James Gaskin

International Skatepark of Excellence, Liverpool, Otterspool Promenade

Skateboarding, BMX, Scootering, and Rollerblading as subcultural sports require specific built environments to enable riders to excel in their sports and to feel accepted within society. Places that encourage subcultural activities often have more social connectivity and increased happiness among people. The project is labelled as an ‘International skateboarding park of excellence’ as it has a large variety of skatepark morphologies, from street-inspired spots, a DIY project, outdoor transition skateparks, and competition parks as well as indoor state-of-the-art skateboarding facilities.

The addition of Skateboarding and BMX into the Olympic Games influenced the skatepark elements concerning progression in skateboarding and action sports. The project aims to critically address the various types of skatepark environments and creates a safe place for participants to get involved.

Located on the Otterspool Promenade in Liverpool, this skateboarding haven is designed with an all-inclusive approach. Defined by its architectural design and skateboarding morphology, the design avoids conventionality and rigidity of the built environment and instead creates a social place of movement and expression.