Blue Block
Playground Transportation Set for Imagination Playground
The Blue Block Transportation Set is the newest creation by Imagination Playground, home of the iconic Big Blue Blocks. This innovative play system is made from a proprietary, durable foam and introduces new block shapes, like the Main Frame and various designs of wings and wheels that inspire vehicle builds while staying true to the loose-parts play philosophy. Designed for 3+ builds at a time, young minds' work together to create, imagine, and assemble boats, planes, and other vehicles.
Download Press Kit № 153057
Download Press Kit № 153057 Playground Transportation Set for Imagination Playground by Nicole Gilmer to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
Available Now for Your Next Story
At design|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.
Please Note:
- Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
- Mention design|newsroom as your source.
- Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.
Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. design|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.
Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.
Blue Block by Nicole Gilmer
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Playground Transportation Set by Nicole Gilmer
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Nicole Gilmer Blue Block
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Nicole Gilmer Playground Transportation Set
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Imagination PlaygroundBrand Logo
Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.
Unique Properties
The Transportation Set is the newest creation by Imagination Playground, home of the iconic Big Blue Blocks. This innovative play system is made from a proprietary, durable foam and introduces new block shapes, like various designs of wings and wheels that inspire vehicles while staying true to the loose-parts play philosophy. Designed for 3+ builds at a time, young minds’ work together to create, imagine, and assemble boats, planes, and other vehicles. The Blue Blocks are waterproof and suitable for play, both indoors and out.
Tags
Imagination Playground, foam blocks, playground, construction set, vehicles, loose-part play, portable playground
Production Technology
Imagination Playground is a patented loose-parts play system made from a closed-cell, proprietary foam formulation. Each block is handcrafted in Providence, Rhode Island.
Design Challenge
One of the most difficult aspects of the design process was creating shapes that were vague enough to be used for various vehicles, while still being recognizable to young children. Additionally, the first set cut and tested, the kids had difficulties fitting some of the pieces together. This was fixed for sets being cut going forward.
Project Duration
The initial design process for this specific set began in Spring 2021 and finished in Fall 2022, with the official launch of the set in Spring 2023. All of the Blue Block process happens in Providence, Rhode Island, USA - from the design, to the cutting and quality control. The first version of this set was launched in Panama City Beach, Florida, USA.
Operation Flow
Children use the lightweight. life-sized foam blocks to design and recreate vehicles of their choosing from a variety of block shapes and parts. Create a motorcycle to zoom through adventures on curving mountain highways, or a submarine for two sailors to explore under the sea. The loose-parts easily integrate with one another to build whatever the child can imagine! The are two sizes of holes throughout the design for connecting pieces together, along with rectangular cut-out areas that allow for the wings to be attached when building an airplane. The larger hole allows the "plugs" to go through the main frame and hold wheels on, while the small connector holes allow the "noodles" to attach parts like the steering wheel and seats.
Research
The original Big Blue Blocks were conceptualized by architect David Rockwell. The original set underwent various play studies, emphasizing the importance of interacting with loose-parts for developing minds. The Transportation Set that is being nominated for this award is an add-on set that is complimentary to the existing Big Blue Block sets, while also being an independent play set for those who may not already own the Big Blue Blocks.
Inspiration
For the last 15 years, the Big Blue Blocks have been played with by millions of children in more than 75 countries worldwide. Watching creations come to life and friendships built through the stacking and connecting of the handcrafted blocks has inspired the design of this newest addition to the product family. Vehicles have always been one of the most popular structures created using the Blue Blocks and this set allows for builders to expand and advance these designs.
Image Credits
Image #2: Photographer Davista Photography, 2022 Image #3: Photographer Davista Photography, 2022
Project Overview
Blue Block Playground Transportation Set has been a Bronze winner in the Playground Equipment, Play Structures and Public Park Design award category in the year 2023 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
Nicole Gilmer was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to excellence of their work Blue Block Playground Transportation Set.
Nicole Gilmer Newsroom
Explore Nicole Gilmer Newsroom to uncover award-winning design projects and more.
