A wall that plays back

Playwall

Inspired by Candy Chang’s Before I Die art project, Playwall transforms an ordinary wall into a canvas for community-generated play. Sponsored by the LEGO Foundation, the installation invites people of all ages to share how they played as children, sparking ongoing conversations about the value of everyday play. As the wall fills with games and stories, community members young and old exchange ideas, teach one another, and reconnect through intergenerational play.

The Learning Goals

Playwall encourages children and adults to share memories and experiences of play, fostering intergenerational communication and strengthening community connections. By inviting families to contribute stories such as “When I was little, I loved to play…,” the wall becomes a living record of games and traditions that can be passed down from elders to younger generations. As children and caregivers learn from one another, they engage in critical thinking about the many ways play shapes learning and community life. Through this process, participants build confidence in their voices and contributions, deepening engagement and creating a sense of belonging within the neighborhood.