RUA Studio wins Davidson Prize with Playdeck, turning decommissioned London buses into mobile playgrounds

RUA Studio has been awarded the 2026 Davidson Prize for their innovative project, Playdeck, which aims to repurpose London's retired New Routemaster buses into mobile playgrounds. These buses, set to be retired by 2030, will incorporate multifunctional play blocks designed for climbing and musical activities. When stationed in residential neighborhoods, they will allow visitors to craft unique playscapes. The design team features architects Ru Quan Phuah, Shaun Thomas, and others. The Davidson Prize, founded in 2021 in honor of Alan Davidson, grants £5,000 to each finalist and £10,000 to the winner. Jury chair Deborah Saunt commended the project’s blend of architecture, landscape, and psychology. Artform and Barr Gazetas were among the runner-up designs, while BPTW and others received the People's Choice Award for their climate-resilient playscapes.