Exhibition: ToySphere: Reuse, Replicate, Reimagine
What if your forgotten and unused toys could live again in virtual reality? Could that help you let go of them and pass them on to another friend?
Many families keep unused toys hidden in closets, drawers, and boxes for years. This phenomenon, known as product hibernation, reduces opportunities for reuse and sharing—both of which are vital for a circular economy. Toys often carry deep emotional meaning, uncertainty about where to share, concerns about cleanliness or safety, or not knowing who will appreciate the toy’s story. If we wish to keep value alive, we need gentler pathways. Sharing must be easy, trusted, and meaningful.
ToySphere is our interactive platform that addresses this challenge. We 3D-scanned 33 disused toys and transformed them into virtual replicas—each with its own story and character. By reconnecting with these digital versions, we explore how virtual preservation can sustain emotional attachment while encouraging families to make timely decisions about sharing before toys lose their relevance or value.
Presented by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.
