PLAYDECK
R.U.A Studio
The Future of Play is Mobile
Increasing demand and shrinking space are challenges facing play in London. As London transitions to electric and hydrogen fleets by 2030, the 1000 redundant New Routemaster double-deckers becomes an opportunity to help address these challenges.
PLAYDECK transforms these symbols of movement into mobile, intergenerational playgrounds to catalyse renewal of outdoor play in existing residential neighbourhoods.
Reclaiming the street for play
Lower-income and high-density areas like Poplar are disproportionately affected by play provision challenges. PLAYDECK offers flexible interventions where refitted buses could be strategically deployed to trial locations and increase play provision in an area, whilst fostering dialogue with councils, housing providers and residents.
Using Teviot Street as an example, the bus will occupy some existing street parking, reclaim overlooked verges and parts of the pavement to form an active community node for all to come together and play.
Design for Imagination
PLAYDECK invites everyone of all ages to co-create arrangements for different activities. Each bus is fitted with multifunctional play blocks like puzzle pieces that can be disassembled and spilled into its surroundings to be used for various play scenarios.
As the play blocks are removed, cavities reveal within the bus creating a maze-like interior. Together, they form an adaptable, multi-level landscape for climbing, gathering, jumping, music and even more with a little imagination!
Play at Your Doorstep
Safe, supervised and community-owned, PLAYDECK places play at the doorstep of housing estates, embedding play directly into our daily life, as a shared civic right on wheels
Team
Ru Quan Phuah, Architect, WW+P Architects
Esther Yik Chi Chan, Landscape Architect/Videographer, WW+P Architects
Carmen Du, Landscape Architect/Writer, WW+P Architects
Kelci Vittachi, Landscape Architect, Studio Egret West
Jessica Huynh, Landscape Architects, WW+P Architects
Shaun Thomas, Architect, WW+P Architects
Dr Owen Walker, Clinical Psychologist / Consultant