How did Happy Squares come to life?

My name is Emilie Queney.

When I moved to London in 2014, one of the first outings we did with my son was to the Young V&A. I particularly enjoyed the construction toy room, and discovered there the marvellous Octons! 

Straight away I thought: "I want this, in BIGGER, for children to build mini architectures!"

A few years later, the Happy Squares were born :)

 

 

  

Who awarded Happy Squares?

Happy Squares has received not one, but two awards! 

The Good Toy Guide was created to provide an independent, expert accreditation service for children's products. Found by child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer, the Guide provides a trusted resource for parents and gift-givers to find truly good toys.

Let Toys Be Toys is a campaign that challenges gender-stereotyped toy marketing, education and media. Let Toys be Toys believes that our children should be able to play freely with anything without judgement.
PS: 15 years ago, I was campaigning against sexism in toys in France. Now that I develop my own playing tool, it feels great to complete the circle!

 

Who is behind Happy Squares?

This is me when I was six, spending time building houses everywhere and with anything.

I am a French architect, artist and mother of two living in London. I am passionate about fun and poetic views on architecture.

In 2014, I founded Archihihi, an organisation dedicated to the fun discovery and reclaiming of architecture using free play, fun, pleasure, making, and creativity.

Since my studies in the early 2000’, I have been captivated by the power of play connected to architecture. I am convinced that the purpose of architecture is to serve and give pleasure to everyone, regardless of gender, culture and age.

Architecture surrounds us all: let’s get inside and love it from an early age!

 

Where and how are Happy Squares made?

Happy Squares sets are made by Simon, a passionate printer and print finisher, and his team, operating a business based in Hoddesdon, north London.

The cardboard is made from recycled materials and sourced in the UK.

Each piece is cut on a machine, using "dies", which are cutting tools manufactured in London by Marc and Harry.

The bags are made of GOTS certified organic cotton and are screen-printed in Wiltshire with eco-friendly inks.