Recently, I read an article about how today's children think. It turns out that kids are no longer very good at creative thinking-what we might term imagination. When asked open-ended questions-such as "How many uses can you think of for a pencil?"-modern youngsters draw a blank. They are not good at envisioning possibilities, as they have been trained to regurgitate information (blame standardized tests, at least in part). Construction toys provide a way for kids to improve their imaginative thinking skills. For educational markets, a new system of furniture blocks may help to get children's wheels turning.

LunaBlocks. Manufactured by Qbiq.

Interlocking Bricks Form Playful Modular Furniture

LunaBlocks are the invention of Qbiq (formerly Lunatic Construction). These modular furniture bricks resemble the famous Legos that originated in Denmark in the 1940s. Inspired by Legoland, LunaBlocks come in different shapes and colors-little kids and kids at heart can build their own sofas, tables, desks, or just about anything else. Pieces have 2, 4, or 8 protruding dots in the following colors: black, granite, pink, green, yellow, and orange. The Qbiq pieces also come in different materials. LunaGlass is the basic brick; LunaSoft is made of polypropylene (especially good for the little ones); LunaLight is made of a pillow-like material; and LunaMetal is exactly what it sounds like.

The Qbiq system is particularly great for K12 schools, where kids can put their imaginations to work creating and dismantling couches, chairs, tables, boxes, and beds. The modular system will also keep schoolchildren active-and physical movement might inspire the cranial cogs and wheels as well.

About the Manufacturer: Qbiq is the brainchild of Thierry Nahon and Philippe Landecker. The company was formerly known as Lunatic Construction. Based in Paris, France, Qbiq's website is under construction, but you can visit their Facebook page.

Via Inhabitots.