Skatepark in a Box
Fits everywhere
“Skatepark in a Box” can be set up almost anywhere in the world – even in crisis areas.
The containers are the decisive stage of development, because on the one hand they expand the range of opportunities, and on the other hand they create secure storage facilities.
“Skatepark in a Box” is a new concept, flexible and sustainable at the same time, for the further development of mobile skateparks all over the world.
As its name suggests, the project consists of a skatepark and a box. The skatepark is tailored to the on-site conditions by the Cologne landscape architect and skatepark specialist Ralf Maier. The box is made from an overseas shipping container, which the Stuttgart company KuKuk Box transforms into a versatile sports and leisure facility.
The containers are the decisive stage of development, because on the one hand they expand the range of opportunities, and on the other hand they create secure storage facilities (especially for the sports equipment).
This means that “Skatepark in a Box” can be set up almost anywhere in the world: in large inner-city squares, in the countryside, in niches and alcoves — but also in crisis areas, where opportunities like this are perhaps even more important than anywhere else.
The sponsor of this concept, and of many skate facilities worldwide, is the skate-aid foundation.
Designer
maier landschaftsarchitektur
Container
KuKuk Box
Supporter
skate-aid
The concept works just as well as a temporary installation for events as it does for the permanent enrichment of sports and leisure activities.
The converted containers are the crucial constant at “Skatepark in a Box” because the storage facilities in particular guarantee that they can be used safely and securely around the world. As well as a skatepark, the sports and exercise offer can also include a BMX trail, for example.
The containers provide space for all the necessary equipment. The mobile ramps are stored in a space-saving way, the bikes and scooters are anchored to holders, the boards are neatly stacked on rails and the protective equipment, like the helmets and the knee and elbow pads, are sorted by size into boxes under the counter.
There is even a toolbox and a first-aid kit on board.
A folding bench and coat hooks make it easy to move the container, or to turn it into a lounge with seating and recreational facilities, a meeting place for real experts to talk shop and exchange experiences.
The only thing missing is the campfire.
“Skatepark in a Box” is extremely flexible. The concept is just as suitable as a temporary installation for events or during renovation work as it is as a permanent addition to sports and leisure facilities.
As the containers are delivered prefabricated by lorry to their destination and require no further design or foundations, assembly and possible dismantling are also very easy to implement.
“Skatepark in a Box” promotes not only athletic development, but also individual and social development.
The combination of sports facilities and containers has great potential, especially for social projects. As soon as the facilities have been set up, a programme with free skateboarding workshops, including providing sports equipment, can be started on site.
The skate-aid foundation has a lot of experience in training local coaches who run the skate parks independently and supervise skaters.
In this way, “Skatepark in a Box” promotes not only athletic development, but also individual and social development – for children and young people as well as for coaches.
“Skatepark in a Box” has already been set up at several locations, including Cologne-Ehrenfeld, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Westerwald, Berlin and in a refugee camp in Pirlita/Balti (Moldova).
There are two variants of the KuKuk box:
One variant can be transported by truck, while the other is also suitable for shipping — for example, for use in crisis regions.
During the FSB 2023 there will be plenty of opportunities to experience and try out the “Skatepark in a Box” concept.
During the FSB 2023 there will be plenty of opportunities to experience and try out the “Skatepark in a Box” concept – for example in the outdoor area of Hall 9. In addition, Ralf Maier will present his projects through lectures and an exhibition.
KuKuk Box has been building artistically designed, innovative and style-defining play and outdoor spaces throughout the world for over 15 years. KuKuk’s experienced team is made up of artists, architects, carpenters, joiners, metalworkers and educators – and will also be on site during the FSB.
Photos
skate-aid / KuKuk Box
Text
Johannes Bühlbecker
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FSB
planerFORUM2023
skate-aid was founded in 2009 by skateboard pioneer Titus Dittmann to realise social skatepark projects for disadvantaged children and young people worldwide.
Maier Landschaftsarchitektur/ Betonlandschaften in Cologne have specialised in the worldwide development, designing and construction of skate and bike parks for many years.
KuKuk Box is the inventor of mobile public playground facilities. The innovative play, sports and lounge concepts are based on standardised freight containers.