Step inside a space where art, play, and Stoke-on-Trent’s history come together.

Playscape uses rammed earth – a sustainable, ancient construction technique – to explore how clay-rich waste materials can be transformed into a joyful, playful and creative public space. Inspired by a lack of play facilities in Stoke town centre, this project invites communities to connect through clay, storytelling and design.

The project is the result of a year-long collaboration led by BCB Associate Artist Sarah Fraser with Architects Tuckey Design Studio, Samsoum Studio, WoodCast Designs and the University of Staffordshire BA Architecture students.

Playscape: an interactive rammed earth artwork

Layers of earth are compressed with fragments of brick, pottery and rubble, echoing Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic heritage. The structure also features glazed ceramic details made from recycled clay, referencing the city’s tilework and bone china traditions. 

As well as offering a space to play, sit and connect, Playscape asks: What stories can we tell through the materials we discard? It is a celebration of place, people and imagination, and a testbed for the possibility of a permanent rammed earth play space for Stoke town, rooted in Stoke’s people, place and materials.

Please note: Playscape is a temporary artwork, not a certified playground. Care should be taken at all times. Children should always be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Support

Supported by the Playscape volunteers and community participants, BCB Studio members, Ibstock, KMF Group, MayerAggregates and St. Maria Goretti Catholic Academy. Funded by UK Government via the High Street Accelerator and UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which are managed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, with additional support from Marchus Trust and OveArup Foundation. Clay for Playscape is partially sourced from the HS2 Old Oak Common station site and was made available with the support of High Speed 2 Ltd and Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Joint Venture.