A playful waiting space that celebrates language, culture, and belonging.

Nationalities Service Center

Nationalities Service Center supports immigrants and refugees from around the world as they build new lives in Philadelphia. Each year, thousands of people from many different countries visit NSC for classes, legal and employment support, health services, and community resources. Through Play Everywhere Philly, NSC transformed its waiting area into a playful learning space where children and caregivers can connect, explore, and learn together while they wait.

The installation was designed as a kid-sized town center that reflects the languages, cultures, and traditions of the families NSC serves. The space includes playful features such as a library, market, computer lab, Alphabet Alley, Counting Court, and a town clock. Colorful signage in multiple languages helps families feel welcomed while supporting English literacy, caregiver-child interaction, and joyful learning during everyday moments.

The Learning Goals

Nationalities Service Center supports the 6Cs of playful learning: communication, content, creative innovation, and confidence. Children and caregivers are invited to talk, count, read, pretend, problem-solve, and explore together in a space that reflects many languages and cultures. Alphabet Alley and Counting Court support early literacy and math skills, while the market, library, and town center features encourage storytelling, imaginative play, and social connection.

By turning a waiting area into a learning-rich environment, the project helps children use everyday time for play, conversation, and discovery. It also supports belonging by honoring the diverse backgrounds of NSC families and making the space feel more welcoming for children and caregivers.

The Team

Nationalities Service Center was created through Play Everywhere Philly, a citywide initiative led by KABOOM! with support from the William Penn Foundation. The project was developed in partnership with Nationalities Service Center, the Community Design Collaborative, Playful Learning Landscapes and local design and implementation partners.

Supporters

Nationalities Service Center was supported through Play Everywhere Philly, a citywide initiative led by KABOOM! with support from the William Penn Foundation.