Live and Learn, Susquehanna Square

The Opportunity

Live and Learn, a joint initiative of Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network (PLLAN) and Watchdog Real Estate Project Management, is working to expand educational equity by building playful learning environments at two affordable housing developments in Susquehanna Square in North Central Philadelphia and Sharswood, North Philadelphia. Playful learning has been proven to enhance development, especially in children lacking access to quality learning opportunities, and to close gaps in early childhood literacy, which is foundational to success in academics and in life.

Our Approach

Our installations at two existing multifamily properties in Susquehanna Square were inspired through a rich community codesign and feedback process which generated the theme “a graphic novel come to life.” The designs are characterized by bright colors and bold, exclamatory shapes that bring the neighborhood’s story to life. With indoor and outdoor installations, including interactive puzzle walls, a story wheel, and reading nooks with books provided by community partner Tree House Books, the 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 that surround them.

Program

Outdoor installations, playful learning, interactive puzzle walls, chalkboards, reading nooks

Partners

Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network
Tree House Books
Watchdog Real Estate Project Management
Weston Design & Fabrication Studio

Photography

Select photos by Douglas Benedict / Academic Image