Few brands can inspire as much joy, optimism and nostalgia for young and old like Lego, and after the turbulence of the past two years, consumers everywhere are yearning for connection and happiness. Enter Lego’s latest temporary installation, the Laundrette of Dreams, which opened in October for several weeks in London. Created by award-winning designer Yinki Ilori and made using more than 200,000 bricks, the vibrant interactive space welcomed everyone to come in and play. There was a giant m
giant mural which could be built and re-built; maker workshops with Ilori himself; kaleidoscope laundry drums; hopscotch tracks and vending machines that dispensed bricks.
According to a statement from Lego, Ilori was inspired by children from his former primary school. On a visit to a local launderette, Yinka asked the young students how they would rebuild the space for the better and bring people in the community together. Yinka then took these playful ideas to turn the otherwise banal elements of a typical laundrette into something fun and exciting.
Ilori said: “The Launderette of Dreams is a very personal project for me because I spent a lot of time during my childhood at the launderette. It was where I could dream about the things I wanted to achieve. We often forget about the mundane spaces which play an important role in bringing the community and people from different cultures and backgrounds together, as well as providing an opportunity for kids to meet, play and share ideas.
Community launderettes are essential to the fabric and DNA of many communities. I hope the Launderette of Dreams inspires both adults and children to believe they can dream and create anywhere.”
