Educational play spaces in North Philly affordable housing could inspire similar projects nationwide.

Playful Learning Landscapes installed playful learning elements at two subsidized housing sites in North Philadelphia, turning hallways, courtyards and small lots into murals, pocket parks and activity stations. The pilot aims to train housing providers and pursue policy incentives so design features that support children's learning can be included in future affordable housing projects.

Playful Learning Landscapes carried out installations at two subsidized housing sites in North Philadelphia as part of a Live and Learn pilot that aims to bring playful learning into everyday spaces. The organization, cofounded in 2009, works to engage children and caregivers in skill-building through play and has previously placed installations in laundromats, parks and transit stops. Residents and caregivers were consulted through extensive outreach and helped shape features such as murals, little libraries and activity walls. Project partners included local architects, housing developers and community organizations, and funders and city officials were briefed as the pilot unfolded. Key details: - The Live and Learn pilot placed playful learning elements at two subsidized housing sites in North Philadelphia, including Susquehanna Square and a Pennrose-developed site in Sharswood. - Installations include superhero murals, chalk and puzzle walls, little libraries, a pocket park with seating and games, and a sidewalk "Run the Road" street-safety activity. - Playful Learning Landscapes has projects in about 30 U.S. cities and roughly 10 countries and focuses on tailoring designs through community input. - Most pilot funding came from the William Penn Foundation, which contributed $647,250; the foundation has invested about $26 million in playful learning work in Philadelphia over the last decade. - Project partners and contributors mentioned in reporting include Watchdog (project management), KSS Architects, WRT, Community Ventures, Pennrose, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and local community development groups, and advocates briefed City Council and planning officials. Summary: The pilot aims to make ordinary spaces in subsidized housing into places that support children's learning while training housing providers to sustain the work. Advocates plan to pursue public policies and incentives to encourage developers and designers to incorporate playful learning into affordable housing. City planning officials and some council members were briefed and a recent call for proposals encouraged design elements that foster children's development. Wider adoption beyond the pilot is undetermined at this time.