Architecture and design studio Playground were commissioned to investigate what a more fantastical collective canal, used by everybody, could look like.
Part of the National Festival of Making’s creative response to the Linear Park pilot project commissioned by The Super Slow Way, we asked Carma from Playground to explore the Blackburn stretch of Liverpool to Leeds Canal – its landscape, historic buildings and its future.
With the aid of a three-dimensional model created using technology at The Making Rooms, local residents were invited to playfully imagine a truly collective canal. Starting with a walk together along the towpath, participants went back to the workshop to explore possibilities through a series of activities and by hand-making fantastical collage.
The model grew throughout the day-long workshop and continued to evolve over the festival weekend, where new ideas were gathered from festival goers. A prototype piece of wayfinding, inspired by the iconic canal signage, was also built to capture the attention and imagination of the participants.
About Playground Design Studio
Playground Design Studio is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Manchester, led by artist and Architect Carma Masson. Key to their work is a strong narrative, bold use of colour, and most importantly a sense of playfulness. Playground’s work ranges from architecture and interiors; to installations and illustrations; exhibitions and community workshops – and everything in-between.
Photography by Playground Design Studio and Robin Zahler.