The House of Vans Skatepark is located where most locals and tourists find their way around: the underground. More specifically, the skatepark is beneath Waterloo station, and is the result of work done by three local charities coming together.
While there is obviously not a lot of light that gets to this part of London, the location is very typical of the city since this transportation system is such an integral part of its identity. The area is spacious enough so that skateboard-lovers can spend ample amounts of time practicing and finessing their tricks without becoming board (or running into each other). One goal of the project is to bring communities of the area together.
Photo Credits: designboom, houseofvanslondon
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Underground Skateparks
- The trend of creating underground skateparks could disrupt the traditional idea of outdoor skateparks and provide a unique experience for skaters.
- Community-centered Venues
- The trend towards community-centered venues could disrupt the traditional idea of skateparks being separate and isolated from other public spaces.
- Innovation in Public Transportation Spaces
- The innovation of repurposing public transportation spaces like train stations could disrupt the traditional use of these spaces and create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
Where This Applies
- Skatepark Industry
- The skatepark industry could benefit from this trend by exploring the potential for underground skateparks in urban areas that lack outdoor space.
- Public Transportation Industry
- The public transportation industry could explore the potential of repurposing underutilized spaces like train stations for community-centered venues like skateparks.
- Community Development Industry
- The community development industry could explore the potential of creating unique, inclusive spaces like underground skateparks to bring communities together.
