Skateboarding vs. Architecture

Do we even need to write anything?

Although a lot has happened in 40 years. We have the internet, realized that sun protection factor is better than suntan lotion, and understood that being a hockey girl has never really been stylish. Although many decision-makers have come to realize that skaters are just a bunch of happy players with a lot of inspiration and freedom-seeking, that is not always what is meant. Some still see street skaters as “unemployed vandals with no future”. But of course that is not something people say out loud anymore.

Streetskating is about finding opportunities in your surroundings.

Opportunities are all around you

For those of us who skate, we know that this is not true at all. We love to explore new opportunities in our surroundings. We are driven by the search for freedom, stay active and constantly challenge ourselves with new goals. A new hill/spot is a new experience because no place is the same.

Some days you want to be surrounded by beautiful surroundings as you dance around on your board or just kick and cruise until the sun goes down. Other days you are all about perfect cornering with a little light drift. As a skater, it is the surroundings that create the opportunities. For those who are street skaters, it is civilization and what man has created through architecture that create the opportunities. The most creative person finds the most opportunities. Above all, the opportunities never end.

Video inspiration

We came across an interesting video article that discusses how architects design public spaces for life and movement, but preferably without skaters (in many cases unspoken)… Through anti-skate rules and special design, they try to find a design that is appealing to everyone… except skaters.

We can round off with a clear statement… more architects should start skating! The only way to get them to soften their view of this monster is to hang out with your phobia.

The article is captured from Urban Times.