Linda Liukas

Playgrounds

This project began with a question: could public space become a site for computer science learning? Ruoholahti is one answer, but just the first. Instead of screens or syntax, it invites exploration through wood, movement, and joy.

To learn more, send a message to playgrounds@helloruby.com.

Ruoholahti

Helsinki, Finland — 2023

A Computer You Can Climb

The Ruoholahti Computer Playground turns the invisible world of computing into physical play.

Ruoholahti Playground, aerial view. Picture by: Sakari Röyskö / Helsinki

The playground invites small bodies to explore big ideas—algorithms, conditionals, functions—without needing a screen or even knowing the words. It’s computing as storytelling, architecture, and play.

In an age where children spend more time on screens than under trees, we need places that bridge the digital and physical. The Ruoholahti Computer Playground is not a nostalgic retreat from technology—it’s a new kind of literacy space. One that says: play is not the opposite of learning. It is learning.

Ruoholahti Playground, aerial view. Picture by: Sakari Röyskö / Helsinki
Picture by: Sakari Röyskö / Helsinki

As Seen On

“When the children are happy, everyone benefits.” Monocle
“The world's first coding playground.” BBC
“Helsinki dared to build a playground that isn’t only about safety.” Helsingin Sanomat

The Design

The entire space is an invitation—not just to play, but to think with your whole body.

The DNA of this project includes: Seymour Papert’s constructivism, John Maeda’s Human Powered Computer, Taeyoon Choi’s CPU Dumplings, Alexandra Lange’s playful urbanism, Florentijn Hofman’s large-scale creatures, the Reggio Emilia and Montessori traditions, and the quiet genius of Monstrum playgrounds.

Ruoholahti Playground, aerial view. Picture by: Leena Karppinen / Helsinki
Picture by: Leena Karppinen / Helsinki

Playground Curriculum

Alongside the Ruoholahti Computer Playground, we developed a full curriculum that invites children to understand computing with their whole bodies. The playground is the hardware, the curriculum is the software.

Children playing with activity cards at Ruoholahti Playground. Picture by: Sakari Röyskö / Helsinki
Picture by: Sakari Röyskö / Helsinki

Developed together with educators from early childhood to primary school, the curriculum explores computing when it is physical, playful, and rooted in public space. It includes laminated activity cards, school posters, and a comprehensive Educator’s Guide.

The curriculum includes over 20 activities that map computing concepts onto movement and play, aligned with Finland's national curriculum.

The curriculum also includes worksheets, coloring pages, open-ended maps, posters, and an audio story.

Downloads:

Children playing at Ruoholahti Playground. Picture by: Leena Karppinen / Helsinki
Picture by: Leena Karppinen / Helsinki

Team

The project was created with the City of Helsinki, Landscape Architects Näkymä, and Monstrum, in close collaboration with local educators.

A Playground Worth a Thousand Programmes

A talk on how playgrounds can reimagine computer science education. Beyond Tellerrand ⫶ 2025 ⫶ 40 minutes.

Project Notes