Alice Reed

The project began with the intention of developing prefabricated mass-earth components that could be easily handled, transported, combined, assembled, and disassembled. Guided by an extensive set of experiments with different earth mixes and build-ups, by the development and testing of prototypes, and by the brief set out by our clients—the Leith Primary Parent Council—we chose to develop an earth-bundle module consisting of seven earth rods tied together with rope. This material system enabled us to develop a series of different clusters and islands that may be (re)configured to meet various playground dynamics. In their last iteration, and in order to meet the quality and consistency required, the earth rods were made by filling fabric formwork with mud and straw. This process took place around a bespoke table, the Earthen Udder, which anchored productive activities and turned them into opportunities to share stories, time, and skills—for making together.

The first bundle-structure is being piloted at Leith Community Croft (LCC), where it provides a home for birds and insects, a resting place for visitors and crofters, and a meeting point for community congregations. In addition, and in line with the LCC’s ethos, we chose to instil into the fragment a performative element—a ritual originating in the Celtic pagan tradition of the clootie well. This involves tying pieces of fabric around trees to honour the land—an act that has also traditionally been adopted for wish-making. The bird perch pole within our project then also functions as a branch that can receive clooties (strips of cloth), promoting them as a place-making strategy, and enabling the project to change over time.