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The Power of Interactive Play Pieces: Transforming Spaces and Building Connections


At Co-Creative Connection, we believe in the power of art to transform public spaces and foster meaningful connections within communities. Through our work, we’ve seen how integrating interactive play features into murals can turn static art into dynamic, community-centred spaces. By inviting people to engage through touch, movement, and play, our murals become catalysts for connection and joy, bringing people together in unique and lasting ways.



A colourful wall mural, with multiple designs and children and adults talking in front
Idverde, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Aspen Gardens Mural 2023


Play and Connection in the Populo Living Art Trail


Our 2024 Populo Living Art Trail, a vibrant 1250-meter journey through the Carpenter’s Estate in Stratford, is a prime example of how interactive design can energise a community. This expansive trail incorporated a 5-piece interactive floor art piece, featuring an A-Z ladder, hopscotch, and other fun mini-games that encouraged exploration and interaction. Families, children, and passers-by were drawn to the trail, spending time together and finding joy in its immersive features. It demonstrated how public art can bring people together in unexpected and delightful ways when designed with interaction in mind!



Child playing with interactive floor art hurdles
Populo Living Art Trail, Carpenters Estate, Stratford 2024


Aspens Gardens Mural: A Symbol of Playfulness and Unity


At Aspen Gardens in Hammersmith & Fulham, we embedded an interactive ball game into the mural’s design. This project, created in collaboration with Idverde and Hammersmith & Fulham Council, transformed a once-unremarkable area into a lively, inviting space.


Shaped by the ideas and stories of local residents, the mural became more than just a visual centre piece, it became a place where children and adults could come together to play, connect, and learn. The interactive ball game wasn’t just about movement and fun; it incorporated a subtle maths element, encouraging young participants to engage with numbers and problem-solving while playing. This added an educational layer to the space, blending creativity and learning seamlessly.


The result was a mural that brought laughter, movement, and discovery into the community. It became a focal point for families, fostering a sense of pride and belonging while highlighting the transformative power of interactive art to inspire joy, connection, and growth.



Mother and child pointing at colourful Mural
Idverde, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Aspen Gardens Mural 2023


Art as a Catalyst for Connection


Interactive art encourages participation and connection in ways that static works don’t. By incorporating playful features, we create spaces where people naturally come together, regardless of age or background.


Play offers a universal way to engage. Whether it’s children running along a colourful path or adults connecting over a creative game, these shared experiences bring communities closer.

These features don’t only transform spaces, they activate them. They turn underused areas into dynamic environments full of life and connection, leaving a lasting impact on the people who engage with them.



Elder woman playing on hopscotch
Populo Living Art Trail, Carpenters Estate, Stratford 2024


Woman playing on interactive play pieces
Populo Living Art Trail, Carpenters Estate, Stratford 2024

A Future of Creativity and Connection


Through projects like the Populo Art Trail and the Aspen Gardens Mural, we’ve learned that interactive play features amplify the transformative power of public art. These projects engage communities on a deeper level, making art a shared experience that builds relationships and leaves a lasting legacy.


Looking ahead, Co-Creative Connection remains dedicated to exploring new ways to incorporate play and interaction into our work. Together, let’s continue to imagine and create spaces that inspire, connect, and bring joy to all who experience them!

If you’re inspired by the idea of turning public spaces into tools for connection, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and let’s make something meaningful together!



Children looking at colourful mural and talking
Idverde, Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Aspen Gardens Mural 2023









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