For most people architecture and
skateboarding don’t have much in common, and for a few they believe that there
should never be a mix. Now I do have some bias on this topic since my
background is in both. Because of my backgrounds I do see a link between the
two. I am sure there is a large number of architects who still skateboard, or
at least I would hope, who take notice of this movement of transportation and
art. For those who do, hats off because its an important topic.
Now
there is one big issue… designs that become buildings are likely to include a
skate paradise, and yes skateboards do tear up terrain over time. And I
absolutely have to preach that there are solutions for that. People say to
skaters, stop skating or go to jail, blah blah blah. Well then build a skate
park, its as simple as that action. They cost too much? This issue creates an
endless cycle. Skaters respond to the ignorance of people who don’t understand
what a skate park actually is. My last post I explained the skateboard
community, well how is a skate park any different than a farmers market? It’s a
community experience and it creates a safe environment. Understanding this link
between skateboarding and architecture solves an issue.
Now
skate parks as an architectural element are amazing. It is urban planning
actually, just on a small scale. Many skate parks are being replaced with what
is called a skate plaza. If you could imagine a beautifully designed urban
plaza, then add a couple of skateboard elements and you have an aesthetically
pleasing sports arena right in your city block that creates a safe community
gathering place. And not to mention gets those pesky skateboards away from your
corporate office entrance stairs.
To
finish off I would like to share a couple skate parks that are brilliantly
designed, and perhaps those architects who do skateboard will understand that
there is a job market in skate park design. It is urban design after all and it
also is perfect community builder.
The
first is Love Park, designed by urban planner Edmond Bacon. This is a great
example of a fight between skaters and the city. Ironically Edmond Bacon
supported skateboarding in Love Park.
http://www.stixrideshop.com/blog/love-park/
Next is the DC skate plaza, first of
its kind and supported and designed by skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Rob is
notorious for his shows on MTV but also Safe Spot Skate Spots, an organization
that creates safe skate plazas in large citys.
This last picture is a
response to skateboarders being shunned from society, but is a wonderful
example of how to use space that isn’t being used for anything.
http://www.coolhunting.com/culture/fdr-skatepark-a-visual-history.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ch+(Cool+Hunting)
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