Meet Linda Liukas: The Creator Behind the new Computer-themed playground in Ruoholahti

In collaboration with Helsinki Partners, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Linda Liukas, an inspiring programmer, storyteller, and illustrator based in Helsinki, Finland.

Linda is the creative mind behind the newly opened computer-themed playground in Ruoholahti, located at Laivapojankatu 8, along the scenic southern shore of the Ruoholahti canal and just a short walk from the Ruoholahti Metro station. Officially opened on October 1st, this unique playground blends play and imagination in an exciting, innovative way!

A Passion for Learning and Play

As someone fascinated by the world of tech, I was captivated by how Linda Liukas used her programming skills not just for coding, but to craft engaging stories and design an innovative playground that brings technology to life in a whole new way. Her work seamlessly blends education, creativity, and play, making complex concepts approachable and fun for children and adults alike. Linda loves Muji, Zelda Fitzgerald, software and sparkly things, lets get to know her more!

Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?

Absolutely! My name is Linda Liukas, and I’m a children’s book author and illustrator. For the past decade, I’ve been exploring ways to make computer science approachable for all kinds of learners. My most well-known project is the Hello Ruby series, a combination of storybooks and unplugged activities around computer science. The series has been translated into 40 languages. In addition to picture books, I’ve created videos, led teacher training sessions, and now—most excitingly—a computer-themed playground!

Q: What inspired you to create a computer playground for children, and how does it differ from traditional play areas?

Ever since the release of the second Hello Ruby book in 2016, where the protagonist Ruby falls into a computer and embarks on an adventure with bits, logic gates, computer components, and software, I’ve dreamed of creating a life-size version. Over the years, I experimented with printable computer activities, cardboard computers, and even full-scale box models. Initially, I imagined this concept as a museum exhibition, but eventually, I realized that public playgrounds were a much better fit.

In the fall of 2020, I proposed the idea of a computer-themed playground to the then-mayor of Helsinki. At the time, the pandemic had made playgrounds a lifeline for many families. He connected me with Helsinki’s design director, Hanna Harris, and together we began to bring this multidisciplinary project to life.

The playground features a gigantic computer tower for climbing, sliding, and crawling, with a safety surface designed to resemble a computer motherboard. One of my favorite pieces is a large rotating mobile phone—it’s a joy to see dozens of children clinging to it at once! There’s also a sandbox shaped like a game controller and seesaws featuring playful characters like an internet cat, a mouse, and a robot.

These elements invite instant participation, providing a clear theme and encouraging different types of play and interaction.

Q: How do you ensure that the playground balances digital interactivity with physical activity for children?

It’s simple—there are no screens! For many kids, the most familiar public space for socializing is a Fortnite lobby, and sandbox mode means something very different to them. The aim of the playground is to get children to run, jump, and imagine through physical play. If later, whether in a classroom or life, they realize that they were actually modeling a Von Neumann machine or simulating input/output processes, or they make a connection between trampoline jumps and programming commands, all the better!

Q: What age groups do you target with your computer playground, and how do you tailor the experience to be developmentally appropriate?

Playgrounds are fascinating because, while we often think they’re designed for young children, they’re actually enjoyed by everyone—parents, teenagers, passersby, people from all walks of life. In the early phases of this project, we conducted extensive research with the local community to gather feedback. There’s so much hidden knowledge about physical spaces that designers need to uncover: where bike storage should go, which areas attract rats when apples fall, which sledding hills or bushes are beloved and should never be removed.

We also asked stakeholders what values should guide the design. Their top priority was creating a space that fosters adventurous play across different age groups, promotes safety, and encourages learning. Adventure coming out on top was a wonderful signal—it allowed us to push for the very tall and somewhat challenging climbing tower/computer.

Q: How do you integrate educational elements into the playground to support cognitive and social development in children?

I’ve always believed that to truly understand something, you must engage with it physically. I need to walk through it, crawl up it, and touch it—not just think about it. However, computing often stays in the realm of the abstract, and this playground is a way to bridge that gap.

I think the playground has both "hardware" and "software." The hardware includes custom-designed play structures that spark the imagination and invite play. Just as important, though, is the "software": a curriculum designed for educators to introduce computer science concepts through storytelling, discussions, drama, exercise, music, crafts, and play. QR-coded signs scattered throughout the park provide additional context and activities. There’s also a self-directed podcast guide, field trip materials, teacher resources, and recommended book lists. Additionally, a park staff member is always available to guide visitors. This "software" makes the park truly functional—without educated and dedicated staff, Helsinki’s playgrounds wouldn’t be nearly as effective.

Q: Can you share any feedback or results you’ve received from parents, educators, or children after they’ve used the computer playground?

There’s this beautiful reciprocity between teaching and learning, and I notice it constantly when I watch kids playing in the park. In many ways, I’m the one learning! I love seeing little girls form groups around the hopscotch area to collaboratively practice programming logic. I was amazed at how children created their own set of rules for sliding down the computer tower. And I was especially touched when a little boy wanted to celebrate his birthday at the playground because he thought it was so cool!

Follow for more updates!

Don’t miss out! Click the links below to dive deeper:

• Playground Location: Find directions and explore the new playground in Ruoholahti.
• Linda Liukas Work: Discover Linda’s journey in storytelling, programming & AI, Societal impact, education, innovative & design..
• Photo Gallery: Take a peek at snapshots from the playground’s grand opening and special moments!