Within the research project Nomadlab, where we conducted extensive fieldwork in refugee camps, we discovered the critical importance of play for refugees children - and for all children, regardless of circumstance. We believe play is intrinsic to being human. Just as it is vital for other mammals, play is essential for development and for becoming an active part of a society.

Our projects, spanning different cultures and socio-demographic contexts, have shown us that play is the universal language of children. From refugee camps in Lebanon to Australian school children everywhere play in remarkably similar ways. Play connects across language barriers.

Obstacles such as time, space, and context can prevent play from emerging. Through field research and participatory design, we work to identify and address these barriers, making play more accessible to everyone.

Central to our approach is the inclusion of children’s voices, not only in the design phase but also throughout the making process, allowing their ideas and experiences to guide each step.

In our designs, we always search for the starting point of play. Rather than defining what play should look like or how it should function, we create conditions in which imagination and creativity can naturally unfold.

This approach is inspired by The Little Prince. When the prince asks the pilot to draw a sheep, none of the drawings satisfy him—until the pilot draws a simple box and says, “The sheep is inside.” In that moment, the prince’s imagination comes alive.

This metaphor guides our design philosophy. We aim to create the “box”: open frameworks that invite interpretation and unlock endless possibilities for play and imagination.

Through open-ended play, we encourage children to express their own voices, experiences, and cultural backgrounds—allowing play to become personal, inclusive, and meaningful.

Play can take many forms. It may become the final outcome—shaped into objects, toys, or playgrounds—or function as a method for research and discovery. Play fuels curiosity, wonder, and intrinsic motivation to learn, which is why we collaborate with diverse partners such as cultural institutions, NGO’s, governments, schools, toy companies, …

From concept development and participatory research to hands-on making and building, we engage throughout the entire design process. Each phase is unique, opening new paths for exploration and encouraging curiosity to move forward.

Depending on the project, we strive to work with reused and eco-friendly materials—a commitment we continue to develop and refine. We enjoy experimenting with different materials and making processes, using sustainability as an opportunity for exploration and innovation.

Nature is a constant source of inspiration for us. We strongly believe in intertwining play and nature, creating designs that encourage children to connect with their environment in a meaningful and playful way.

Studio Ludiek is supported by a growing network of designers, illustrators, landscape architects, architects, play experts, and makers. Together, we are expanding an ecosystem dedicated to impactful play.

For each project, we bring together a carefully curated team, adapting our collaboration to the specific context, scale, and ambitions of the project.