Literacy Rich Neighborhoods
Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation
Advancing literacy and building community through playful learning design and neighborhood-focused solutions.
Literacy Rich Neighborhoods
Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation
Philadelphia, PA
Installation scales vary depending on location
the opportunity
Mt. Airy CDC joined the Literacy-Rich Neighborhood Initiative (LRNI) to create literacy-focused playful learning environments. KSS worked with MACDC to re-envision a 1/3 mile section of Germantown Avenue into a learning destination with multiple opportunities for children and caregivers to engage with literacy in their own neighborhood.
our approach
Through a deep and diverse community engagement process, the concept of “Neighborhood as Story” emerged. This led to the creation of three installations at partnering historic properties, each deeply invested in community programming. Each playful learning installation creates opportunities for literacy learning through storytelling, story creating, puzzles, and interactive games prompted by the specific history of their location.
The Nest
The Nest, inspired by a bird’s nest and located on the grounds of Cliveden, opened in 2023 as the first installation in the series. The Nest integrates playful learning elements—an audio storyteller, games, and story starters—into interactive spaces.
Ian Baker
As an educator, I will always say a higher educated community will be a better community.
A local parent and current president of Pomona Cherokee Civic Council (PCCC) in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
Seeds and Bees
Seeds and Bees, at the Wyck House celebrates 200 years of living, education, and horticulture inspired by the 9 generations of the family that lived there. Playful learning elements focus on growing, cooking, and understanding the surrounding environment.
The Hive
The Hive, located at the Johnson House underground railroad site, highlights the importance of working together and supporting one another. A destination to explore, climb, and discover, interactive elements like wordsearches, story spinners, and audio storyteller prompt lessons around the importance of community and the history of the Johnson House.
Each installation was carefully designed by KSS to integrate playful learning principles. Each is designed for versatility, with the ability to be moved, rearranged, and adjusted to support flexible gatherings, benefiting the surrounding neighborhood and programs like the Mt. Airy Summer Reading Camp.
Program
Installation, interactive and outdoor learning environment, community engagement, moveable outdoor furniture
