FUNDERS
Lead funding by William Penn Foundation
Additional support provided by Pennrose and Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund
Follow Our Journey
Sharswood Neighborhood in Philadelphia
Playful Learning was incorporated into both indoor and outdoor common areas at newly constructed multi-family properties in the Sharswood neighborhood. These interactive spaces include exterior walls, columns, sidewalks, two community rooms, and a redesigned alley. The transformation was guided by an inclusive community engagement process, ensuring that the designs reflect the values, hopes, and aspirations of local residents.