Current debate: towards an educational practice Currently, skateboarding phenomena is a spatial practice that some non-profit organisations teach in order to provide educational and empowerment opportunities to different social groups (Borden, 2015). Lombard, proposes spatial practice as a tool which creates community and wellbeing: “realisation of the positive role of skateboarding is being utilised for ends such as providing young people with design and technology skills, building social capital and countering societal issues from addiction to unemployment, violence, gender issues and access to education” (Lombard, 2015,pp.2).
Lombard explains how skateboarding is part of an answer to complex social conditions in the city (Lombard, 2015). The role of skateboarding as a sport, which promotes responsibility and brings health and joy to people is considered as a powerful tool that creates community and promotes wellbeing (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Learning to skate. Refugee camp, Jordan. By Daniel Zvereff.
Skateboarding, as an educational practice, has also been developed by big brands such as Vans and Nike, which have skate schools in various cities around the world. In the case of London, the House of Vans underneath the vaults of Waterloo Station was conceived as a multifunctional venue, designed for the spread of the skating culture (Figure 2). Films, exhibitions, ramps, and a bowl 13
