Cam Skate
Born Skateplaza - Barcelona
Born Skateplaza in Barcelona, commonly referred to as the 'skate capital of Europe' is a model for the kind of skatepark Cambridge needs.
This plaza is designed with skating in mind but it appears more like a skate spot - a 'found place' in the urban environment that happens to accommodate skateboarding. It is a natural part of the city as opposed to being isolated and forgotten about.
[Our proposal was] to abandon the preconceived idea of “skatepark,” and to simply look, recognize and value the reality of the kind of street skateboarding and architecture that has already made Barcelona a real gem for skateboarders all over the world.
Born Skate Plaza images © Skate Architects
The black granite chosen roots the skatepark in the surrounding area, and references many popular skate spots found in the city. It also provides a high impact resistance for skateboarding and maintenance.
Subtle design choices keep separation between skaters and passers-by without closing off the plaza from the wider space:
Skateboard height barriers prevent boards from leaving the plaza, with slopes to appear flush with the ground from the neighbouring footpath.
Cobbled paving demarcates the skating area and slows loose skateboards to a stop.
Basically, this project is mostly about dignifying Street skateboarding and the space skateboarders use. It’s also about helping building the city with skateboarding, as a positive urban resource.
© SKATEBOARD CAMBRIDGE CIC 2022