Nike and LEGO Remake Shanghai Playground with Modular Design

Summary

• LEGO and Nike collaborated to transform a Shanghai primary school playground into a modular sports environment
• The design is directly inspired by the 2×3 LEGO brick, encouraging children to be the architects of their own climbing and play routes
• The project supports NIKE’s “Move to Zero” initiative, fusing education, movement, and creative exploration

Nike and LEGO are taking its collaboration worldwide. In an innovative project at Baoshan No. 2 Central Primary School in Shanghai, LEGO China and the Swoosh have collaborated with design firm OLA Shanghai to construct a revolutionary sports playground. The design is a brilliant fusion of engineering and athletics, drawing its entire form and function from the simple geometry of a 2×3 LEGO brick.

This groundbreaking space is built to encourage creative movement. The design translates the brick’s modularity into adaptable climbing, balancing, and exploratory structures, prompting students to become the architects of their own physical activity. Insights gathered from a LEGO “Build the Change” workshop informed the project, reinforcing the emphasis on open-ended interaction where children transform breaks into moments of spontaneous physical play and collaboration.

The initiative supports NIKE’s “Move to Zero” sustainability philosophy, positioning the playground as both a learning tool and a flexible platform for exploration. Through this cross-industry collaboration, the space becomes a living reflection of how design can successfully bridge the concepts of education, physical activity, and imaginative construction. Take a look at how LEGO and Nike transformed a playground for this Shanghai primary school above.