Live and Learn

At Sharswood, children and caregivers engage in observation and conversation as they explore murals, tabletops, and puzzles. Children practice early math and spatial reasoning by navigating the customizable roadway, solving puzzles, and recognizing patterns. They also use imaginative play and movement with the roadway and animal spinning wheel to build storytelling and motor skills, while collaboration and problem-solving are fostered as families engage with the installations together.

At Susquehanna Square, children practice early literacy skills through playful engagement with murals, panels, and word searches. They build creative expression and confidence by using the chalkboard wall and stage for storytelling and pretend play. Social and emotional learning is strengthened as children take on superhero roles that emphasize kindness, courage, and community. Shared reading and conversation are supported through the lending library, while interactive spinning wheels and panels encourage critical thinking and open-ended exploration.

The Live and Learn pilot project was a multidisciplinary collaboration of partners committed to bringing Playful Learning into affordable housing. The initiative was facilitated by the Playful Learning Landscapes, Watchdog Project Management, and Masters Group Design. WRT served as the design lead for the Sharswood site, working alongside developer Pennrose. KSS Architects led the design for the Susquehanna Square site, in partnership with developer Community Ventures. Murals at Sharswood were created by Amber Art and Design and Mural Arts and Donna Grace Kroh, and murals at Susquehanna Square were created by Annointed Studio. Fabrication of the installations was completed by Future Together and Weston Design and Fabrication Studio. Community partners, including Tree House Books, Brewerytown Sharswood Civic Association, Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition, the Lower North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation, and residents of both Sharswood and Susquehanna Square, played an essential role in co-creating ideas and ensuring the designs reflected local voices. Together, this team piloted the nation’s first model of Playful Learning in affordable housing, creating joyful, research-based spaces that inspired families and laid the groundwork for future projects across the country.

The Live and Learn pilot project was generously supported by the William Penn Foundation, whose investment made it possible to bring Playful Learning into affordable housing and create joyful, research-based spaces for children and families.